Garmin Pay launches in South Korea, enabling transit and convenience store payments with Garmin watches

[Financial News] Garmin has introduced Garmin Pay, a mobile payment service that lets users take public transit and pay at convenience stores and other locations using only a smartwatch, in South Korea. Linked with T-money, the service lets users pay with a watch worn on their wrist without a smartphone or physical card.
Garmin said on the 11th that it had officially launched Garmin Pay, equipped with T-money payment services, in South Korea. After registering a T-money card on a Garmin watch, users can use it not only on buses and subways but also at merchants that accept T-money, including convenience stores and cafes.
Since first introducing Garmin Pay in 2017, Garmin has expanded its support to at least 100 countries around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Taiwan and China. In South Korea, the service is offered through its integration with T-money.
To use the service, users must register a T-money card in the Garmin Connect mobile app. They can select their connected watch in the app and add the card through the “Wallet & Garmin Pay” menu.
Once the “Rapid Pass” feature is activated, users can pay by bringing their watch close to a payment terminal without opening a wallet or entering a password. The feature is available as long as the watch is powered on.
T-money cards operate on a stored-value basis. Users can top up by registering a credit card in the Garmin Connect app, or at convenience stores, subway stations and partner ATMs that support T-money top-ups.
A total of four devices support Garmin Pay in South Korea: the Forerunner 170, 970 and 570, and the Venu 4. Users can access the service by updating the watch and Garmin Connect app to the latest versions. Garmin plans to continue expanding the range of supported devices.
To mark the launch in South Korea, Garmin will operate an experience booth at “2026 Garmin Run Korea,” taking place on the 15th. Event participants will be able to try the mobile payment feature using a Garmin watch.
Nelson Chen, head of Garmin Korea Ltd., said, “We are pleased to bring Garmin Pay to South Korea, where it will further enhance the everyday utility of Garmin watches,” adding, “We hope Garmin Pay with T-money will give users in South Korea a more convenient experience, seamlessly connecting exercise and everyday life.”
[email protected] Yoon Hong-jip Reporter