Seoul transit passes compared: T-money or an unlimited Climate Card pass?
Pay as you go with T-money, or buy a short-term unlimited pass? How each works, where to buy them, what they do not cover, and how to decide.
Visitors to Seoul have two main ways to pay for the subway and buses: a T-money card that you top up and pay per ride, or a short-term unlimited pass from Seoul’s Climate Card program. Here is how to choose.
The rules changed in 2026. Seoul ended its 30-day Climate Card and introduced a new monthly pass system for residents. Short-term passes for visitors were reported to continue. Our information is from our last check. Confirm current prices and coverage on Seoul city’s official channels before you buy.
Option 1: T-money (pay as you go)
- Tap in and out. You pay a fare based on distance.
- Free or discounted transfers between bus and subway within the transfer window.
- Works on the subway, buses, many taxis and in convenience stores, almost everywhere in Korea.
- Full guide: T-money card, step by step.
Best for: short trips, travelers who walk a lot, or anyone taking taxis, the airport railroad or intercity buses.
Option 2: Short-term unlimited pass
Seoul sells unlimited-ride passes for visitors, reported as 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7-day options. They cover Seoul’s subway lines and city buses within the pass area.
- Where to buy: ticket machines in Seoul subway stations and some convenience stores. Since 2026, many station machines on Lines 1 to 8 reportedly accept foreign Visa and Mastercard.
- Card fee: the physical card costs extra, separate from the pass.
- Activation: the pass usually starts from your first tap, and the days count by calendar day, not 24-hour periods. Check the rule shown on the machine.
What it does not cover
Coverage is limited to Seoul’s own transport. Typical exclusions include:
- the AREX airport railroad and airport limousine buses
- intercity buses and trains such as KTX
- some lines that run outside Seoul
- taxis, bike rental and river buses
Check the coverage list on the machine or official site before relying on it for a particular trip.
Which one should I choose?
| Your trip | Better choice |
|---|---|
| 1–2 days, mostly walking | T-money |
| 3 days or more, 4+ rides a day | Unlimited pass |
| Lots of day trips outside Seoul | T-money |
| You want simple, fixed costs | Unlimited pass |
A quick way to decide: count how many subway or bus rides you expect each day. If you ride four or more times a day for several days, an unlimited pass usually saves money. If not, T-money is simpler.
You can carry both: an unlimited pass for city travel, and a T-money card for the airport railroad and taxis.
K-Pass is for residents
K-Pass is a cashback program for people living in Korea. Short-term visitors cannot register for it.
Official sources
Prices, timetables and rules in Korea change often. We check this guide regularly, but please confirm details with the official sources linked above before you travel.