Why is the Climate Card (locally known as Gihu Donghaeng Card) essential for your trip, and how can it save you money? When traveling around Seoul, a standard T-Money card charges you for every single ride.
However, Seoul’s official unlimited transit pass allows international tourists to ride subways and buses as many times as they want for a fixed, incredibly low price. Effective from March 17, 2026, a major upgrade officially rolled out by T-Money allows global travelers to purchase this pass much more conveniently. You no longer need to carry pocketfuls of cash! In this updated guide, I will break down the latest tourist pass options, exact prices, foreign card payment details, and crucial usage tips.
What is the Seoul Climate Card Short-Term Pass?
The Climate Card is Seoul’s official public transit pass. To support international tourists, the Seoul Metropolitan Government provides dedicated Short-Term Passes that offer 100% unlimited rides on:
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Seoul Subway Lines 1–9 and local central railway lines (Gyeongui-Jungang, Suin-Bundang, Ui-Sinseol, Sillim, and Gimpo Goldline).
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Seoul City Buses (including blue, green, and local village buses).
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Note: It does NOT cover the Shinbundang Line, suburban/intercity buses heading outside Seoul, or the AREX airport express train.
1. Tourist Pass Types and Pricing
Depending on the length of your stay in Seoul, you can choose from five different short-term options. Please note that Ttareungyi (Seoul Public Bikes) and the Hangang River Bus are NOT included in these short-term tourist passes—they are strictly reserved for the 30-day regular passes.
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Physical Plastic Card Purchase: 3,000 KRW (One-time fee)
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1-Day Pass: 5,000 KRW
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2-Day Pass: 8,000 KRW
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3-Day Pass: 10,000 KRW
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5-Day Pass: 15,000 KRW
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7-Day Pass: 20,000 KRW
The clock starts ticking the exact moment you first tap the card at a transit gate, and it remains active until the last train/bus of your final day. Pre-charging for a future date is not allowed for short-term passes; it activates on the day of top-up.
2. Where to Buy & How to Pay with Foreign Credit Cards
If you search the internet, many older blogs will tell you that you can only top up the Climate Card using cash. That info is officially outdated!
Since March 17, 2026, you can now use your overseas-issued Visa or Mastercard to buy and top up your Climate Card short-term pass directly.
Where to find the kiosks:
Look for the “New Ticket Kiosks” inside Seoul subway stations. There are currently 440 of these new machines deployed across 273 stations on Seoul Metro Lines 1–8. They fully support English, Chinese, and Japanese interfaces.
🚨 Important Pro-Tip on Fees:
When paying with an overseas credit or debit card, an additional service fee of approximately 3.7% applies to the transaction. For example, if you top up a 3-Day Pass (10,000 KRW), a small fee of around 370 KRW will be added. Even with the fee, it is incredibly convenient since you don’t have to look for currency exchange booths just for transit cash!
3. Step-by-Step Top-Up Process
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Find a New Ticket Kiosk inside any subway station (Lines 1–8).
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Place your physical Climate Card onto the designated card pad.
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Select English on the touchscreen.
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Tap the “Climate Card” button.
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Select your desired tourist pass (1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 Days).
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Choose Credit Card as your payment method.
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Insert your foreign Visa or Mastercard and complete the payment (including the 3.7% service fee).
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Wait a few seconds until the screen says the recharge is complete. Do not remove the card early!
4. 🚨 Crucial Warning: Always Tap Out!
There is one golden rule you must follow when using the Climate Card in Seoul: You must tap your card on the sensor every time you get off a bus or exit a subway station.
If you fail to tap out (skip the exit tag) two times, your Climate Card will be automatically suspended for 24 hours. You will not be able to use it, and you will have to wait until the restriction lifts. Make it a habit to tap your card firmly whenever you exit!
Summary Checklist for the Climate Card
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Buy a physical plastic Climate Card for 3,000 KRW at a station office or convenience store.
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Go to a new ticket kiosk (Lines 1–8), change the language to English, and choose your tourist pass.
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Enjoy the convenience of paying with your foreign Visa or Mastercard (Keep in mind the ~3.7% service fee).
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Remember that Ttareungyi bikes and Hangang buses are not included in short-term passes.
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Always tap out when exiting to avoid getting your card locked for 24 hours!
If you are unsure whether your travel route fits within the Climate Card boundary, leave a comment below and I will check it for you!