Welcome to your new life in Seoul! Starting a journey in a vibrant city like this is thrilling, but the daily cost of Public Transportation (대중교통, daejung-gyotong) can quickly become a burden on your monthly budget. For international students and professionals who wish to explore every corner of the city, managing transit expenses is a practical way to enhance your quality of life. To solve this, Enkostay introduces the 2026 guide to the Climate Card (기후동행카드, gihudonghaeng kadeu), the smartest way to navigate Seoul and beyond.
Start Your Economical Seoul Life: What is the Climate Card?
The Climate Card is an Unlimited Pass (정기권, jeong-gigwon) that allows you to use Seoul subways and buses as much as you want for a fixed monthly fee. In 2026, this card has become an absolute necessity for residents. The most significant advantage is its cost-effectiveness; if you use public transit more than 40 times a month, it is much cheaper than paying for individual trips. Furthermore, since the service area expanded in 2026 to include Incheon and major parts of the Gyeonggi province, you can now travel throughout the metropolitan area without any additional stress.
Find the Perfect Option: 2026 Pricing and Discounts
Choosing the right pass depends on your lifestyle and daily commute. Here are the options available as of 2026. We recommend selecting the one that best fits your primary mode of transportation.
30-Day Basic Pass: 62,000 KRW
(Unlimited subway and bus within Seoul)30-Day Combined Pass: 65,000 KRW
(Includes unlimited subway, bus, and Ttareungyi public bikes)Youth Discount: Residents aged 19 to 39 can enjoy a discount of approximately 7,000 KRW, making the pass available for around 55,000 KRW.
Tourism Pass: For short-term stays, options range from 1-day (5,000 KRW) to 7-day (20,000 KRW) passes.
To benefit from the Youth Discount, you must obtain your Alien Registration Card and register your transit card on the official T-money website.
Easy Purchase and Essential Usage Rules
Getting your card is a very straightforward process. If you are an iPhone user or prefer a Physical Card, you can buy one for 3,000 KRW at a Subway Station (지하철역, jihacheol-yeog) information center or a nearby Convenience Store (편의점, pyeonyijeom). Once purchased, simply use the kiosks at the station to Recharge (충전, chungjeon) your card with cash or a credit card. Android users have the extra convenience of using the Mobile App for immediate issuance and payment without needing a physical card.
The most important rule for daily use is to Tag your card every time you get on and off. If you forget to tag off twice, your card will be suspended for 24 hours. Developing a habit of tapping your card whenever you exit will ensure a smooth and uninterrupted journey throughout the city.
Quick Korean Dictionary
기후동행카드 (gihudonghaeng kadeu): Climate Card
대중교통 (daejung-gyotong): Public Transportation
정기권 (jeong-gigwon): Unlimited Pass
청년 할인 (cheong-nyeon hal-in): Youth Discount
지하철역 (jihacheol-yeog): Subway Station
충전 (chungjeon): Recharge
Smart mobility without worrying about transit costs will make your journey in Seoul much more enjoyable. Explore the hidden gems and vibrant culture of this city with the help of the Climate Card. Enkostay is dedicated to ensuring you focus on your new achievements while we take care of your living needs. Start your smart Seoul life with us today.🏠