What is a Climate Card? Where to get it?
Discover how to obtain and use the Climate Card in Korea, a transportation card offering discounts and eco-friendly travel options. Learn about card benefits, where to apply, and how it supports sustainable commuting for residents and visitors.
The Climate Card offers convenient, unlimited use of Seoul’s public transportation and Ttareungi (Seoul Bike) for 30 days after charging a single fare.
1. Climate Card Service Range
The Climate Card allows access to:
- Seoul-based Subway Lines (specific segments per line are included)
- Seoul-licensed Transit and Town Buses (including night buses)
- Ttareungi (Seoul’s public bike-sharing system)
Excluded Services:
- Sinbundang Line, subway lines outside Seoul, intercity/airport buses, non-Seoul-licensed buses.
- Bus Exception: You can ride Seoul-licensed buses outside Seoul, as long as they are Seoul-based routes.
- Subway Exception: If you board within Seoul’s service range but disembark outside, the fare will be collected by station attendants. For example, boarding at Jongno 3-ga and disembarking at Indeogwon (outside Seoul) will incur an extra fare.
2. Climate Card Subway Coverage
The Climate Card provides access to most lines in Seoul with some specific restrictions:
- Line 1: Onsu to Dobongsan
- Line 3: Jichuk to Ogeum
- Line 5: Banghwa to Gangil/Macheon
- Line 7: Onsu to Jangam
- Line 9: All stations
- Sillim Line: All stations
- Gyeongui-Jungang Line: Susaek to Yangwon/Seoul Station
- Suin-Bundang Line: Cheongnyangni to Bokjeong
- AREX (Airport Railroad Express): Gimpo Airport to Seoul Station; disembarking at Incheon Airport Terminals is allowed (boarding not permitted).
3. Climate Card Types and Pricing
Pass Type | Price | Notes |
30-day Pass (with Ttareungi) | KRW 65,000 | Youth Discount (19-39): KRW 58,000 |
30-day Pass (without Ttareungi) | KRW 62,000 | Youth Discount (19-39): KRW 55,000 |
1-day Pass | KRW 5,000 | Valid only on the day of charging |
2-day Pass | KRW 8,000 | ㅤ |
3-day Pass | KRW 10,000 | ㅤ |
5-day Pass | KRW 15,000 | ㅤ |
7-day Pass | KRW 20,000 | ㅤ |
Important Notes:
- Short-term passes begin on the day they are charged and cannot be pre-charged.
- Mobile Climate Card is available for Android (OS 12+) and iOS users can use a physical card.
4. Purchase and Charging Options
For Physical Cards:
- Purchase at Seoul Metro Information Centers (Lines 1–8) or convenience stores near subway stations (Lines 9, Ui-Sinseol, Sillim).
- Cards cost KRW 3,000 and require monthly recharging after the first purchase.
- Register the card online on the Tmoney Card & Pay website.
For Mobile Cards:
- Download the Mobile Tmoney app (Android OS 12+).
- Sign up, issue, and charge the Climate Card within the app.
Payment Options:
- Mobile: Bank transfer, credit/debit card (card must be in user’s name).
- Physical: Cash, credit/debit card (corporate cards not accepted).
5. How to Use the Climate Card
Subway and Bus:
- Tap the card (NFC mode enabled for mobile) when entering and exiting public transport.
- Failure to tap out twice may suspend service for 24 hours.
Ttareungi:
- Register your Climate Card on the Tmoney GO (Android/iOS) app to access two-hour bike passes within the validity period.
- Open the Bike tab on the app.
- Register and enjoy Ttareungi access for up to two hours.
6. Refunds
Refund Policy:
- Refund Amount = Total charged – Amount used on public transport – KRW 500 fee.
- Request refunds before the card’s validity ends.
- Foreigners without a Korean bank account can visit Tmoney headquarters to receive a cash refund.
Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government
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