Seoul’s Smartest Travel Card — Climate Card Tourist Pass
Ride 3 times and you’ve already broken even. Ride 5 times? Pure savings.
🚌 Subway + Bus + Bike + Han River Ferry · Unlimited
🌍 Open to All — Foreigners Welcome
Seoul Climate Card Tourist Pass 2026:
Unlimited Subway & Bus for as Low as ₩5,000
— Complete Guide for Foreign Visitors
Picture this: you’re in Seoul, hopping on and off the subway from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Myeongdong, then over to Hongdae, and finally down to the Han River — all in one day. Under normal circumstances, that kind of day would easily rack up ₩7,000–₩9,000 in transit fees. But what if a single ₩5,000 card made every one of those rides completely free?
That’s exactly what the Seoul Climate Card Tourist Pass (기후동행카드 관광권, pronounced “gee-hoo dong-heng ka-deu”) does. Launched by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in July 2024, it has quickly become the go-to transit pass for visitors to Seoul. With options from 1-day to 7-day passes, it covers all Seoul subway lines, city buses, and even the Han River Ferry — all in one tap. This guide covers everything you need to know before your first ride.
🎫 Climate Card Tourist Pass — All Passes at a Glance
| Pass | Price | USD Approx. | Cost Per Day | Break-Even (rides/day) |
Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Day | ₩5,000 | ~$3.70 | ₩5,000 | 4 rides | Day-trippers, stopovers |
| 2-Day | ₩8,000 | ~$5.90 | ₩4,000 | 3 rides | Weekend getaways |
| 3-Day | ₩10,000 | ~$7.40 | ₩3,333 | 3 rides | Most foreign tourists ⭐ |
| 5-Day ⭐ | ₩15,000 | ~$11.10 | ₩3,000 | 2 rides | Best value, 4–5 day trips |
| 7-Day | ₩20,000 | ~$14.80 | ₩2,857 | 2 rides | Week-long stays, business visits |
※ Break-even based on standard subway fare ₩1,400 per ride (transit card rate) · USD rates approximate at ₩1,350/$ · The 30-day monthly pass is a separate product
What Is the Seoul Climate Card? — The Basics
The Seoul Climate Card (기후동행카드) is an unlimited public transit pass created by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. It first launched in January 2024 for Seoul residents as a monthly pass, then expanded in July 2024 to include short-term tourist passes for international visitors and domestic day-trippers. Choose your duration, charge the card once, and ride Seoul’s entire subway and bus network as many times as you want during that period.
The name “Climate Card” comes from Seoul’s carbon reduction initiative — the idea being that more people riding transit means fewer cars on the road and less pollution. For most visitors, of course, the motivation is far simpler: it’s the cheapest way to get around Seoul. Since its launch, word has spread quickly among travelers as a must-buy before exploring the city.
📘 Key Terms You Need to Know
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Tourist Pass (단기권) | The short-term 1–7 day Climate Card designed for visitors — the focus of this guide |
| 30-Day Pass | Monthly pass for Seoul residents & long-term foreign residents (₩62,000–₩70,000) — NOT this guide |
| Physical Card | Plastic card available to everyone including foreigners — costs ₩3,000 to purchase + load your pass on top |
| Mobile Card | Virtual card via the Mobile T-money app — Android NFC phones only (iPhone not supported) |
| Starts Immediately | Your pass begins the moment you load it — unlike the monthly pass, you CANNOT schedule a future start date |
| T-money (티머니) | Korea’s regular pay-per-ride transit card — still needed for trips outside Seoul or on lines not covered by the Climate Card |
What Can You Ride? — Covered & Not Covered
The Climate Card covers more than most visitors expect. All Seoul Metro subway lines, all buses licensed by the Seoul city government, and even the Han River Ferry (added in September 2025) fall within the unlimited zone. The only caveat on the Han River Ferry is an extra ₩5,000 add-on fee.
🚇 What’s In & What’s Out — Full Transit Coverage Guide
✅ Unlimited — All Included
- Seoul Metro Lines 1–9 (all stations)
- Ui-Sinseol Line, Sillim Line, Gimpo Goldline
- Gyeongui-Jungang, Gyeongchun, Suin-Bundang Lines (Seoul sections only)
- All Seoul city buses & village buses
- Ttareungi bike-share (add-on fee applies)
- Han River Ferry (add-on ₩5,000 applies)
- Airport Railroad — EXIT at Incheon only (departing travelers)
❌ Not Covered — Pay Separately
- Sinbundang Line (entire route)
- GTX (Metropolitan Express Rail)
- Gyeonggi / Incheon provincial buses
- Airport buses, intercity buses
- Airport Railroad — BOARDING at Incheon (arriving travelers)
- Taxis
※ All coverage is limited to Seoul city boundaries · For trips extending beyond Seoul (e.g., to Suwon or Incheon city), you will be charged a separate fare when exiting
✈️ Just Arrived at Incheon Airport? Read This First.
