Everything foreigners need to know about Seoul's unlimited transit pass — from buying with your overseas card to riding bikes along the Han River.
What is the Seoul Climate Card?
The Seoul Climate Card (기후동행카드) is Seoul's all-in-one unlimited public transportation pass, officially launched on January 27, 2024 by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The name reflects its green purpose — by encouraging commuters and travelers to use public transit instead of private cars, the program aims to reduce the city's carbon emissions.
In simple terms, it works like a flat-rate buffet for public transport. You pay one fixed price upfront, and for the duration of your pass, you can hop on and off Seoul's extensive subway network, city buses, and village buses as many times as you like — with no additional charges per ride. Higher-tier passes also unlock access to Ttareungi (Seoul's public bike-sharing system) and the Hangang River Bus.
There are two main categories: Short-term passes designed for tourists (1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 days) and 30-day passes for longer stays or residents. As of 2026, the card has surpassed 18 million cumulative charges, making it one of Seoul's most popular urban mobility programs.
Climate Card vs. T-money Card — What's the Difference?
If you've visited Korea before or done any research, you've likely heard of the T-money card — the iconic orange transit card that's been a staple for Korean commuters for years. So how does the Climate Card differ, and why might you choose one over the other?
| Feature | T-money Card | Climate Card |
|---|---|---|
| Payment System | Pay per ride (₩1,550~₩1,650 each) | Unlimited rides for a fixed price |
| Card Cost | ₩2,500 (card fee only) | ₩3,000 (card fee) + pass charge |
| Transfer Discount | Yes (within 30 min) | All transfers completely free |
| Bus Usage | Yes (nationwide) | Seoul-licensed buses only |
| Bike Sharing | No | Yes (with Ttareungi tier) |
| Hangang River Bus | No | Yes (with add-on tier) |
| Convenience Store Payments | Yes | No (transit only) |
| Best For | Short trips / few rides per day | Active explorers / 4+ rides daily |
| Refund | Yes (remaining balance) | Yes (unused portion minus ₩500 fee) |
The bottom line: T-money is more flexible because it works at convenience stores and on intercity buses, while the Climate Card is more economical if you're riding Seoul's transit system frequently. Most tourists who explore multiple neighborhoods in a day will save significant money with the Climate Card.
Prices & Pass Types
The Climate Card offers flexible options to match your travel length. All short-term passes start counting from the day you charge them — not from your first ride — so always charge on the day you plan to start using it.
🗓️ Short-Term Passes (Perfect for Tourists)
📅 30-Day Monthly Passes
Where & How to Buy
Purchasing a Climate Card is straightforward, and as of 2026, it's become significantly more accessible for international visitors. Here's your step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Get the Physical Card
- New transit card vending machines inside Seoul Metro Lines 1–8 stations (273 stations, 440 machines)
- Convenience stores (CU, GS25) near subway stations on Lines 9, Ui-Sinseol, and Sillim
- Seoul Tourism Plaza, Myeongdong Tourist Info Center, and select tourist spots
Payment Methods Accepted
| Payment Type | Where to Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cash (Korean Won) | All vending machines & convenience stores | Accepted everywhere |
| Korean credit/debit card | Vending machines & convenience stores | Full compatibility |
| International credit card (Visa/Mastercard) NEW | 440 new vending machines at Lines 1–8 stations | ~3.7% service fee applies; for short-term passes & 1-use tickets |
| Kakao Pay / Naver Pay | New vending machines at Lines 1–8 stations | Available from March 17, 2026 |
Can Foreigners Buy the Climate Card?
