Stop Paying Per Ride: How to Use Seoul's Unlimited "Climate Card"

If you stay in Seoul for more than 7 days, paying for every subway and bus ride adds up fast. A single trip costs about 1,400 KRW ($1.00). If you go out twice a day, that's $4-$5 daily.

Enter the game-changer: The Climate Card (Gihoo Donghaeng Card).

This is Seoul's new unlimited transit pass, and it is a must-have for long-term travelers.

What is the Climate Card?

It is a prepaid card that gives you unlimited access to:

• Subway lines within Seoul (Lines 1-9, Sillim, Ui-Sinseol, etc.)

• All Seoul City Buses (Blue and Green buses)

• Optional: Ttareungi (Public Bicycles)

The Cost (As of 2025)

• 30-Day Pass (Subway + Bus): Approx. 62,000 KRW (~$46 USD)

• 30-Day Pass (+ Bikes): Approx. 65,000 KRW (~$48 USD)

If you take the subway more than 40 times a month (which you definitely will), this card saves you money.

Specifics: How to Buy & Charge

This is where foreigners get confused.

1. Where to buy: Go to any subway station "Customer Safety Center" (Information desk) or a convenience store (GS25, CU) near stations. Ask for the "Gihoo Donghaeng Card."

2. Card Cost: The physical card costs 3,000 KRW (cash only).

3. How to Charge:

   • Go to the ticket reload machine in the subway station.

   • Place your card.

   • Select "Climate Card Reload."

   • IMPORTANT: You must pay with CASH (Korean Won). Credit cards usually don't work for reloading transport cards.

Stay Near the "Green Line" (Line 2)

To maximize your card, you want to live near Line 2. It is the circle line that connects Hongdae, Gangnam, and City Hall.

LiveAnywhere specializes in housing near major subway stations.

• No long walks: We tell you exactly how many minutes it takes to walk to the station (e.g., "3 min walk to Gangnam Stn").

Travel unlimited. Live conveniently.

Combine your Climate Card with a strategically located rental.