If you’re traveling to Korea, understanding the differences between the T-money Card and Climate Card can save you time. It can also save you money.
Both are legitimate and officially operated transportation systems — but they serve very different purposes.
1️⃣ T-money Card : The Essential All-Purpose Transportation Card
✔ What Is It?
The T-money Card is Korea’s standard prepaid transportation card used nationwide.
It works on:
- Subways
- City buses
- Intercity buses
- Taxis
- Some convenience stores and small shops
It is accepted in Seoul, Busan, Jeju, and most major cities across Korea.
Editor’s TIp
The T-money card can be used like a debit card at certain stores. It works within the available balance limit.
✔ Where to Buy
If you see this mark on the store window, they will sell cards and charge.
You can easily buy it at:
- Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, emart24)
- Incheon International Airport
- Subway station convenience stores
- Ticket Window (near bus stations or subway exits)
Card price: approx. KRW 3,000–5,000 (non-refundable card fee)
✔ How to Recharge (Top-Up)
- Subway station ticket machines (cash only)
- Convenience store counters (cash)
Some mobile payment integrations(Korean bank accounts required)
✔ How to Use
- Tap at subway gates when entering and exiting
- Tap on buses when boarding and exiting (MUST!! DO NOT FORGET IT!)
- Fare is automatically deducted
- Transfer discounts apply automatically
✔ Refund Policy
- Remaining balance (under KRW 50,000) can be refunded at convenience stores.
- A small service fee may apply.
✔ Best For
✔ Travelers visiting multiple cities
✔ Flexible itineraries
✔ Short stays
✔ First-time visitors
2️⃣ Climate Card : Seoul’s Unlimited Public Transit Pass
✔ What Is It?
The Seoul Metropolitan Government Climate Card is a flat-rate, unlimited transportation pass introduced by the city of Seoul.
It allows unlimited rides within Seoul during a selected period.
✔ Coverage Area
Included:
- Seoul subway lines (within Seoul jurisdiction)
- Seoul city buses
- Local village buses
- Public bike system (Ttareungi, optional add-on)
Not included(IMPORTANT):
- Airport Railroad Express (AREX Express)
- Intercity buses
- Transportation outside Seoul
- Some metropolitan lines extending beyond Seoul
Editor’s Comment
Occasionally, I have seen tourists attempt to use the Climate Card when returning from Seoul to Incheon International Airport. Unfortunately, they find that they cannot proceed through the subway gates. The Climate Card is designed primarily for Seoul’s public transportation system. It is specifically for Subway Lines 1–9 (within Seoul jurisdiction) and Seoul city buses. It is best understood as a pass for traveling within Seoul only.
If you need to travel to another city, you must use a T-money card or another valid single-journey ticket. This includes trips like going from Seoul to Incheon, even to Incheon International Airport. The Climate Card does not cover intercity travel.
If you find yourself already inside a subway station, you can purchase a T-money card. You can also recharge it again within the station. If you are unsure how to proceed, press the staff assistance button near the ticket machines. You can also go to the service window near the fare gates.
Alternatively, you can ask nearby people for help. Most people will respond kindly. Younger locals are particularly familiar with the Climate Card system. They can quickly understand your situation and assist you. ;^)
✔ Pass Options (2026 ver.)
Available durations (select one): 1 day / 2 days / 3 days / 5 days / 7 days / 30 days
(Including the activation date)
※ Valid from the first train on the activation date (04:00 AM) until the last train on the final day (typically until 04:00 AM the following day).
| Duration | Price (KRW) | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | 5,000 | Subway, Bus |
| 2 Days | 8,000 | Subway, Bus |
| 3 Days | 10,000 | Subway, Bus |
| 5 Days | 15,000 | Subway, Bus |
| 7 Days | 20,000 | Subway, Bus |
| 30 Days | 62,000 | Subway, Bus |
| 30 Days | 65,000 | Subway, Bus, Ttareungi(public bike system) |
| 30 Days | 67,000 | Subway, Bus, Hangang Bus(Han river boat taxi) |
| 30 Days | 70,000 | Subway, Bus, Ttareungi, Hangang Bus |
Physical card fee (approx. KRW 3,000) may apply separately.
✔ Where to Buy
- Subway station Customer Safety Centers (Lines 1–8)
- Designated convenience stores near subway stations
- Some tourist information centers
✔ How to Activate & Use
- Purchase the card
- Load the selected pass duration
- Tap at subway gates or on buses
- Unlimited rides during the active period
✔ Best For
✔ Travelers staying mainly in Seoul
✔ Heavy daily transit users
✔ Short but intensive itineraries
🎯 Which Card Should You Choose?
🗺 If you are traveling across Korea:
→ Choose T-money. It works nationwide.
🏙 If you are staying only in Seoul and moving a lot:
→ Choose Climate Card. It can be more economical.
🌏 If you’re visiting Seoul + other cities:
→ Use T-money, or consider combining both strategically.
🧭 Final Travel Tip for Foreign Visitors
If this is your first trip to Korea and you want maximum flexibility,
T-money is the safest and most versatile option.
If your itinerary is Seoul-focused and packed with attractions,
Climate Card can significantly reduce transportation costs.
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