Seoul Climate Card 2026: Complete Guide to Unlimited Transportation Pass
Planning to ride Seoul's subway or buses more than 5 times a day? The new Climate Card (launched January 2026) could save you serious money.
The Climate Card is Seoul's unlimited transportation pass for tourists—covering all subway lines and city buses. Prices start at ₩5,000 ($3.70) for 1 day up to ₩20,000 ($14.80) for 7 days. If you're taking 4+ rides daily, you'll break even.
Here's everything you need to know: pricing, where to buy, how to use, vs T-money comparison, and when it actually saves you money.
Quick Answer: Do You Need a Climate Card?
| Your Travel Style | Need Climate Card? | Estimated Savings |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 rides/day | No (T-money is enough) | $0 (actually lose money) |
| 5-8 rides/day | Yes, recommended | $2-$4/day |
| 10+ rides/day | Absolutely yes | $6-$9/day |
| 3+ days in Seoul | Get 3-day pass | $7-$15 total |
| Week-long trip | Get 7-day pass | $22-$37 total |
Bottom line: If you're riding 5+ times daily, the Climate Card pays for itself.
What is the Climate Card?
Launched in January 2026, the Climate Card is Seoul's new tourist-friendly unlimited transportation pass.
Key Features
- Unlimited rides: All Seoul subway lines + all Seoul city buses
- Duration options: 1-day, 3-day, 5-day, or 7-day passes
- Price range: ₩5,000 ($3.70) to ₩20,000 ($14.80)
- Validity: Starts from first use (24-hour periods)
- Purpose: Part of Seoul's carbon reduction initiative
What's Included
✅ Subway: Seoul Metro Lines 1-9, Shinbundang Line, Gyeongchun Line, Airport Railroad (Seoul section) ✅ Buses: All Seoul city buses (Blue, Green, Red, Yellow) ✅ Ttareungyi: Seoul bike-share (1 hour free, twice daily)
What's NOT Included
❌ Taxis: Not covered ❌ KTX/SRT: High-speed trains need separate tickets ❌ Intercity buses: Long-distance buses excluded ❌ Airport Express: Only regular AREX trains, not Express trains
Key point: Perfect for getting around Seoul. For trips to Incheon Airport or Busan, you'll need separate tickets.
Pricing & Options (2026 Rates)
Climate Card Price Table
| Pass Type | Validity | Price (₩/USD) | Break-Even Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Day | 24 hours | ₩5,000 / $3.70 | 4+ rides |
| 3-Day | 72 hours | ₩12,000 / $8.90 | 3+ rides/day |
| 5-Day | 120 hours | ₩16,000 / $11.85 | 3+ rides/day |
| 7-Day | 168 hours | ₩20,000 / $14.80 | 2-3 rides/day |
Note: Seoul subway/bus base fare is ₩1,400 ($1.04) per ride with T-money.
T-money vs Climate Card Comparison
Example: 5-Day Seoul Trip
| Scenario | T-money (Pay-per-ride) | Climate Card 5-Day |
|---|---|---|
| 3 rides/day | ₩1,400 × 3 × 5 = ₩21,000 ($15.55) | ₩16,000 ($11.85) - Save $3.70 |
| 5 rides/day | ₩1,400 × 5 × 5 = ₩35,000 ($25.90) | ₩16,000 ($11.85) - Save $14 |
| 8 rides/day | ₩1,400 × 8 × 5 = ₩56,000 ($41.45) | ₩16,000 ($11.85) - Save $29.60 |
Conclusion: Even with just 3 rides daily, the Climate Card saves you money.
Where to Buy
Purchase Locations
1. Incheon Airport (Easiest)
- Location: Tourist Information Centers (Terminal 1 & 2)
- Hours: 06:00 AM - 10:00 PM (daily)
- Pros: Buy right after arrival, English/Japanese/Chinese support
- Tip: Stop by before collecting luggage—saves time.
