Seoul Climate Companion Card: Application Guide and Benefits
If you live in Seoul or plan to visit, you might have already heard of the Climate Companion Card (기후동행카드). Introduced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in 2024, this special transportation pass is designed to make commuting more affordable, more convenient, and eco-friendly. Unlike a regular transit card, it gives you unlimited access not only to subways and buses but also to Seoul’s public bike service, Ddareungi.
For daily commuters, students, young professionals, and even tourists, this card can significantly cut down travel costs while supporting a greener lifestyle. Let’s dive into how it works, how to apply, and why it might be the perfect choice for your travels in Seoul.
What is the Climate Companion Card?
The Climate Companion Card is an all-in-one unlimited public transportation pass. It was launched to achieve three main goals:
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Reduce carbon emissions and fight climate change.
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Lower commuting costs for residents.
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Encourage more people to use public transit instead of cars.
Unlike conventional transportation cards, this one bundles together subways, buses, and bikes into a single unlimited package.
Key Features
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Unlimited Subway and Bus Rides
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Covers all Seoul Metro Lines 1–9 plus several metropolitan lines like Gyeongui-Jungang, Suin-Bundang, Gyeongchun, AREX, Ui-Sinseol, and Sillim Line.
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Includes Seoul-licensed city buses, village buses, and even late-night buses.
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Excludes the Shinbundang Line, airport buses, and express intercity buses.
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Unlimited Bike Sharing with Ddareungi
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With the bike-inclusive option, you can ride Seoul Bikes (Ddareungi) for up to 1 hour per ride, unlimited times during 30 days.
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Perfect for mixed commuting or last-mile connections.
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Youth Discount (Ages 19–39)
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Young adults get ₩7,000 off the monthly pass.
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Example: ₩65,000 (with bikes) → Youth price ₩58,000.
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Short-Term Pass Options
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Tourists and short-term visitors can choose daily or weekly passes.
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Prices start at ₩5,000 for a 1-day pass and go up to ₩20,000 for a 7-day pass.
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Types of Cards
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Prepaid Card (Mobile or Physical)
Recharge the card for a set period (e.g., 30 days) and enjoy unlimited rides. Refunds are possible based on unused days. -
Postpaid Card (Linked to Credit/Debit)
No recharging required. Fares are automatically billed monthly. Convenient for long-term residents who prefer automatic payments.
How to Apply
Mobile Card (Android OS 12+)
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Download the Mobile T-money App.
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Register and select the Climate Companion Card menu.
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Recharge using your personal bank account or credit/debit card.
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Tap your phone on the subway or bus reader (NFC must be enabled).
⚠️ Important: Always tap when entering and exiting. Missing tap-outs more than twice suspends the card for 24 hours.
Physical Card (also for iOS users)
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Purchase a card (₩3,000) at a Seoul Metro customer center or select convenience stores.
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Register the card on the T-money website.
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Recharge at subway kiosks (cash or card accepted).
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Registration is required to use Ddareungi and request refunds.
Postpaid Card
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Apply via the T-money website or affiliated card issuers.
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Complete identity verification and issuance.
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Use the card as normal; payments are billed monthly.
Pricing
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30-Day Pass (with bikes): ₩65,000 (Youth ₩58,000)
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30-Day Pass (without bikes): ₩62,000 (Youth ₩55,000)
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Short-Term Passes:
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1-day ₩5,000
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2-day ₩8,000
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3-day ₩10,000
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5-day ₩15,000
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7-day ₩20,000
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Refund Policy
Refunds follow the formula:
Charged amount – Used amount – ₩500 service fee
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Processed within about 5 business days via bank transfer or card adjustment.
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Foreign visitors without a Korean bank account can receive cash refunds at the T-money headquarters.
Why You Should Consider It
✅ Save Money – Great for daily commuters using buses or subways at least twice a day.
✅ One Card for All – No more juggling multiple apps or passes. Subway, bus, and bike are all included.
✅ Eco-Friendly Choice – Reduces car dependency and lowers carbon emissions.
Final Thoughts
The Climate Companion Card is more than just a transit pass—it’s a city initiative that combines affordability, convenience, and sustainability. Whether you’re a Seoul resident, student, office worker, or tourist, this card offers real benefits: lower commuting costs, easy mobility, and a chance to support the environment.
👉 In short: Apply through the Mobile T-money App, metro stations, or partner banks/card issuers. Choose between mobile, physical, or postpaid versions depending on your lifestyle. With unlimited subway, bus, and bike access—plus youth discounts—it’s the smartest way to travel around Seoul.
