Seoul Climate Companion Card — Short-term Passes from ₩5,000

Conclusion

If you plan to use public transit in Seoul four or more times in a single day, a Climate Companion Card short-term pass will usually save you money. If you ride less than that, a regular T-money card is likely cheaper.

What it is

The Climate Companion Card is Seoul’s city-run integrated pass. After you load a short-term pass, you get unlimited rides on Seoul-area subways and city buses, plus optional access to public bike service (Ddareungi) and Han River shuttle buses for the pass period. Tourists can use it the same way residents do.

Price list

• 1-day pass: ₩5,000
• 2-day pass: ₩8,000
• 3-day pass: ₩10,000
• 5-day pass: ₩15,000
• 7-day pass: ₩20,000
• 30-day pass (regular): ₩62,000

Choosing the Ddareungi (public bike) or Han River shuttle option adds between ₩3,000 and ₩8,000. Buying a physical card costs an additional ₩3,000. For short trips that extra ₩3,000 can change the cost-benefit calculation, so include it when you add up expenses.

Where it works — and where it doesn’t

Works on:

• Seoul-area subway lines (within Seoul sections and some adjacent metropolitan sections)
• Seoul city buses and community (village) buses, including late-night buses
• Ddareungi public bikes (if you selected the option)
• Han River shuttle buses (if you selected the option)

Does NOT work on (important exceptions):

• Shinbundang Line (the line used from Gangnam toward Pangyo/Jeongja)
• GTX lines
• Intercity/express (gwangyeok) buses and buses licensed by other provinces/cities

Airport transfers are a common pitfall: the Airport Railroad Express train and airport limousine buses are generally outside the unlimited coverage. Prepare a separate payment method for travel on arrival and departure days.

iOS users must buy a physical card

Two card types exist:

• Mobile card: Android only. Requires Android OS 12+ and is loaded via Mobile Tmoney or Samsung Wallet.
• Physical card: iPhone users must buy this. You can purchase it at the new card vending machines inside Seoul Metro stations (lines 1–8 and line 9) or at convenience stores near stations. The physical card costs ₩3,000 and is then topped up at self-service chargers or via the T-money website.

If you’re on an iPhone, plan to buy the physical card at your first subway stop after arrival.

Key limitations to know before you buy

• No pre-loading: Short-term passes begin on the day you charge them. You cannot pre-charge the pass days in advance.
• Refunds require a domestic bank account: According to Seoul city guidance, foreigners without a Korean bank account must visit the T-money headquarters in person to get a cash refund. In practice, refunds are difficult; choose a pass conservatively to avoid unused days.

When it makes sense to buy

• You’ll stay in Seoul for 3 days or more
• You expect to use subway/bus four or more times a day
• Your plans involve frequent trips between Gangbuk and Gangnam
• You’ll use Ddareungi to ride along the Han River or explore neighborhoods

When you should skip it

• Your Seoul stay is 1–2 days with light travel
• Most of your itinerary is in Gyeonggi Province or other regions outside Seoul
• You’ll be using the Shinbundang Line, Pangyo, Suwon, or other areas where exclusions apply
• Your trip is walk-focused within a single neighborhood

Sources

• Seoul Metropolitan Government official transport guides: Climate Companion Card usage — prices by type, coverage, purchase locations, charging methods
• Seoul Metropolitan Government official transport guides: Climate Companion Card overview — short-term pass eligibility, mobile vs. physical card, no pre-charge policy

Note: fares and coverage may change. Check Seoul city’s official guidance before purchasing.