Seoul Climate Card Complete Guide -- From Monthly Passes to Short-Term Tickets
Seoul Climate Card (기후동행카드)
Want to save on transportation costs in Seoul? We recommend the 기후동행카드 (Climate Card)!
Hi there! This is Guide H.
Today, we’ll explain what the Climate Card is, how much you can save, and which card to use when traveling outside Seoul – all in an easy-to-understand format.
What Is the Climate Card?
In short, it’s an unlimited pass for Seoul’s public transportation.
With just one card, you can ride Seoul’s subways and buses as many times as you want during the validity period. No need to pay a fare each time!
Foreigners can use both the monthly pass and short-term tickets.
Card Types & Prices
Monthly Pass (30 Days)
An unlimited-use pass valid for one month.
| Plan | Standard | Youth/Young Adult (Ages 13-39) |
|---|---|---|
| Subway + Bus | 62,000 Won | 55,000 Won |
| + 따릉이 (Ttareungyi) | 65,000 Won | 58,000 Won |
| + Han River Bus | 67,000 Won | 60,000 Won |
| + 따릉이 (Ttareungyi) + Han River Bus | 70,000 Won | 63,000 Won |
- Available as a mobile card (Android only) or a physical card
- Physical cards must be registered on the T-money website after purchase
Short-Term Tickets (1-7 Days)
Perfect for travelers visiting Seoul for a short period.
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Day | 5,000 Won |
| 2 Days | 8,000 Won |
| 3 Days | 10,000 Won |
| 5 Days | 15,000 Won |
| 7 Days | 20,000 Won |
- Short-term tickets do not include 따릉이 (Ttareungyi)
- The validity period starts from the first tap. You can buy in advance and use it whenever you want!
Where Can You Use It?
Available
- Seoul Subway – Lines 1-9, 신림선 (Shinrim Line), 우이신설선 (Ui-Sinseol Line), and most other Seoul subway lines
- Seoul City Buses – Trunk routes (blue), branch routes (green), village buses, late-night buses
- Airport Railroad, 경의중앙선 (Gyeongui-Jungang Line), 수인분당선 (Suin-Bundang Line), 경춘선 (Gyeongchun Line), and more
- 따릉이 (Ttareungyi) (Seoul public bikes) – Only with monthly plans that include 따릉이 (Ttareungyi)
- Han River Bus – Only with plans that include Han River Bus
Not Available
- 신분당선 (Sinbundang Line), GTX
- Express buses (red buses)
- 경기 (Gyeonggi) / 인천 (Incheon) licensed buses
- Taxis, KTX, intercity buses
Important to remember: Even if you board at an eligible station, the card won’t work if you exit at a station outside the coverage area. You’ll need a different card if you’re traveling outside Seoul.
따릉이 (Ttareungyi) Isn’t Completely Free!
| Plan | 따릉이 (Ttareungyi) |
|---|---|
| Monthly Basic (62,000 Won) | Not available |
| Monthly with 따릉이 (Ttareungyi) (65,000 Won+) | 2 hours free per use |
| Short-term tickets (1-7 Days) | Not available |
- Additional charges apply if you exceed 2 hours
- Return within 2 hours and rent again – it’s free again!
- You must register your card on the T-money GO app to use 따릉이 (Ttareungyi)
How Many Rides to Break Even?
A single Seoul subway ride costs 1,400 Won.
Monthly Pass (Based on 62,000 Won)
Even just commuting by subway (2 rides x 1,400 Won = 2,800 Won per day), over 22 weekdays that’s 61,600 Won – you’ve almost broken even!
Take one extra ride during lunch or go out on weekends, and you’re definitely saving money.
Short-Term Tickets
| Ticket | Rides per day to break even |
|---|---|
| 1 Day (5,000 Won) | About 4 rides |
| 3 Days (10,000 Won) | About 3 rides per day |
| 5 Days (15,000 Won) | About 2 rides per day |
| 7 Days (20,000 Won) | About 2 rides per day |
As a tourist, just 3-4 subway/bus rides per day and you’ve broken even! Longer durations give you even better value.
