Where Can You Use the Climate Card in Korea: Complete Guide
- FLip Korea
- Sep 26
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 3
If you’re planning to live in or visit Seoul, you’ve probably heard of the Climate Card (기후동행카드), Korea’s unlimited public transport pass designed to reduce carbon emissions and encourage eco-friendly commuting. For a flat fee, you can ride subways, buses, and even city bikes without worrying about topping up your T-Money balance every time.
But here’s the catch: the Climate Card isn’t valid everywhere. Its coverage is generous but limited to specific subway lines, bus routes, and stations. Using it outside the valid zones could mean unexpected charges or denied boarding.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly where you can and cannot use the Climate Card, using official Seoul Metropolitan Government sources and updated metro information so that you can travel in Seoul smoothly.
What is the Climate Card (기후 카드)
The Climate Card (기후동행카드 / “Climate Card”) is a pass introduced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to promote eco-friendly transit usage.
It offers unlimited rides (within its validity period) on public transportation modes which fall under its “service range” (subways, buses, and optionally bikes) in Seoul.
For tourists/short-term visitors, a Climate Card Tourist Pass is available (1, 2, 3, and 5-day options) starting July 2024 (from ₩5,000 to ₩20,000).
The card (physical) costs ~ ₩3,000 as the base card issuance fee.
The 30-day (monthly) version has two variants: subway + bus (≈ ₩62,000) or subway + bus + bicycle (Ttareungi) (≈ ₩65,000)
This is just a description. If you want to know all about this card, check our full article here.
And for the official website of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, press here.
Where can you use the Climate Card (service coverage)
Below is a breakdown of lines, areas, modes, and limitations. Always tap in and tap out (on subway and some buses) to validate the ride.
Mode / Type | Lines / Sections Included | Notes / Exceptions |
Seoul-based Subway Lines | Most of Lines 1 through 9, plus Ui-Sinseol Line, Sillim Line, etc. | But some sections extending outside Seoul are excluded (see “cannot use” section) |
Gyeongui–Jungang Line | From Susaek Station to parts within Seoul / peri-areas. | Outside those sections, card isn’t valid. |
Suin-Bundang Line | From Cheongnyangni Station to Bokjeong Station (Seoul portion) | Beyond that, Climate Card does not cover. |
Gyeongchun Line | From Cheongnyangni Station to Sinnae Station (within service range) | Outside that, you’ll need other fare. |
AREX (Airport Railroad Express) | Some limited coverage: from Gimpo Airport → Seoul Station, you can use Climate Card. | But boarding at Incheon Airport terminals is not allowed with the Climate Card (only alighting) (i.e. you can get off at Incheon Terminal 1/2, but you can’t board there) |
Seoul city / transit / local buses (Seoul-licensed buses, city / town / night buses) | All Seoul buses that are “Seoul-licensed” are included. | Note: even if boarding/disembarking outside Seoul if the bus is Seoul-licensed, Climate Card is accepted. |
Seoul Bike (Ttareungi / 따릉이) | Included in the variant of the card that supports bikes (the ₩65,000 version). | For tourist passes (short duration), bike usage may be restricted or not included. |
Subway Sections |
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You can access this link for the Climate Card service range search. (Korean Only)
Additional special rules:
Even if you board within the service area, if you disembark outside the permitted service range, the Climate Card cannot be used, and you’ll have to pay an extra fare. Example given: boarding at Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (in Seoul) and getting off at Indeogwon Station (in Gyeonggi-do), that leg is out of range.
There is an exception on Line 7: for certain stations (between Seongnam Station and Kkachiul Station), you may disembark (if you boarded within service) even though boarding from those stations is disallowed.
For tourist passes (1/2/3/5-day), the pass activates immediately when charged (you can’t delay the start).
For the 30-day version, you can choose a start date within 5 days after loading.
The mobile version of the Climate Card is available (for Android), and the physical card must be registered.
The Climate Card is meant for travel within Seoul / metropolitan area; you cannot use it on lines entirely outside Seoul (e.g. local subway networks in other cities) or on intercity/airport buses, non-Seoul-licensed buses, or lines beyond the coverage limits.
Where you cannot use the Climate Card (exclusions / invalid zones)
Sinbundang Line: the card does not cover usage on the Sinbundang Line.
Subway lines completely outside Seoul / outside service boundaries: any station beyond the permitted section is excluded.
Intercity buses (i.e. buses connecting cities) and airport limousine buses: not covered.
Non-Seoul-licensed buses: even if you're passing through Seoul, such buses are not included.
Boarding at Incheon Airport Terminals (for AREX / airport lines): you cannot board using the Climate Card at Incheon T1/T2, though you may disembark there if part of the trip.
If you ride outside the tapped range: e.g. boarding in range, disembarking out of range (beyond permitted endpoint), the card is invalid and the fare will be collected manually.
The Climate Card (기후동행카드) is Seoul’s new unlimited-use public transport pass for subway, bus, and bike (optional).
Available as a 1, 2, 3, or 5-day tourist pass or a 30-day pass, it covers most Seoul metro lines (Lines 1–9, Ui, Sillim, parts of Gyeongui–Jungang, Suin-Bundang, Gyeongchun, AREX between Gimpo & Seoul) and Seoul-licensed buses.
It excludes: Sinbundang Line, non-Seoul buses, intercity/airport buses, and subway stations outside the service boundary (e.g., a few Gyeonggi sections). Starting July 2024, international visitors may use the tourist pass.
The Climate Card is a game-changer for commuters, residents, and tourists who want unlimited, eco-friendly access to Seoul’s public transportation system. With one card, you can hop on almost all Seoul Metro lines, Seoul-licensed buses, and even the public bike system. However, remember its limitations: it does not cover the Sinbundang Line, non-Seoul buses, intercity/airport buses, and subway stations beyond the Seoul service boundaries.
By planning your routes within the card’s coverage and being aware of excluded lines, such as the Sinbundang or boarding restrictions at Incheon Airport. You’ll save money, avoid confusion, and enjoy seamless travel across Seoul.
In short, the Climate Card is absolutely worth it if your daily life or travel plans stay within Seoul’s metropolitan network. Just keep this guide handy, and you’ll know exactly where it works and where it doesn’t.