As the world grapples with the dual challenges of climate crisis and high inflation, creating sustainable urban environments and alleviating the financial burden on citizens have become critical tasks of our time. In particular, severe urban air pollution and traffic congestion are identified as problems stemming from car-centric transportation systems. Against this backdrop, a new initiative has begun to significantly increase public transportation usage and actively respond to climate change: the Climate Companion Card introduced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. This card is more than just a transportation pass; it is a crucial step towards changing citizens' mobility habits and moving towards a sustainable future.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, a sharp decline in public transportation's share of passenger traffic and an increase in private car usage led to a rise in urban carbon emissions. Amidst increasingly evident global climate crisis symptoms like heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and droughts, cities worldwide have intensified efforts to achieve carbon neutrality goals by promoting public transportation. International examples such as London's 'Oyster Card' and Germany's '9-Euro Ticket' (now '49-Euro Ticket') have demonstrated that increased public transport usage can positively impact greenhouse gas reduction. In line with these trends, Seoul City introduced the Climate Companion Card with the aim of reducing vehicle emissions, improving air quality, and alleviating traffic congestion by increasing public transport use.
The Climate Companion Card is an integrated public transportation season pass launched by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, with a pilot program starting in January 2024 and full operation commencing in July. Its most significant feature is the ability to use subways within Seoul, city-licensed buses, and the public bicycle 'Ttareungi' unlimitedly for 30 days with a single recharge. The standard pass costs 62,000 won without Ttareungi and 65,000 won with Ttareungi. For young adults aged 19 to 39, a discounted price of 55,000 won (without Ttareungi) or 58,000 won (with Ttareungi) is offered, significantly reducing transportation costs. Furthermore, a post-paid version of the Climate Companion Card was released in November 2024, further enhancing user convenience.
The service area of the Climate Companion Card has steadily expanded, extending beyond Seoul to include parts of Gyeonggi Province as of 2026. Initially limited to subways and buses within Seoul, it is now usable on subway lines in major 수도권 (metropolitan area) cities such as Gimpo Goldline, Goyang, Gwacheon, Guri, Namyangju, Seongnam, Hanam, and Uijeongbu. It is also scheduled to be applied to the Han River Bus, a new mode of transportation crossing the Han River, further diversifying citizens' mobility options. Convenience in recharging and management has also been greatly improved, with the introduction of credit/check card recharging via a mobile app and the possibility of card payments when recharging a physical card.
The introduction of the Climate Companion Card is yielding significant expected benefits in terms of environmental protection. By promoting public transportation use, it reduces private car usage, which in turn leads to a decrease in carbon emissions. According to an analysis by the Seoul Institute, users of the Climate Companion Card reduce their private car usage by an average of 11.8 times per month, resulting in an annual greenhouse gas reduction of approximately 30,000 tons. This directly impacts air quality improvement and contributes to reducing traffic congestion and illegal parking, playing a crucial role in creating a more pleasant and sustainable urban environment. It is recognized as a prime example of individual citizens' small actions collectively driving the entire city towards carbon neutrality.
In addition to environmental benefits, the Climate Companion Card contributes to significantly reducing citizens' financial burden and improving their quality of life. Card users are estimated to save an average of about 30,000 won per month on transportation costs, amounting to over 340,000 won in annual benefits. This provides tangible relief to household economies during a period of high inflation. Furthermore, increased public transportation use has positive impacts on solving social issues such as a reduction in traffic accidents and alleviation of parking difficulties. The Seoul Metropolitan Government actively encourages public transportation use by offering discounts on entrance fees to major cultural facilities like the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts to Climate Companion Card holders, which also contributes to citizens enjoying cultural activities.
While the Climate Companion Card has achieved successful adoption and expansion, it still faces challenges to overcome and holds immense future prospects. As of 2026, continuous consultations with neighboring local governments are necessary for seamless integration across the entire metropolitan area. The introduction of customized discount passes for various groups, such as parents with multiple children and low-income individuals, is also being pursued to benefit more citizens. Moreover, efforts to realize sustainable values continue, with eco-friendly cards made from recycled plastic (R-PVC) and new designs featuring the 'GO SEOUL' logo set to be introduced from 2025. Synergy with other public transportation support policies, such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's 'K-Pass,' is being sought, and deliberations continue to provide citizens with optimal transportation solutions.
The Climate Companion Card is more than just a transportation pass; it is an important policy that points towards the direction we must take in an era of climate crisis. By promoting public transportation, it reduces carbon emissions and protects the environment, while simultaneously alleviating citizens' transportation costs and contributing to economic stability. The achievements to date clearly demonstrate the positive impact this card has had on the lives of many citizens. It is expected that the Climate Companion Card will continue to expand and develop, playing a pivotal role in moving Seoul, and indeed South Korea, towards becoming a sustainable future city. Our collective wise choices create a greener and healthier tomorrow.
A1: It is currently usable on all subways within Seoul, city-licensed buses and village buses, and Ttareungi. As of 2026, its use has been expanded to subway sections in parts of Gyeonggi Province, including Gimpo Goldline, Goyang, Gwacheon, Hanam, Seongnam, and Uijeongbu. Use is restricted on the Sinbundang Line, GTX, express/airport buses, and buses licensed outside Seoul.
A2: K-Pass is a post-refund system (refund type) where a certain percentage of the usage amount is refunded, and it applies nationwide. In contrast, the Climate Companion Card is a season pass where you prepay a certain amount for unlimited use of public transportation in Seoul and some parts of the metropolitan area for 30 days. If you use public transportation very frequently and travel often within Seoul and connected metropolitan areas, the Climate Companion Card may be more advantageous. If your usage is variable or you need to use public transportation nationwide, K-Pass might be more suitable.
A3: Young adults aged 19 to 39 can use the Climate Companion Card at a discounted price. After purchasing a mobile or physical card, register on the T-money website and select the youth fare option.
A4: Yes, if you purchase the Climate Companion Card with the Ttareungi option included (65,000 won or 58,000 won for youth), you can use Ttareungi unlimitedly for 30 days. To use Ttareungi, you must register your Climate Companion Card number in the T-money GO app to receive the usage rights.
0