Introduction
If you want to make your Seoul trip even more special, you should pay attention to "how to custom design a NAMANE card" instead of using a standard transportation card. The NAMANE card, which is as much a hot topic on Reddit and Google as the Climate Card, has become an essential souvenir among travelers because you can create a one-of-a-kind card using your own photos or images of your favorite idols. Specifically for the 2026 season, the newly released NAMANE card K-pop collaboration 2026 limited edition designs are further stimulating the desire of fans to collect them.
While NAMANE cards initially gained popularity through the global spread of K-pop fandoms, the main reason for their current success—as the name suggests—is the ability to create a precious, one-of-a-kind customized design.
The overall flow of using a NAMANE card involves "Designing - Manufacturing - Registering on the app - Recharging - Using - and finally, Refunding." In this post, we will cover the process of "pre-designing your custom card" to prepare for manufacturing. Please follow our step-by-step visual guide.
If you wish to purchase character cards or the "Latest K-pop Collaboration" editions directly, you may skip to the bottom of this post and proceed to the next guide.
1. A Brief Introduction to the NAMANE Card
For foreigners traveling to Seoul or other parts of Korea for the first time, there are three "travel essentials" for a seamless experience: phone service, a transit card, and a debit card. The NAMANE card is a prepaid card that you can top up and use without opening a bank account, solving both the transit card and debit card requirements with a single piece of plastic.
Unlike Wowpass, the NAMANE card does not require passport information or a Korean phone number. Beyond its utility, the card has established itself as a unique souvenir featuring your loved ones, pets, idols, beautiful landscapes, or precious memories.
Korean transportation cards are primarily based on three types: T-money, Cashbee, and NAMANE. While T-money is undeniably the most widely used, I highly recommend the NAMANE card if you want a card that integrates payment functions based on IC chip technology, which is the most common payment method in Korea. (T-money also has payment features, but since it is based on NFC technology, the store must have a specific NFC terminal. Most small shops do not have these separate terminals.)
2. How to Design Your NAMANE Card Pre-Arrival
The great advantage of the NAMANE card is that you can make it on-site. However, designing it to your perfect liking while standing at a kiosk on the street can be difficult. Therefore, I recommend pre-designing your card and simply printing it at the kiosk upon arrival. (Of course, designing at the kiosk is also an option.)
There are two ways to design: using the dedicated design website or the mobile app. While the website allows you to add text, the app does not. Here, I will guide you through the process of designing via the dedicated website.
[Step 1] Access Website & Select Language
Access the following site on your mobile phone [[NAMANE Card Dedicated Design Site]] and Tap the globe icon in the upper right corner to select your language.
[Step 2] Start Designing
Tap “Design your card here.”
[Step 3] Add Photo
Tap the "+" button inside the purple circle to select a photo.
[Step 4] Selection
You can choose a photo from your phone's gallery or take a new one on the spot using your camera.
[Step 5] Add Text
If you want to add text, tap the area at the bottom that says “Touch to enter text that will appear in the card.” (Note: Emojis cannot be inserted.)
[Step 6] Write Your Message
Write your desired text and tap "Done" in the upper right corner.
[Step 7] Agree to Terms
Tap the checkbox next to "[Required]" at the bottom to agree to the terms of use, then tap “Next.”
[Step 8] Save QR Code
Tap "Save QR Code" to save the image to your device.
- This QR code is used to manufacture your NAMANE card by scanning it at a kiosk. The saved QR code is valid for 14 days from the time of creation.
3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can I use any photo for my custom NAMANE card?
A. Yes, you can upload any personal photo from your gallery, including K-pop idols, pets, or travel memories. However, ensure the image quality is high for the best printing results at the kiosk.
Q. How long is the design QR code valid?
A. The QR code generated after your design is complete remains valid for 14 days. You must visit a NAMANE kiosk and scan it to print your card within this period.
Q. Can I add text to my card design using the mobile app?
A. Currently, the custom text feature is primarily supported through the dedicated design website. If you want to include personalized text on your card, using the website as shown in this guide is highly recommended.
If you are curious about the next steps, you can check them out in the following posts:
- [NAMANE Card #2: How to Find Kiosks and Manufacture Your Physical Card / K-pop Collaboration News]
- [NAMANE Card #3: How to Sign Up for the NAMANE App and Register Your Card]
- [NAMANE Card #4: How to Recharge Your NAMANE Card via Kiosk]
- [NAMANE Card #5: How to Recharge Your NAMANE Card via the App]
- [NAMANE Card #6: How to Recharge Your NAMANE Card at CU Convenience Stores]
- [NAMANE Card #7: How to Use Your NAMANE Card / Converting Pay Balance to Transit Balance]
- [NAMANE Card #8: How to Refund and Withdraw Your NAMANE Card Balance]
Image Source: NAMANE Official Website, waytoseoul team, blog.naver.com/sjk5000