Cutting transit costs: K-Pass (모두의카드), Ttareungyi bikes, Climate Pass

The diagram below is a self-made illustration, not a real screen.

If you ride the bus or subway daily, refund programs give some of it back the next month. This focuses on what changed in 2026.

Who this suits

• Anyone using public transit 15+ times a month
• Anyone biking short trips in Seoul

1. K-Pass (모두의카드): what changed in 2026

From 2026, K-Pass became “모두의카드” (Everyone’s Card). Each month the most favorable of three methods is applied automatically.

• Basic (percentage): general 20%; youth (19–34), seniors, and parents of 2 kids 30%; 3+ kids 50%; low-income (basic livelihood recipients and near-poverty households) 53.3%
• Standard / Plus (fixed threshold): spending above a monthly threshold is refunded. In the capital area: general ₩62,000 (Plus ₩100,000); youth/2 kids/seniors ₩55,000 (₩90,000); 3+ kids/low-income ₩45,000 (₩80,000). Standard counts only rides under ₩3,000 each; Plus counts all. Thresholds are lower outside the capital area.

Eligibility: age 19+ registered in a participating local government, 15+ rides a month (the first month pays even under 15). Which modes count can differ, so check the official K-Pass site; Seoul’s FAQ lists buses, subways, 신분당선, metropolitan buses, GTX, 대경선 and 한강버스 as covered.

How: get a 모두의카드 (K-Pass) card from a card company or bank → sign up on the K-Pass app or website and register the card (after login) → ride → refund the next month.

2. Seoul Climate Pass (기후동행패스)

Seoul is moving its Climate Card into the “Climate Pass,” linked to 모두의카드. Seoul residents already on 모두의카드/K-Pass got the benefits automatically from Sept 1, 2026. Seoul adds a wider youth age range (19–39). A Ttareungyi bike discount is still under discussion. Non-Seoul residents aren’t eligible and should switch to their region’s 모두의카드 service (Gyeonggi: The Gyeonggi Pass).

3. Ttareungyi (Seoul public bike) passes

• Day pass: 1-hour ₩1,000 / 2-hour ₩2,000 / 3-hour ₩3,000
• Season pass (members): 1-hour 7 days ₩3,000, 30 days ₩5,000, 180 days ₩15,000, 365 days ₩30,000; 2-hour 7 days ₩4,000, 30 days ₩7,000, 180 days ₩20,000, 365 days ₩40,000
• Going over the base time costs ₩200 per 5 minutes. Return within the base time and re-rent to keep riding with no extra fee.

Common mistakes

• Getting the card but never registering it on the K-Pass app/site
• Months with fewer than 15 rides
• Riding past the base time and paying extra

Checklist

• ☐ Know your type (general, youth, senior, multi-child, low-income)
• ☐ Register the card with K-Pass
• ☐ 15+ rides a month
• ☐ Return bikes within the base time

For more money you may be missing, see our guide to finding hidden money.

We also have a $4.99 PDF guide that collects more everyday money-saving tips. Take a look if it’s useful →