Not sure whether to buy a Climate Card Tourist Pass or just top up a T-money card? Enter how many days you’ll be getting around Seoul and how many journeys you’ll take each day, and the calculator works out which is cheaper. It uses Seoul’s current adult fares, checked in October 2026.
Short answer: for a stay of 2 to 6 days, the Climate Card Tourist Pass is cheaper if you take 3 or more journeys a day. For a week or longer, it pays off from just 2 journeys a day. For a single day, you need 4 or more. These numbers assume short trips (the ₩1,550 base fare) and a basic T-money card.
Planning to visit Korea? These travel essentials will help you plan your trip, get the best deals, and save you time and money before and during your Korean adventure.
Visas & K-ETA: Some travellers to Korea need a Tourist Visa, but most can travel with a Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA). Until the end of 2026, citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan and many European countries, don’t need either one.
How To Stay Connected: Pre-order a Korean Sim Card or a WiFi Router to collect on-arrival at Incheon Airport (desks open 24-hours). Alternatively, download a Korean eSIM for you travels.
Where To Stay: For Seoul, I recommend Myeongdong (convenient), Hongdae (cool culture) or Gangnam (shopping). For Busan, Haeundae (Beach) or Seomyeon (Downtown).
Incheon Airport To Seoul: Take the Airport Express (AREX) to Seoul Station or a Limo Bus across Seoul. Book an Incheon Airport Private Transfer and relax to or from the airport.
Korean Tour Operators: Tour companies that have a big presence in Korea include Klook, Trazy, Viator, and Get Your Guide. These sites offer discounted entry tickets for top attractions.
Seoul City Passes: Visit Seoul’s top attractions for free with a Discover Seoul Pass or Go City Seoul Pass. These passes are great for families and couples visiting Seoul – you can save lots.
How To Get Around: For public transport, grab a T-Money Card. Save money on Korea’s high speed trains with a Korea Rail Pass. To see more of Korea, there are many rental car options from Klook, EconomyBookings, and RentalCars.
Travel Money: Use money exchanges near Myeongdong and Hongdae subway stations for the best exchange rates. Order a Wise Card or WOWPASS to pay by card across Korea.
Flights To Korea: I use flight comparison sites such as Expedia and Skyscanner to find the best flights to Korea from any country. Air Asia is a good option for budget flights from Asia.
Travel Insurance: It is important to insure your trips to protect yourself against the unexpected. World Nomad is a specialized travel insurance provider with options for different coverage for travellers from around the world. You can also purchase cover when you are already travelling.
How To Learn Korean: The language course from 90 Day Korean or Korean Class 101 both have well-structured lessons and lots of useful resources to help you learn Korean.
Climate Card Tourist Pass prices
| Pass | Price | Per day |
| 1-day | ₩5,000 | ₩5,000 |
| 2-day | ₩8,000 | ₩4,000 |
| 3-day | ₩10,000 | ₩3,333 |
| 5-day | ₩15,000 | ₩3,000 |
| 7-day | ₩20,000 | ₩2,857 |
The card itself costs ₩3,000 on top of the pass. A pass starts on the day you charge it and can’t be charged in advance. A 1-day pass lasts until the last bus or subway that day. For longer stays, charge a new pass when the first one runs out: the calculator picks the cheapest combination for you.
Seoul fares when you pay as you go
| Ticket | Adult fare |
| Subway, with a transit card (first 10 km) | ₩1,550 |
| Subway, single-ride ticket | ₩1,650 |
| Each extra 5 km over 10 km | +₩100 |
| Seoul regular city bus, trunk or branch (card or cash) | ₩1,500 |
Transfers between the subway and buses are free if you tap in again within 30 minutes of getting off (60 minutes between 9 PM and 7 AM), for up to 5 transfers. You pay the highest base fare of the modes you used, plus any distance charge, so a whole trip counts as one journey in the calculator. You have to tap your card both when you get on and when you get off.
Teens and children pay less: ₩900 and ₩550 for the subway with a card.
What the Climate Card doesn’t cover
- The Sinbundang Line
- Subway lines outside Seoul
- Intercity and airport buses
- Buses not licensed in Seoul
Since 1 October 2026, the short-term passes are valid for travel within Seoul and for trips ending at Incheon International Airport. Gimpo Airport Station is still covered, but Gimpo, Goyang, Gwacheon, Guri, Seongnam, Hanam and Namyangju no longer are. That matters if you’re planning day trips: count only your days inside Seoul in the calculator.
You may also hear about Seoul’s new Climate Pass. It’s only for Seoul residents, so visitors use the short-term passes above. Our Climate Card Tourist Pass guide covers where to buy it and how to use it.
Where to buy a Climate Card
Climate Cards are sold at card vending machines in Line 1–8 subway stations, and at convenience stores near Line 9, Ui-Sinseol and Sillim Line stations. You can buy and recharge them with an international credit or debit card.
Which card for pay as you go?
- T-money: the standard rechargeable transport card. It also works outside Seoul.
- WOWPASS: a prepaid payment card for shops and cafés with T-money built in. A good fit if you also want to pay by card without foreign fees.
- Korea Tour Card: works like T-money and adds discounts for tourists at attractions and shops.
My preferred card really depends on how I’m planning to travel, and I always go for the one that saves me the most.
Climate Card vs T-money: FAQ
Is the Climate Card worth it for tourists?
It is if you ride a lot. For a stay of 2 to 6 days it beats paying as you go from 3 journeys a day, and for a week or longer from 2 journeys a day (short trips, adult fares). If you mostly walk or take taxis, a T-money card is cheaper.
Do I still need a T-money card if I get a Climate Card?
Often, yes. The pass doesn’t cover the Sinbundang Line, airport buses or anything outside Seoul, so carry T-money (or WOWPASS) for those trips.
Can I use the Climate Card to get to Incheon Airport?
Since 1 October 2026, Seoul says the short-term passes are valid for trips ending at Incheon International Airport. Seoul doesn’t say which trains this covers, so check at the station before you rely on it.
Can I buy a Climate Card with a foreign credit card?
Yes. Since 20 March 2025, Climate Cards can be bought and recharged with international credit and debit cards.
Can I get a refund on a Climate Card pass?
Yes, before the pass ends. Seoul refunds the amount you charged minus what you’ve used on public transport and a ₩500 fee. There’s no refund after the pass has expired.
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