SEOUL · PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Tmoney or a short-term Climate Card?
Do not buy a pass just because “unlimited” sounds better. The right choice depends on how many eligible rides you will actually take and whether your trip stays inside the pass coverage.
30-SECOND DECISION
| Option | Usually fits | Main caution |
|---|---|---|
| Tmoney | Flexible pay-as-you-go travel, mixed routes, uncertain daily ride count | You need to maintain a usable balance |
| Short-term Climate Card | Travelers taking many eligible Seoul transit rides during a fixed 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7-day period | Coverage exclusions matter; unlimited does not mean every route everywhere |
| Single-journey ticket | Very occasional subway use | Less convenient for repeated rides and transfers |
Tmoney: the flexible default
Seoul’s official transportation guidance describes Tmoney as a rechargeable transit card used across public transport and other participating services. For many visitors, it is the easiest default because you pay for what you use instead of trying to “win back” the cost of a pass.
Tmoney is especially practical when your itinerary includes fewer rides, long walkable days, or travel beyond the service range of a Seoul-only pass.
Short-term Climate Card: useful when ride volume is genuinely high
As of September 2026, Seoul’s official Climate Card page says short-term passes for visitors remain available in 1-, 2-, 3-, 5- and 7-day versions. The same official page also notes that the former 30-day prepaid Climate Card has been discontinued, while short-term visitor passes continue.
These passes cover eligible Seoul public transport within the defined service range. Some routes and services are excluded, so the itinerary should be checked against the official coverage map rather than assuming every subway or bus trip is included.
International cards are easier to use than before
Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that from March 17, 2026, internationally issued credit and debit cards became accepted at new vending machines for short-term Climate Card purchases/recharges and single-journey transit tickets at supported stations. This reduces the need to rely on cash for these specific transactions.