Save Smart on Transportation Costs in Seoul! How to Use the Climate Companion Card and Important Points to Note

Transportation costs can add up unexpectedly during a trip to Seoul.
If you use the subway or buses repeatedly, your expenses can easily increase in proportion to the number of trips.

That is when you may want to consider the “Climate Companion Card” offered by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
The 1-day pass allows you to use eligible subways and buses repeatedly under certain conditions, making it useful on days when you travel frequently for sightseeing.

However, please note that some routes and means of transportation are not covered.
In this article, we clearly organize the basic information and important points to note.

🚇 What is the Climate Companion Card?

The Climate Companion Card is a transportation card (product) designed to encourage the use of public transportation.
On days when you travel frequently during your trip, the total fare can easily become expensive, so if the conditions are met, it can make managing transportation expenses easier.

※ The system and eligible coverage may change. Be sure to check the official announcements for the latest information.

✅ Examples of Available Transportation

The coverage available with the Climate Companion Card may vary depending on the product and period, but generally includes the following:

🔵 All Seoul Subway Lines

All lines from Line 1 to Line 9 are available.

🔵 Seoul City Buses

Blue, green, and yellow Seoul city buses are covered.

🔵 Airport Railroad (Some Sections)

It can only be used when getting off at Incheon Airport.

In other words, you can use it to get to the airport on the day you return home✨

❌ Beware of transportation not covered

While convenient, taking transportation that is not covered may result in an additional fare being charged. The main things to watch out for are as follows.

🚫 Shinbundang Line

This line runs through the Gangnam area, but it is not covered.

🚫 Metropolitan buses・Airport limousine buses

Red buses and limousine buses bound for the airport cannot be used.

🚫 Buses in other areas, such as Gyeonggi-do and Incheon

Buses operating outside Seoul are not covered.

 ※Regarding the Airport Railroad (AREX), it may not be covered depending on the section and service type. We recommend checking the latest conditions before use.

📝 Points to note when purchasing and using

For peace of mind, keep the following points in mind before using it.

① You need to purchase and charge the card

The cost of purchasing the card itself and the cost of charging a 1-day pass are separate.

You can purchase it at station counters or vending machines.

② It may become valid immediately after charging

You cannot specify the date or time.

Since you will need to start using it immediately after charging, it is recommended to charge it first thing in the morning.

③ You need to tap when both boarding and getting off

Be sure to tap the card not only when boarding, but also when getting off.

If you forget, you may be charged an additional fee.

④ Valid until 4:00 a.m. the following morning

It’s fine to enjoy yourself until late at night.

Since you can use it until 4:00 a.m. the following morning, you can enjoy Seoul until late at night🌙

💡 Recommended for

• ・　Planning to visit multiple areas in one day

• ・　Transferring between subways and buses multiple times

• ・　Having a short stay and wanting to improve travel efficiency

• ・　Wanting to manage transportation expenses more easily

• 
  

※Conversely, on days with little travel, regular fares may be more suitable. We recommend choosing based on your itinerary.

🗺️ Recommended Ways to Use It

Since you have unlimited rides, why not make the most of it with a route like this??

Morning: Shopping in Myeongdong → Trying on hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace

Afternoon: Strolling through Bukchon Hanok Village → Visiting cafés along Garosu-gil

Evening: Night shopping in Dongdaemun

Even with all this travel, there are no additional charges!

It’s such a great deal, right?✨

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