Seoul's short-term Climate Card passes still exist after the September 2026 launch of the separate resident-focused Climate Pass. For visitors, the important update is the service-area change that took effect on October 1, 2026.
Short-term passes still available
Seoul currently lists 1-, 2-, 3-, 5- and 7-day passes at KRW 5,000, 8,000, 10,000, 15,000 and 20,000. The validity period starts on the day the short-term pass is loaded, so do not load it early for a later trip.
October 1 changed the useful map
Seoul's August 2026 transition notice says the short-term pass service area from October 1 is travel within Seoul plus trips ending at Incheon International Airport. The former short-term coverage in Gimpo, Goyang, Gwacheon, Guri, Seongnam, Hanam and Namyangju no longer applies.
That makes destination checking essential. The pass is not a general metropolitan-area pass. If your itinerary includes a Gyeonggi destination, the Sinbundang Line, an airport bus, or another service outside the stated range, price that trip separately.
Foreign cards
Since March 17, 2026, designated new ticket machines on Seoul Metro Lines 1-8 accept internationally issued credit/debit cards and supported mobile payments for short-term Climate Card products and single-journey tickets. Machine availability still varies by station.
Do not confuse Climate Card with Climate Pass
The new Climate Pass is a residence-based program for Seoul residents. Foreign residents can register if they have the required foreigner registration number, but a short-term visitor should generally look at the Climate Card short-term passes instead.
Before loading
Check the exact destination station and bus operator against the current Seoul service-area page, then load the pass only when you are ready for its validity period to begin.