π Comparing The Gyeonggi Pass, Climate Action Card, K-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 Gyeonggi Pass + K-Pass, Climate Action Card, and Incheon I-Pass, highlighting their benefits and helping you choose the best fit for your needs.
Understanding the Options
1. Gyeonggi Pass (Gyeonggi Province) + K-Pass (Nationwide)
- Focus: Nationwide travel with partial reimbursement + Enhanced benefits for users residing in Gyeonggi Province
- Cost: Free
- Benefits (K-Pass): 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%
- Benefits (Gyeonggi Pass):
- 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: (Gyeonggi Pass) Residents of Gyeonggi Province (K-Pass) Must use public transportation more than 15 times per month.
- How to get it: Gyeonggi residence automatically get the benefits when getting a K-Pass. See below for a guide on how to get a K-Pass, including foreign residents.
- Managed by: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
2. 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.
Obtaining a K-Pass (+ Gyeonggi 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.