Yes, absolutely! The Climate Card is available to everyone — Korean nationals, foreign residents, and international tourists alike. However, there are a few things foreigners should keep in mind:
| Category | Details for Foreigners |
|---|---|
| Card Type | Foreign tourists must use the physical card. The mobile (app-based) version requires a Korean phone number and domestic payment method. iOS users also cannot use the mobile version. |
| Payment | As of March 17, 2026: international Visa/Mastercard accepted at Lines 1–8 vending machines (+3.7% fee). Cash always works. Korean cards accepted at all machines. |
| Short-term Passes | 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7-day passes fully available for foreigners via international card or cash. |
| 30-Day Pass | Available to foreigners, but international card payment for 30-day passes is still under review (as of April 2026). Cash or Korean card required for 30-day passes. |
| Card Registration | Register at pay.tmoney.co.kr to enable refunds and Ttareungi access. Foreign passport holders can register. |
| Refund Without Korean Bank Account | Foreigners without a Korean bank account can visit Tmoney headquarters in person to receive a cash refund. |
| Youth Discounts | Not available to foreign tourists (requires Korean ID or alien registration card verification). |
What Transportation Can You Use?
The Climate Card covers a wide range of public transportation options within Seoul. Understanding exactly what is and isn't covered will save you from unpleasant surprises at the gate!
✅ What's Included
| Transport Type | Coverage Details |
|---|---|
| Seoul Subway (Lines 1–9) | All stations within Seoul city limits. Some lines extend partially into Gyeonggi-do — boarding is fine, but you'll pay extra if exiting outside the Seoul zone. |
| Sillim Line | All stations covered |
| Ui-Sinseol Line | All stations covered |
| Gyeongui-Jungang Line | Tanhyeon Station to Yangwon/Seoul Station (Seoul sections) |
| AREX (Airport Railroad) | All-stop train only between Gimpo International Airport ↔ Seoul Station. Express AREX is NOT covered. |
| Gimpo Goldline | All stations covered |
| Gyeongchun Line | Cheongnyangni to Sinnae Station (Seoul section) |
| Seohae Line | Gimpo Int'l Airport to Ilsan Station |
| Gyeonggang Line | Pangyo to Imae Station |
| Seoul City Buses | All Seoul-licensed city buses (Blue, Green, Yellow, Red) and village buses (마을버스), including night/owl buses (N-buses) |
| Ttareungi Bikes 🚲 | Only with ₩65,000 or ₩70,000 monthly pass (NOT included in short-term passes) |
| Hangang River Bus 🚢 | Only with ₩67,000 or ₩70,000 monthly pass (NOT included in short-term passes) |
❌ What's NOT Included
- Sinbundang Line (Gangnam–Bundang rapid rail) — requires separate fare
- AREX Express Train (Incheon Airport to Seoul, fast non-stop service)
- Incheon Airport section of AREX — Climate Card covers only Gimpo Airport to Seoul Station
- Intercity/express buses (to other cities like Busan, Incheon)
- Airport limousine buses
- KTX, SRT, or any train service outside the subway network
- Taxis (regular or Kakao T)
- Subway stations outside Seoul (e.g., Suwon, Incheon, most of Gyeonggi-do)
Ttareungi (Public Bikes) & Hangang River Bus
Two of Seoul's most exciting and scenic transit options are the Ttareungi bike-sharing system and the Hangang River Bus — and the Climate Card can unlock access to both! Here's what you need to know:
🚲 Ttareungi (따릉이) — Seoul's Public Bike Sharing
Ttareungi is Seoul's beloved public bicycle sharing network with over 2,600 stations across the city. It's especially popular for riding along the Han River bike paths, exploring neighborhoods like Hongdae or Yeonnam-dong, or covering short distances between subway stations. The bikes are sturdy, well-maintained, and easy to use.
🚢 Hangang River Bus (한강버스)
One of Seoul's newest and most exciting transit experiences is the Hangang River Bus, a scenic waterway ferry service that connects key points along the Han River. It's a fantastic way to see Seoul from a completely different perspective — gliding past bridges, parks, and the city skyline. The service was included in the Climate Card starting in September 2025.