2. Convenience Stores (24/7)
- Chains: CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Emart24
- How: Ask at counter "Climate Card, please"
- Note: Some small stores may be out of stock
3. Subway Station Ticket Machines
- Location: Major transfer stations (Seoul Station, Gangnam, Hongdae, Myeongdong)
- Languages: Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese
- Payment: Cash or credit card accepted
4. Online Pre-Order (Recommended)
- Website: climatecard.seoul.go.kr
- Delivery: Hotel delivery or airport pickup
- Pros: No waiting in line, guaranteed stock
- Note: Order at least 3 days in advance
Pro Tip: Get yours at Incheon Airport's tourist info center right after landing. Fastest option with perfect English support.
How to Use (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Activate Your Card
- Card is ready to use immediately (no charging needed)
- Validity starts from first use
- Example: Activate 1-day pass at 3 PM → valid until 3 PM next day
Important: The countdown doesn't start when you buy it—only when you first tap it.
Step 2: Using the Subway
- Tap card on gate reader (entering station)
- Wait for beep + green light → pass through
- Tap again when exiting station
Same as T-money. Only difference: no balance to worry about.
Step 3: Using Buses
- Tap card on reader when boarding (front door)
- Tap again when getting off (rear door)
- Transfers within 30 minutes are free
Transfer Tip: Subway ↔ bus transfers within 30 min don't count as separate rides.
Step 4: Ttareungyi Bike-Share
- Tap card at bike station kiosk
- Get 1 hour free (up to 2 times daily)
- Extra charges apply after 1 hour
Bonus perk: Great for Han River bike paths or neighborhood exploring.
Important Things to Know
1. How Validity Works
- 24-hour periods: 1-day = exactly 24 hours, 3-day = 72 hours
- Start time: From your first tap
- Examples:
- First use Monday 2 PM → expires Tuesday 2 PM (1-day)
- First use Monday 9 AM → expires Thursday 9 AM (3-day)
Tip: Activate early in the morning to maximize your day.
2. Refund Policy
- Unused cards: Full refund within 7 days of purchase
- Used cards: No refunds once activated
- Where: Refund at same place you bought it
Warning: Even one use = no refund. Buy only when you're sure.
3. Lost Card
- No replacement: Lost card = buy a new one
- Prevention: Keep it in your wallet, store in hotel safe
4. No Sharing Allowed
- 1 person = 1 card
- Can't pass one card to multiple people
- Penalty if caught: ₩30,000 ($22) fine
For families: Buy one card per person. No group discounts.
When Is It Worth It? (Break-Even Analysis)
Scenario 1: Short Trip (2-3 Days)
Sample itinerary: Gyeongbokgung → Myeongdong → Gangnam → Hongdae → Hotel
- Daily rides: 8 times
- T-money cost: ₩1,400 × 8 = ₩11,200 ($8.30)
- Climate Card 1-day: ₩5,000 ($3.70) - Save $4.60
Verdict: Even for 2-3 days, buying daily passes saves money if you ride 5+ times.
Scenario 2: Medium Trip (4-5 Days)
Sample plan: Sightseeing + shopping + night views + cafe hopping
- Average rides: 6/day
- 5-day T-money: ₩1,400 × 6 × 5 = ₩42,000 ($31.10)
- Climate Card 5-day: ₩16,000 ($11.85) - Save $19.25
Verdict: 5+ days in Seoul? Get the 5-day pass, no question.
Scenario 3: Long Trip (7+ Days)
Sample plan: Leisurely neighborhood exploring + daily experiences
- Average rides: 4/day
- 7-day T-money: ₩1,400 × 4 × 7 = ₩39,200 ($29)
- Climate Card 7-day: ₩20,000 ($14.80) - Save $14.20
Verdict: Even with just 3 rides daily, the 7-day pass saves you money.
Climate Card vs Other Passes
Climate Card vs Seoul City Pass vs T-money
| Feature | Climate Card | Seoul City Pass Plus | T-money |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ₩5,000-₩20,000 | ₩15,000-₩55,000 | ₩2,500 + recharge |
| Unlimited transit | ⭕ | ⭕ | ❌ (pay per ride) |
| Attraction discounts | ❌ | ⭕ (50+ sites) | ❌ |
| Convenience store | ❌ | ❌ | ⭕ |
| Refundable | ⭕ (if unused) | ⭕ (if unused) | ⭕ |
| Best for | Transit-focused | Transit + sightseeing | Short trips |
When to choose what:
- Transit only: Climate Card (best value)
- Lots of attractions: Seoul City Pass Plus
- 2-3 rides total: Just use T-money
Practical Tips
Tip 1: Activate Early Morning
Since validity starts from first use, activate on your first morning ride.