Heading Outside Seoul? – Use a Different Card
The Climate Card is Seoul-focused, so it’s not ideal for travel beyond Seoul. In those cases, other cards are a better choice.
K-패스 (K-Pass) – Nationwide Public Transit Discount
- Usable on buses and subways anywhere in the country
- Ride 15+ times per month and get 20-30% cashback on fares
- Especially great for commuting between Seoul and 경기 (Gyeonggi) / 인천 (Incheon)
- Cannot be used in the same month as the Climate Card (choose one)
티머니 (T-money) – The Most Versatile Card
- Works on public transit nationwide + taxis
- A rechargeable prepaid card
- Can also be used to pay at convenience stores
- The safest all-around choice since it works everywhere
와우패스 (WOWPASS) – All-in-One for Foreigners
- Transit + currency exchange + shopping payments all in one card
- VISA card function for paying at restaurants and stores
- The most convenient card for foreign tourists
Which Card Should You Choose?
| If you are… | We recommend… |
|---|---|
| Riding lots of transit only within Seoul | 기후동행카드 (Climate Card) |
| Traveling between Seoul and 경기 (Gyeonggi) / 인천 (Incheon) | K-패스 (K-Pass) or 티머니 (T-money) |
| Traveling across the country (부산 (Busan), 제주 (Jeju), etc.) | 티머니 (T-money) |
| Want transit + shopping + currency exchange in one | 와우패스 (WOWPASS) |
Where Can You Buy It?
Monthly Pass
- Mobile (Android): Issue through the Mobile T-money or Samsung Wallet app
- Physical card: Purchase at Seoul subway stations or convenience stores, then register on the website
Short-Term Tickets
- Seoul subway station ticket vending machines (서울역 (Seoul Station), 명동 (Myeongdong), 홍대입구 (Hongdae), etc.)
- Convenience stores (CU, GS25, Seven Eleven)
- English, Japanese, and Chinese language support available
Important Things to Note
- Tap both when boarding and alighting – Miss the exit tap twice and your card gets suspended for 24 hours!
- Short-term tickets are date-based (midnight to midnight). Start at 10 PM and it expires at midnight!
- One card per person – You cannot share with others
- No refunds after the usage period expires
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can foreigners use the monthly pass?
A: Yes! Foreigners can use the monthly pass by purchasing a physical card.
Q: Can I use it on iPhone?
A: The mobile card only supports Android. iPhone users should use a physical card.
Q: Does it work on the 신분당선 (Sinbundang Line)?
A: No. The 신분당선 (Sinbundang Line) is not covered. Use T-money instead.
Q: What if I lose my card?
A: Physical cards cannot be reissued or refunded if lost. Keep it safe!
Tips for Getting the Most Out of It
- Use it on days you stay within Seoul – Use T-money on days you travel outside Seoul
- Make your first tap early in the morning – Since it’s date-based, starting early maximizes your usage!
- The 2-hour rule for 따릉이 (Ttareungyi) – Return before 2 hours and rent again for continued free use
- The basic monthly plan doesn’t include 따릉이 (Ttareungyi) – Choose the 65,000 Won or higher plan if you want to ride 따릉이 (Ttareungyi)
Wrap-Up
The Climate Card is the best card for riding lots of public transit in Seoul.
But if you need to travel outside Seoul, K-패스 (K-Pass) or 티머니 (T-money) is a better choice. The key is choosing the card that matches your travel patterns!
Feel free to leave any questions in the comments!
Related Posts
- Complete Guide to Korea Transportation Cards (T-money, Wowpass, Climate Card, Discover Seoul Pass Comparison)
- WOW Pass vs T-Money Complete Comparison Guide
This post was written as of March 2026. Prices and benefits may change, so please check the latest information before use.