💡 Should You Buy It? — Savings Calculator
Use this quick calculator to see whether the Climate Card saves you money compared to paying per ride with T-money (base fare ₩1,550/ride as of 2025–2026).
Refund Policy
The Climate Card does allow refunds under certain conditions, which is helpful to know before committing to a purchase. Here's how it works:
Refund Amount = Total Charged Amount − Total Transportation Used − ₩500 Service Fee
| Situation | Refund Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Card never used (unused pass) | ✅ Yes | Full refund minus ₩500 service fee. Request before expiry. |
| Card partially used | ✅ Yes (partial) | Refund = charged amount − amount used on transport − ₩500 fee. Must request before expiry. |
| Card expired (past end date) | ❌ No | No refund after the validity period ends, including lost or defective cards. |
| Unregistered card | ❌ No | Cannot process refund without Tmoney registration. |
| Foreigners without Korean bank account | ✅ Yes (in person) | Visit Tmoney headquarters directly to receive a cash refund. |
- Always register your card on the Tmoney website before using it — unregistered cards cannot receive refunds.
- Refund requests must be submitted before the card's expiry date.
- If the refund amount would be less than ₩1,400, no refund is issued.
- Refunds are processed to your original payment method within 5 business days after approval.
Does the Climate Card Work Outside Seoul?
This is one of the most common questions from tourists, and the answer is: mostly no. The Climate Card is a Seoul-specific pass, designed for Seoul's transit network. However, the boundaries aren't always perfectly aligned with the city border, so here are some practical specifics:
| Destination / Route | Covered? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All stations within Seoul | ✅ Yes | Full coverage |
| Gimpo International Airport (AREX all-stop) | ✅ Yes | Can board and exit here |
| Incheon Airport (AREX all-stop) | ⚠️ Exit Only | Can exit here, but cannot board here |
| Gyeonggi-do stations (e.g., Suwon, Ilsan) | ⚠️ Partial | You may board in Seoul, but must pay extra fare when exiting in Gyeonggi-do |
| Sinbundang Line (Gangnam–Bundang) | ❌ No | Separate fare required at all times |
| Busan, Daegu, or other cities | ❌ No | Seoul Climate Card is valid in Seoul only |
| Seoul-licensed buses that travel outside Seoul | ✅ Yes (boarding only) | Seoul-licensed buses can be used even when departing or arriving outside Seoul |
Who Should Get the Climate Card?
- You're staying in Seoul for 3 or more days and plan to visit multiple neighborhoods
- You expect to take 4+ subway or bus rides per day (museums, markets, palaces, cafes, nightlife)
- You hate counting fares or worrying about your card balance
- You want to ride night owl buses (N-buses) without extra hassle
- You're a long-term resident or digital nomad who uses Seoul public transit daily
- You want to add the Ttareungi bike or Hangang River Bus experience to your Seoul adventure (30-day pass)
- You're only in Seoul for 1–2 days and plan to take just 2–3 rides total
- You'll spend most of your time in one area (e.g., hotel near Gangnam, most activities nearby)
- You need to make frequent trips to Incheon Airport or cities outside Seoul
- You prefer taxis or private transport
- You rely heavily on the Sinbundang Line for your daily commute
🌟 Best Scenarios for Tourists
| Trip Length | Recommended Pass | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1-day layover / quick visit | 1-Day Pass (₩5,000) | Ideal if you'll take 4+ rides in a single day |
| Weekend trip (2–3 days) | 2-Day or 3-Day Pass | Great value for packed sightseeing itineraries |
| Midweek trip (4–5 days) | 5-Day Pass (₩15,000) | Save up to ₩30,000+ vs. T-money for active explorers |
| Full week in Seoul | 7-Day Pass (₩20,000) | Best weekly value; covers all Seoul subway & bus |
| Long stay / expat / digital nomad | 30-Day Pass (₩62,000–₩70,000) | Best monthly value; optional bike and river bus add-ons |