- ❌ Bad: Activate at 5 PM → expires 5 PM next day (waste evening/night)
- ✅ Good: Activate at 8 AM → expires 8 AM next day (full day use)
Tip 2: Use Ttareungyi Bikes
Climate Card includes 1 hour free bike rental. Use it for Han River paths or neighborhood tours.
Recommended routes:
- Yeouido Han River Park bike path
- Seongsu-dong cafe hopping
- Bukchon Hanok Village alleys
Tip 3: Master the 30-Minute Transfer
Subway → bus or bus → subway within 30 minutes = free transfer.
Example:
- Exit Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) → walk 5 min → take bus to Bukchon = counts as one ride
Tip 4: Check Last Train Times
Subway runs until around midnight-1 AM. Miss it and you're taking a taxi.
- Last train times: Check Naver Maps or Kakao Map
- Night buses: Owl buses (N-buses) run all night—Climate Card works!
Tip 5: Buy Multiple Cards (Family Travel)
Traveling with family? Each person needs their own card. No group sharing allowed.
No discounts: Total cost = number of people × card price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does the pass start immediately after purchase?
No. It starts from your first use. Buy today, use tomorrow—no problem.
Q2. Can I use it from Incheon Airport to Seoul?
Yes. Airport Railroad (AREX) regular trains are included. But Express trains require separate tickets.
- ⭕ AREX All-Stop Train (~60 min) - Climate Card OK
- ❌ AREX Express Train (~43 min) - Need ₩9,500 ($7) ticket
Q3. What if I lose my card?
Unfortunately, no replacement. You'll have to buy a new one. Keep it safe in your wallet.
Q4. Can I get a refund?
Unused cards can be fully refunded within 7 days at the purchase location. Once used, no refunds.
Q5. Climate Card or just keep recharging T-money?
Break-even point:
- 4 or fewer rides/day: T-money is cheaper
- 5+ rides/day: Climate Card saves money
Most tourists ride 6-8 times daily, so Climate Card usually wins.
Q6. Are there discounts for children or seniors?
No age discounts. Same price for all ages. However, children under 6 ride free with a guardian (no card needed).
Q7. Does it work late at night?
Subways stop running around midnight-1 AM. But Owl buses (N-buses) run all night and accept Climate Card.
Q8. Can I use it at convenience stores?
No, it's transit-only. For convenience store purchases, you need T-money.
Q9. Can I lend it to someone else?
No. One card per person. Penalties apply if caught sharing (₩30,000 / $22 fine).
Q10. Can I get a refund for unused days on a 3-day pass?
No. Once activated, you can't get partial refunds—even if you only use 1 day of a 3-day pass.
Q11. What if the card runs out of balance?
Climate Card is an unlimited pass—there's no balance. Use it as many times as you want within the validity period.
Q12. Does it work in Busan or other cities?
No. Seoul only. Busan, Daegu, and other cities require separate cards.
Q13. How long does online delivery take?
Hotel delivery: 3-5 days. Airport pickup: order 2-3 days ahead for same-day collection.
Q14. Can I choose the card design?
Only one standard design available. No special design options.
Q15. Do I need both Climate Card and T-money?
Climate Card covers all Seoul transit. But T-money is handy for convenience stores and taxis, so carrying both doesn't hurt.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
Get the Climate Card if:
- ✅ Staying in Seoul 3+ days
- ✅ Taking 5+ rides daily
- ✅ Planning to explore multiple neighborhoods
- ✅ Don't want to calculate fares every trip
Skip it if:
- ❌ 1-2 day quick trip
- ❌ Staying in one area only (e.g., just Gangnam)
- ❌ Only 2-3 rides per day
- ❌ Prefer taxis or walking
My recommendation:
- 3+ days in Seoul: Absolutely get it. You'll save 50%+ on transportation.
- 2 days: Calculate your daily rides. If 5+, buy daily passes.
- 1 day: T-money is fine.
Final Tip: Buy at Incheon Airport's tourist center right after landing. Shortest lines, perfect English support, and you're ready to ride immediately.
Enjoy your Seoul adventure and save smartly with the Climate Card!
