Seoul’s new short-term transit cards for tourists: Where to buy, cost, and more

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a tourist magnet attracting millions of travellers each year. The city is becoming more tourist-friendly by facilitating smooth travel across Seoul with its transit pass, also known as the short-term Climate Card. Starting in July, this all-inclusive transit pass will offer convenient access to subways, buses, and public bikes for short-term use.

These new short-term passes come in one-, two—, three-, and five-day durations, offering unlimited travel on public transportation in Seoul. The cards will be available for purchase starting July 1, 2024, the South Korean government’s official website shared.

Seoul’s transit pass: All you need to know about the new short-term Climate Card

The tourist-friendly Climate Card is a more cost-effective alternative to the current cash-only daily pass offered by the T-Money app for foreign travellers, priced at KRW 15,000 (approximately USD 11) for one day. Currently, the Climate Card is for long-term users only, offering unlimited access to public transport at KRW 65,000 (approximately USD 47).

By October, the card’s services will be expanded to water bus services like the Hangang River Bus as well. The Seoul Metropolitan Government will provide instructions for the use of the card in multiple languages, including English, to help travellers easily understand and explore the city.

Before you head to South Korea, explore our guide to the country’s public transport system.

Where to buy the Seoul transit pass

Climate Cards can be purchased from tourist information centres in Seoul Tourism Plaza along Cheonggyechon-ro Road in Jongno-gu district, Myeong-dong district, customer service centres of subway stations on Lines 1-8 and convenience stores near the stations. The cards can be reloaded with money at the station.

Seoul transit pass: How much does it cost?

The Climate Card comes in two formats: a physical card and a mobile version. The physical card costs KRW 3,000 (USD 2) and can be reloaded with additional value. The mobile version is available on the T-Money app.

Short-term Climate Cards are valid for immediate use after purchase. Prices are as follows:

• One-day: KRW 5,000 (approximately USD 3)
• Two-day: KRW 8,000 (approximately USD 5)
• Three-day: KRW 10,000 (approximately USD 7)
• Five-day: KRW 15,000 (approximately USD 11)

(All currency conversions were done at the time of writing)

(Feature image credit: Savvapanf Photo/Shutterstock)