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Latest update August 2026
With one of the most convenient public transportation in the world, it is easy to find your way around Seoul. Be it traveling to touristy spots or gem spots a little further from the city, the public transportation in Seoul makes it easily accessible.
In January 2024, Seoul introduced the Climate Card (기후동행카드), a public transportation pass that allowed unlimited use of eligible buses and subway services in Seoul for 30 days.
However, the Climate Card system is changing in 2026.
From September 1, 2026, Seoul will integrate the Climate Card’s benefits into the nationwide K-Pass/Everyone’s Card system through a new program called the Climate Pass.
So, what does this mean if you are currently using a Climate Card? And what should you use if you are moving to Seoul or planning a longer stay?
Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the Seoul Climate Pass?
The Climate Pass (기후동행패스) is Seoul’s new integrated public transportation benefit program, launching on September 1, 2026.
It combines the nationwide public transportation reimbursement system, known as Everyone’s Card (K-Pass), with additional benefits previously associated with Seoul’s Climate Card.
Unlike the original Climate Card, which was based on paying a fixed amount upfront for unlimited transportation, the new system calculates your transportation spending and automatically applies the benefit that is most advantageous for you.
For general users, this can include:
- 20% reimbursement on eligible public transportation spending
- A flat-rate benefit when monthly transportation spending reaches the relevant threshold
- Wider coverage through the nationwide K-Pass system
- Additional Seoul-specific benefits
The Climate Pass is designed specifically for Seoul residents. If you already live in Seoul and use K-Pass/Everyone’s Card, you do not need to obtain a separate Climate Pass card. Your Seoul-specific benefits will be applied automatically from September 1, 2026.
What is happening to the original Climate Card?
If you currently have the original 30-day prepaid Climate Card, there are some important dates to remember.
Important Climate Card deadlines
August 31, 2026
Last day to recharge a 30-day prepaid Climate Card.
September 29, 2026
Final day that a prepaid 30-day Climate Card can remain valid.
September 30, 2026
Final day for postpaid Climate Card fare benefits.
October 1, 2026
Postpaid Climate Cards will become regular transportation cards and will no longer receive Climate Card fare benefits.
If you have an existing prepaid Climate Card, you can continue using it until the end of its validity period. However, if you want to continue receiving the new Seoul-specific benefits after the transition, you will need to switch to the new system.
What happens if I already use K-Pass?
If you are already using Everyone’s Card/K-Pass and are a Seoul resident, the transition is much simpler.
You do not need to switch cards.
Your Seoul Climate Pass benefits will be applied automatically from September 1, 2026.
This means that existing K-Pass users can continue using their registered card while receiving the additional Seoul-specific benefits.
How does the new Climate Pass calculate your benefits?
One of the biggest differences between the original Climate Card and the new Climate Pass is how your transportation costs are calculated.
Instead of everyone paying the same fixed monthly amount upfront, the system looks at your monthly transportation spending and applies the option that gives you the greater benefit.
For general users:
Percentage reimbursement:
You can receive a 20% reimbursement on eligible transportation spending.
Flat-rate benefit:
If your spending reaches the relevant monthly threshold, the flat-rate calculation can provide additional savings.
For general users, the standard flat-rate threshold is KRW 62,000. The system automatically compares the applicable options and uses the more advantageous calculation. This means you don’t necessarily have to figure out which plan will save you the most each month.
How much can young people save?
One of the biggest changes to Seoul’s Climate Pass is the expanded youth benefit. Under the nationwide K-Pass system, the standard youth eligibility is generally 19 to 34 years old.
However, Seoul is expanding its youth eligibility to 19 to 39 years old. This means Seoul residents aged 35 to 39 can also receive the youth benefit. For eligible youth users, the reimbursement rate is 30%, while the relevant flat-rate threshold is KRW 55,000.
So if you are in your late 30s and previously thought you were too old for a youth transportation benefit, Seoul’s new Climate Pass could make a difference.
What other benefits are available?
The new Climate Pass will continue to connect with some of the benefits previously associated with the Climate Card.
The Seoul public bicycle service, Ttareungi, remains part of the Climate Pass benefits. Seoul has also announced plans to introduce additional benefits for certain groups, including former military service members who may qualify for youth benefits up to age 42.
