Updated November 15, 2026
Seoul transport card for tourists: T-money vs Climate Card
For most tourists, the best Seoul transport card is a plain T-money card: you load cash and pay ₩1,550 per subway trip. The Climate Card short-term pass (₩5,000 for 1 day, up to ₩20,000 for 7 days, plus a ₩3,000 card) only pays off if you ride a lot, and it can't be used to board at Incheon Airport.
T-money vs Climate Card at a glance
| T-money | Climate Card (short-term pass) | |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | Pay per trip from the balance | Unlimited rides for 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days |
| Price | Card about ₩3,000–5,000, then top up | ₩5,000 / 8,000 / 10,000 / 15,000 / 20,000, plus ₩3,000 card |
| Fare per ride | Subway ₩1,550, city bus ₩1,500 (adult) | Included |
| Works on | Subway, buses, AREX, most of Korea, many taxis and shops | Seoul subway and Seoul city buses only |
| Incheon Airport | Board and get off | Get off only, can't board there |
| Where to buy | Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven), station machines | Machines at Line 1–8 stations, tourist centers |
Climate Card prices, coverage and rules from the Seoul Metropolitan Government Climate Card page and its August 20, 2026 notice, checked November 2026. Fares from Seoul's fare table (subway since June 28, 2025, bus since August 12, 2023). T-money card prices vary by design, so sources differ.
Is the Climate Card worth it?
Do the sum before you buy. At ₩1,550 a trip, the 1-day pass (₩5,000) beats T-money from about the fourth trip. But you also pay ₩3,000 for the card once, so for a short stay you need more rides:
- 3-day pass: ₩10,000 + ₩3,000 card = ₩13,000. That's about 9 trips or more.
- 5-day pass: ₩15,000 + ₩3,000 card = ₩18,000. That's about 12 trips or more.
- 7-day pass: ₩20,000 + ₩3,000 card = ₩23,000. That's about 15 trips or more.
A transfer within the time limit counts as one trip with T-money, so a "trip" here is one journey, not one train. If you walk a lot around palaces and Bukchon, two or three trips a day is normal, and T-money wins.
My tip: Buy T-money at the airport convenience store and use it for the AREX ride into town. If you still want the Climate Card, buy it the next morning at a Line 1–8 station. The pass starts the moment you load it, so loading it at night wastes a day.
Climate Card rules tourists miss
- Days are calendar days. A pass runs from the first train (about 4:00) on the day you load it to the last train on the last day. The 1-day pass ends at the last train that same day.
- Seoul only since October 1, 2026. It no longer covers stations in Gimpo, Goyang, Gwacheon, Seongnam and other nearby cities. If you get off outside Seoul, staff collect the fare at the exit.
- Not included: the Shinbundang Line, GTX, express and airport buses, red buses, and buses licensed outside Seoul.
- AREX: you can board at Seoul Station, Gongdeok, Hongik Univ. or Gimpo Airport and ride to Incheon Airport. You can't board at Incheon Airport itself.
- Paying: Seoul's page asks for cash or a Korean-issued card, and station centers take cash only. Some guides say foreign cards now work at new machines, but bring cash to be safe.
The 30-day Climate Card ended in September 2026 and became the Climate Pass for residents. The short-term passes for visitors are still sold.
Topping up and getting money back
Top up T-money with cash at subway station machines or at the counter in convenience stores. Small leftover balances can be refunded at convenience stores, usually for a small fee (₩500 in most guides). Over ₩50,000, you have to go to Tmoney Town at Seoul Station. The card price itself isn't refunded.
Climate Card refunds are harder for visitors. Without a Korean bank account, Seoul says you go to Tmoney headquarters. Easier: buy only the days you need. Leaving Seoul with bags? Luggage storage in Seoul
Questions
What is the best Seoul transport card for tourists?
The best Seoul transport card for tourists is usually T-money, because it works on the subway, buses and AREX across Korea. The Climate Card short-term pass is cheaper only if you take about three or more trips every day inside Seoul, counting the ₩3,000 card.
How much is the Climate Card for foreigners?
The Climate Card for foreigners costs ₩5,000 for 1 day, ₩8,000 for 2 days, ₩10,000 for 3 days, ₩15,000 for 5 days and ₩20,000 for 7 days. The physical card is ₩3,000 extra.
Where to buy the Climate Card in Seoul?
You can buy the Climate Card at the transit card machines and information centers in Seoul Metro Line 1–8 stations, and at tourist information centers such as Myeongdong. Convenience stores near Line 9 and Ui-Sinseol Line stations also sell it.
Can I get a T-money card refund?
Yes, T-money card refunds of a small leftover balance are done at convenience stores, usually for a small fee. Balances over ₩50,000 are refunded only at Tmoney Town in Seoul Station. The card price is not refunded.