{"id":105296,"date":"2026-05-20T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/?p=105296"},"modified":"2026-09-02T13:11:56","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T04:11:56","slug":"koreas-public-transportation-cards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/koreas-public-transportation-cards\/","title":{"rendered":"T-money, climate pass, and beyond: A guide to Korea\u2019s public transportation cards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In South Korea, especially in large cities, people get around using public transportation. The subway is one of the most common and efficient forms of public transportation. For convenience, we recommend purchasing a rechargeable T-money card, but there is now a new \u201creimbursement\u201d option to consider as well. Let\u2019s take a look at the latest updates on Korea\u2019s public transportation cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"T-money<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is a T-money card?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Subway lines in Korea are highly efficient and affordable. As of the latest updates, the base fare for the Seoul subway starts at 1,550 won<\/strong> (roughly 1.10 USD) when using a transportation card, following recent fare hikes to support system maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Single tickets can still be purchased from machines at each station, but the most convenient way to travel is with a T-money card. You can purchase this rechargeable card at convenience stores such as GS25, CU, and 7-Eleven for approximately 2,500 to 5,000 won (depending on the design).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This prepaid card can be recharged at any metro station or convenience store<\/a>. It is particularly convenient for “transfers”: if you switch from the metro to a bus (or vice versa) within 30 minutes, you receive a significant discount, often only paying a small distance-based surcharge rather than a new base fare. Because it uses RFID technology, you must tap your card on the electronic sensors both when entering and exiting<\/strong> the subway or bus to ensure the correct fare is calculated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new Climate Pass for Seoul<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you live in Seoul and use public transportation frequently, there is another option to consider: the Climate Pass (\uae30\ud6c4\ub3d9\ud589\ud328\uc2a4)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Climate Pass is Seoul’s new transportation benefit program, introduced in September 2026 as part of the nationwide K-Pass<\/strong> system. Instead of paying a fixed monthly fee upfront for unlimited rides like the previous 30-day Climate Card, the Climate Pass combines K-Pass reimbursement with additional Seoul-specific benefits<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For eligible users, the system calculates your transportation spending and automatically applies the option that provides the greater benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

General users can receive a 20% reimbursement on eligible public transportation spending<\/strong>, while Seoul’s youth benefit has been expanded to include people aged 19\u201339<\/strong>, who can receive a 30% reimbursement<\/strong> if they meet the eligibility requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the Climate Pass is different from the old prepaid Climate Card and is primarily intended for Seoul residents who are eligible for K-Pass<\/strong>. If you’re a tourist or short-term visitor, the short-term Climate Card passes<\/strong> remain available for 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where else can you use T-money?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The T-money card is more than just a transit pass. It acts as a prepaid debit card in most convenience stores, certain bakeries (like Paris Baguette), and even some taxis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a Korean bank account and a Residence Card (ARC)<\/a>, you can link your bank card<\/a> to function as a “post-paid” T-money card, where expenses are debited once a month. However, for tourists and short-term visitors, the rechargeable “pre-paid” version remains the standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Platform<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tips for navigating the subway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The South Korean subway system is world-class, but the scale varies by city. The Seoul subway system is massive, featuring 23 lines and over 700 stations that can take you almost anywhere in the metropolitan area. In contrast, Busan offers a more streamlined experience with 6 lines (4 main metro lines plus the Donghae Line and Gimhae Light Rail) serving 158 stations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few modern tips for your journey:<\/p>\n\n\n\n