The Airport Railroad from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station is NOT covered by the Climate Card. You will need to pay that fare separately with T-money or a credit card. Once you arrive in Seoul and get off at any Seoul Metro station, the Climate Card kicks in from that point on. On the way back to the airport for your departure, boarding in Seoul and exiting at Incheon Airport IS allowed.
📍 Seoul Landmark Guide — Where the Climate Card Takes You
| Place Name | Korean | Station | What It Is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gyeongbokgung | 경복궁 | Line 3 · Gyeongbokgung Stn. | Seoul’s largest royal palace (Joseon Dynasty). A must-see landmark in the city center. |
| Myeongdong | 명동 | Line 4 · Myeongdong Stn. | Seoul’s premier shopping and street food district. Packed with cosmetic shops, fashion stores, and food stalls. |
| Hongdae | 홍대 | Line 2 / A’REX · Hongik Univ. Stn. | The arts & indie culture hub. Home to street performers, vintage shops, cafes, and vibrant nightlife near Hongik University. |
| Bukchon Hanok Village | 북촌 한옥마을 | Line 3 · Anguk Stn. | A hillside neighborhood of preserved traditional Korean wooden houses (hanok). Popular for photography and culture. |
| Itaewon | 이태원 | Line 6 · Itaewon Stn. | Seoul’s most international neighborhood. Known for diverse restaurants, global cuisines, and multicultural atmosphere. |
| Hangang (Han River) | 한강 | Multiple stations along both banks | The wide river running through central Seoul. Riverside parks are beloved by locals for picnics, cycling, and evening walks. |
| Dongdaemun | 동대문 | Lines 1·4 / Lines 2·4·5 nearby | 24-hour fashion market district anchored by the iconic DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza), a futuristic architectural landmark. |
| Insadong | 인사동 | Line 3 · Anguk Stn. | A charming traditional arts street with antique shops, tea houses, galleries, and Korean craft souvenirs. |
| Seoul Botanic Park | 서울식물원 | Lines 5·9 · Magok-Naru Stn. | A large urban botanical garden in western Seoul, opened in 2019. Climate Card holders get 50% off admission. |
| Seoul Grand Park | 서울대공원 | Line 4 · Seoul Grand Park Stn. (Gwacheon) | Massive park complex in Gwacheon city (just south of Seoul) featuring a zoo, theme park, and arboretum. 50% off with Climate Card. |
Where to Buy — Getting Your Card After You Land
For Foreign Tourists — Physical Card Only (All Nationalities Welcome)
Foreign visitors need to pick up a physical card. It costs ₩3,000 to purchase the card itself — that’s just the card fee, separate from loading your pass. After buying the card, head to any charging kiosk inside a subway station and select the number of days you want.
🌍 Where to Buy a Physical Climate Card in Seoul
| Location | Address / Notes |
|---|---|
| Seoul Tourism Plaza Tourist Information Center |
40, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu (near Gwanghwamun & Euljiro entrances) · English-speaking staff available |
| Myeongdong Tourist Information Center |
Myeongdong, Jung-gu · Near Exit 2, Myeongdong Station (Line 4) · English support available |
| Subway Customer Service Centers |
Available at most stations on Lines 1–8 · Look for the 고객안전실 sign inside the fare gate area |
| Convenience Stores Near Subway Stations |
CU, GS25, 7-Eleven near major stations · Easy to find, no language barrier needed |
※ Card purchase fee (₩3,000) is separate from your pass amount · After buying, go to any subway station charging kiosk to load 1/2/3/5/7-day pass · Card is ready to use immediately after loading
For Korean Residents & Android Users — Load Via App
If you have an Android smartphone with NFC, you can skip the physical card entirely and use the Mobile T-money app to issue a virtual Climate Card on your phone. The app is also available on iPhone, but the Climate Card NFC tap function only works on Android — iPhone users must always use the physical card for transit tapping.
