🔍 Comparing Climate Action Card, K-Pass, The Gyeonggi Pass, and Incheon I-Pass
Choose the best option based on your frequency of transportation use, age, and region.
Planning your travels in South Korea? Understanding the various public transportation passes available can save you money and hassle. This guide breaks down four key options: the Climate Action Card, K-Pass, Gyeonggi Pass, and Incheon I-Pass, highlighting their benefits and helping you choose the best fit for your needs.
Understanding the Options
1. Climate Action Card (Seoul)
- Focus: Unlimited travel within Seoul.
- Cost:
- 62,000 Won per month (excluding Ttareungi bike sharing)
- 65,000 Won per month (including Ttareungi)
- Benefits: Unlimited rides on subways and buses within Seoul.
- Eligibility: Anyone.
- Launched: Trial operation began January 27, 2024.
- Managed by: Seoul Metropolitan Government.
2. K-Pass (Nationwide)
- Focus: Nationwide travel with partial reimbursement.
- Cost: Initial purchase price for the card varies depending on the issuer.
- Benefits: Receive a percentage of your transportation expenses back the following month based on usage (up to 60 trips per month):
- General users: 20%
- Young adults (19-34 years old): 30%
- Low-income earners: 53%
- Eligibility: Must use public transportation more than 15 times per month.
- Expected Launch: May 2024.
- Managed by: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
3. Gyeonggi Pass (Gyeonggi Province)
- Focus: Enhanced benefits for K-Pass users residing in Gyeonggi Province.
- Cost: Utilizes the K-Pass; no additional cost.
- Benefits:
- Extends K-Pass usage from 60 trips to unlimited trips per month.
- Expands the young adult age range for the 30% reimbursement to 19-39 years old.
- Provides up to 240,000 Won in transportation support for children and adolescents under 18 who are ineligible for the K-Pass.
- Eligibility: K-Pass users residing in Gyeonggi Province.
4. Incheon I-Pass (Incheon Metropolitan City)
- Focus: Enhanced benefits for K-Pass users residing in Incheon Metropolitan City.
- Cost: Utilizes the K-Pass; no additional cost.
- Benefits:
- Expands the young adult age range for the 30% reimbursement.
- Increases the reimbursement for seniors aged 65 and above from 20% to 30%.
- Provides up to 120,000 Won in transportation support for children and adolescents who are ineligible for the K-Pass.
- Eligibility: K-Pass users residing in Incheon Metropolitan City.
Choosing the Right Pass: A Quick Guide
- Frequent nationwide travel? The K-Pass, potentially combined with the Gyeonggi Pass or Incheon I-Pass, offers the best value.
- Primarily traveling within Seoul? The Climate Action Card provides unlimited travel within the city.
- Living in Gyeonggi Province or Incheon? Maximize your benefits by combining the K-Pass with the respective regional pass.
Obtaining a K-Pass for Foreign Residents
For foreign residents, obtaining a K-Pass can be facilitated through these methods:
Android Users:
- The easiest method is using the Mobile EZLE app: Mobile EZLE
iPhone Users:
- Mobile transportation cards are not currently available for iPhone users.
- Apply for a K-Pass through your primary bank or credit card company (excluding NH Bank, which is generally not recommended for foreigners).
For those without an existing credit card and only an NH Bank account:
- Hyundai Card Z work Edition2: This card is readily issued to foreigners with stable visas and employment and allows for K-Pass application. Hyundai Card generally has positive reviews among foreign residents.
- Hana Bank: Open a Hana Bank account and apply for a K-Pass directly at a branch. Shinhan Bank is a viable alternative if Hana Bank is not accessible.
- Tip: If your workplace or university has a bank branch (other than NH Bank), inquire about K-Pass application there first.
Future Developments
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is collaborating with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Gyeonggi-do, and Incheon Metropolitan City to enhance these public transportation initiatives. Expect further developments and potential cost reductions in the future. Stay tuned for updates!