What do I do with my physical Climate Card?
Don’t throw it away just yet!
Seoul will hold a Climate Pass card exchange event from September 1 to September 23, 2026, at 12 major subway stations. The participating stations are:
- Seoul Station
- Seongsu Station
- Konkuk University Station
- City Hall Station
- Yeonsinnae Station
- Nowon Station
- Hongik University Station
- Jamsil Station
- Sadang Station
- Seolleung Station
- Yeouido Station
- Gasan Digital Complex Station
Existing physical Climate Card users can return their expired Climate Cards and exchange them one-for-one for a new physical Climate Pass card at no additional cost.
If you have already switched to Everyone’s Card/K-Pass, you can also return your used Climate Card during the event and receive a coffee or convenience-store voucher, subject to the event conditions.
What about tourists?
The new Climate Pass is intended for Seoul residents, because its benefits are connected to the nationwide K-Pass system and place-of-residence eligibility.
However, tourists are not being left without a Climate Card option. The existing short-term Climate Card passes (1/2/3/5/7-day) will continue to be available for visitors.
These short-term passes are particularly useful if you’re visiting Seoul for a few days and expect to use public transportation frequently. The short-term passes are separate from the monthly Climate Pass system and will continue to be available after the 30-day prepaid Climate Card is discontinued.
Please note: the short-term passes will be valid for travel within Seoul and for trips ending at Incheon International Airport.
Can foreigners use the Climate Pass?
Foreign residents can use the K-Pass system if they meet the eligibility requirements, including having a Korean Residence Card and meeting the place-of-residence requirements.
However, there is an important distinction between being a foreign resident and being a short-term visitor.
If you are living in Seoul with the necessary registration, you may be able to use K-Pass and receive the Climate Pass benefits if you meet the requirements. Residents of Gimpo, Goyang, Gwacheon, Guri, Seongnam, Hanam, and Namyangju will need to switch to The Gyeonggi Pass.
If you’re visiting Korea temporarily, the short-term Climate Card is likely to be the more relevant option.
How to get the Climate Pass?
There are several ways to get started with the Climate Pass, depending on whether you prefer a physical card or a mobile card.
Option 1: Apply for a credit or debit card
- Apply for a K-Pass-compatible credit or debit card.
- Once you receive your physical card, sign up for K-Pass through the K-Pass app or website.
- Register your card and start using it for public transportation.
Option 2: Use a mobile card
- Download a supported mobile transportation app, such as Mobile EZL or Mobile T-money.
- Create a K-Pass account through the K-Pass app.
- Apply for a mobile K-Pass card and follow the instructions to activate it.
Option 3: Purchase a K-Pass-compatible physical card
- Purchase a K-Pass-compatible transportation card from a convenience store.
- Create an account through the card issuer’s website or app.
- Sign up for K-Pass through the K-Pass app or website and register your card.
FAQs about the Climate Card, Climate Pass and K-Pass
1. Is the Climate Card being discontinued?
The original 30-day prepaid Climate Card is being discontinued. It can be recharged until August 31, 2026, and existing passes can remain valid until September 29.
2. Do I need a new card if I already have K-Pass?
No. Seoul residents who are already using an eligible K-Pass/Everyone’s Card will automatically receive Climate Pass benefits from September 1, 2026.
3. What if I have an old Climate Card?
You can continue using a prepaid 30-day pass until its validity ends. You can also participate in Seoul’s Climate Pass card exchange event from September 1–23 at 12 major subway stations.
4. Can tourists still use a Climate Card?
Yes. Short-term Climate Cards for 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 days will continue to be available.
5. Can foreigners use K-Pass?
Foreign residents can register for K-Pass if they meet the eligibility requirements, including having a Korean Residence Card. Climate Pass benefits are based on place of residence, and the Seoul version is available to Seoul residents.
Seoul’s public transportation system continues to evolve, and the Climate Pass is the latest step toward combining different transportation benefits into one system. For more practical guides about living, studying and traveling in Korea, follow the Go! Go! Hanguk blog for more content, and be sure to contact us about living and studying in Korea!