📱 Mobile T-Money App — Android vs. iPhone Comparison
| Feature | Android (NFC) | iPhone (iOS) |
|---|---|---|
| Install App | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Issue Climate Card Mobile Pass |
✅ Yes | ❌ No Must use physical card |
| Tap Phone on Subway / Bus Gate |
✅ Yes | ⚠️ T-money only (Climate Card tap not available) |
| View Balance & Ride History |
✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
※ iPhone users: purchase the physical card (₩3,000) at a subway station or convenience store, then charge at a station kiosk to start using immediately
How to Use — Step by Step
Buy the Physical Card — ₩3,000
Pick up a card at a subway customer service center, Tourist Information Center, or convenience store near a station. The ₩3,000 card fee is separate from your pass amount. No Korean required — just show the card and hand over ₩3,000.
Load Your Pass at a Station Kiosk
Head to a charging machine inside any subway station. Place your card on the reader and select “기후동행카드” (Climate Card) from the menu. Choose your pass type (1/2/3/5/7-day) and pay the amount. Kiosks support English and other languages at major stations.
⚠️ Load on the Day You Start — Timer Begins Immediately
The moment you load the pass, your countdown begins. Unlike a monthly pass, you cannot schedule a future start date. Don’t load the night before — wait until the morning of your first travel day for maximum value.
Tap & Ride — Unlimited
Simply tap your card on the yellow reader at subway gates or the reader on buses as you board. No money is deducted — it just reads your valid pass. Tap again when you exit the subway (required). Repeat as many times as you want until your pass expires.
🌐 Seoul Official Website (English) — Transportation Guide
Which Pass Is Right for You?
1-Day Pass (₩5,000) — For Quick Stopovers
If you have just one day in Seoul — maybe between flights or on a day trip from another Korean city — the 1-day pass is a no-brainer. Take 4 rides in a day and you’ve already saved money compared to paying per ride. It’s great for covering the classic loop: Gyeongbokgung → Insadong → Myeongdong → Dongdaemun — all in one seamless, unlimited day.
3-Day Pass (₩10,000) — The Foreign Tourist Favorite
This is the single most popular option among first-time visitors to Seoul. A typical 2-night, 3-day itinerary covering Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon, Hongdae, Myeongdong, Itaewon, and Dongdaemun easily racks up ₩18,000–₩22,000 in transit fares — but the 3-day pass covers all of that for just ₩10,000. At roughly $7.40, it’s genuinely one of the best deals in travel.
5-Day Pass (₩15,000) ⭐ Best Value Overall
At just ₩3,000 per day, the 5-day pass delivers the best value of any Tourist Pass option. If you’re staying 4–5 days in Seoul — which is the ideal duration to see major and off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods like Seongsu-dong, Mangwon Market, and Nodeul Island — this is the clear choice. Short-term language course students and exchange students in their first week also swear by this one.
7-Day Pass (₩20,000) — Week-Long Explorers
At under ₩15 total for a week of unlimited transit, the 7-day pass is remarkable value for anyone staying a full week. Just two rides a day covers the cost. Great for business visitors, long-stay tourists, or anyone who wants to venture into every corner of Seoul — from the palaces and markets of the north to the neighborhoods of Mapo and the Han River parks in the west and south.
💡 Real Savings Calculator — See the Numbers for Yourself
| Trip Type | T-money Cost | Climate Card | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-day, 5 rides | ~₩7,000 | ₩5,000 (1-day) | ~₩2,000 ↓ |
| 2-night trip, 5 rides/day | ~₩21,000 | ₩10,000 (3-day) | ~₩11,000 ↓ |
| 4-night trip, 6 rides/day | ~₩42,000 | ₩15,000 (5-day) ⭐ | ~₩27,000 ↓ |
| 6-night trip, 4 rides/day | ~₩39,200 | ₩20,000 (7-day) | ~₩19,200 ↓ |
※ Based on standard subway fare ₩1,400 per ride · Actual savings higher when mixing bus and subway rides
Bonus Perks — Cultural Discounts Included
Your Climate Card Tourist Pass isn’t just for transit. Show it at the entrance of select Seoul cultural attractions and you’ll receive significant discounts on top of everything else. These benefits apply as long as your pass is still active.
🎭 Climate Card Holder Cultural Discounts
| Venue | Discount | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul Botanic Park (서울식물원) |
50% off admission | Lines 5·9 — Magok-Naru Stn. |
| Seoul Grand Park (서울대공원) |
50% off admission | Line 4 — Seoul Grand Park Stn. (Gwacheon) |
| Seoul Dal (서울달 · Sky Balloon) |
10% off ride fare | Nodeul Island, Dongjak-gu · Media art balloon ride |
| Painters (페인터즈) | 30% off tickets | Live performance show in Seoul |
※ Discounts apply to cardholder only (with valid pass period) · Cannot be combined with other promotions · Partner venues may change — check Seoul’s official site for the latest list
Important Warnings — Don’t Make These Mistakes
⚠️ Must-Read Before You Buy
- Load on the day you travel — not the night before: Unlike hotel check-in, there’s no scheduled start. The second you load the pass, the clock starts ticking. Load it the morning of Day 1, right before your first ride.
- iPhone users must use a physical card: The Mobile T-money app’s Climate Card NFC feature does not work on iPhones. No exceptions. Go to a subway service center or convenience store and pick up a physical card for ₩3,000.
- Cannot board the Airport Railroad at Incheon (arriving direction): Coming from the airport to Seoul? Pay for that ride separately. The Climate Card only covers Seoul Metro lines once you’re in the city.
- Sinbundang Line & GTX require separate payment: These premium lines run on a different fare structure and are not included. If your hotel is near a Sinbundang Line station (e.g., Gangnam, Yangjae), budget for extra transit fees on those specific rides.
- No refunds once loaded: There are no partial refunds if you don’t use up all your days. Match your pass duration to your actual itinerary.
- Cultural discounts require your card to be active: Show the card (still within valid period) at the venue entrance. Borrowing someone else’s card does not qualify.
Helpful Official Links
Seoul Official English Website
The English-language Seoul city portal has up-to-date information on the Climate Card, including current pass prices, coverage maps, purchase locations, and cultural benefit partner venues. Always worth checking before your trip for the latest details.
🌐 english.seoul.go.kr — Seoul Official English Site
Visit Seoul — Official Tourism Portal
Visit Seoul is the Seoul Tourism Foundation’s official English travel guide. It covers not just the Climate Card but also top attractions, neighborhood guides, recommended itineraries, and seasonal events — the ideal companion app for planning your trip.
🗺️ visitseoul.net — Official Seoul Travel Guide (English)
Naver Maps — Your Best Navigation Tool in Seoul
Google Maps works in Seoul, but locals rely on Naver Maps for the most accurate transit directions, real-time bus arrivals, and exit-by-exit subway guidance. The app is free, has an English mode, and will show you exactly which subway line and which exit to use — essential for navigating Seoul’s massive station complexes.
🗾 Naver Maps — Best Navigation App for Seoul Transit
Seoul’s subway and bus network is one of the cleanest, safest, and most punctual transit systems in the world — and with the Climate Card, it’s also one of the most affordable. Whether you’ve got one day or a full week, there’s a pass that makes every ride feel free. The formula is simple: buy the card, load it on your first travel morning, tap and explore. The money you save on transit is better spent on samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), bingsu (shaved ice dessert), and one more stop you almost skipped.
FAQ — Answers to the Most Common Questions
Q1. Can foreigners buy the Climate Card? Do I need a Korean ID or bank account?
No Korean ID or bank account is needed at all. Any visitor can walk into a subway customer service center or convenience store, pay ₩3,000 in cash, and walk out with a physical card. Load it at a station kiosk and you’re ready to ride. Completely foreigner-friendly.
Q2. I bought a 3-day pass but I’m leaving after 2 days. Can I get a refund?
Unfortunately, no refunds are available once the pass is loaded. The unused days simply expire. Choose your pass duration based on your actual travel schedule — don’t round up “just in case.”
Q3. Can I use the Climate Card to get from Incheon Airport to my hotel in Seoul?
Not for the airport-to-Seoul leg. The Airport Railroad (AREX) from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station is not included in the Climate Card for the inbound journey. Pay for that trip separately (about ₩9,500 to Seoul Station on the all-stop train). Once you exit at any Seoul Metro station, your Climate Card takes over for every ride afterward.
Q4. My hotel is near Gangnam Station. Which subway line is that?
Gangnam Station is on Line 2 (Green Line), one of Seoul’s most central and busy lines. It’s also a stop on the Sinbundang Line — but remember, the Sinbundang Line requires separate payment. For rides just on Line 2 within Seoul, your Climate Card is valid.
Q5. Is the Climate Card better than the Discover Seoul Pass or T-money for tourists?
It depends on your trip. The Climate Card beats T-money for anyone taking 4+ rides per day within Seoul only. Compared to the Discover Seoul Pass (which bundles transit + attraction admission), the Climate Card is cheaper but covers transit only — meaning if you plan to visit many paid attractions, the Discover Seoul Pass might offer better combined value. For pure transit savings in Seoul, though, the Climate Card wins on price every time.
Q6. Does the pass work on the Seoul to Busan KTX high-speed train?
No — the KTX is a national rail service, not a Seoul city transit line. Book KTX tickets separately through the Korail website or app. The Climate Card is exclusively for Seoul city subway and bus lines.
