How to Use the Subway and Buses in Seoul (2026)
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Seoul has one of the best subway networks in the world, and a single transport card works on every subway line and bus. Here is how to get started, what it costs, and what changed with the Climate Card in 2026.
Step 1. Get a transport card
Buy a T-money card at a convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) or a subway station machine. Top it up with cash at the store counter or station machine. The same card also works in Busan and most other Korean cities.
After you open a Korean bank account, you can get a debit or credit card with a built-in transport function, so you never need to top up.
Step 2. Tap on, tap off
- Subway: tap at the gate when you enter and when you leave.
- Bus: tap when you get on and again when you get off. If you skip the second tap, you lose your transfer discount.
Fares (with a card)
| Ride | Card fare |
|---|---|
| Subway, basic fare (first 10 km) | KRW 1,550 |
| Longer subway trips | Extra fare by distance |
| City bus (blue and green) | KRW 1,500 |
The subway basic fare went up to KRW 1,550 in June 2025. Paying with a card is always cheaper than cash.
Free transfers
Transfer between subway and bus within 30 minutes of getting off (60 minutes late at night) and you pay only for the total distance, not a new fare each time.
What happened to the Climate Card?
- The 30-day Climate Card (기후동행카드) ended in September 2026. Seoul replaced it with the Climate Pass (기후동행패스), which gives refunds on top of the national K-Pass.
- The new Climate Pass is mainly for registered Seoul residents, so many foreign students may not qualify. Check before you rely on it.
- K-Pass is a national refund program. You get back part of what you spend on public transport each month. Foreign residents with an ARC may be able to join through a Korean card company. Ask your bank when you open your account.
- Short-term Climate Card passes (1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 days) are still sold for visitors. They are a good deal when family or friends visit Seoul.
Find your route
Use Naver Map, KakaoMap or Kakao Metro. They show real-time buses, the fastest exit and the best car to board. Google Maps does not work well for directions in Korea.
Moving to Seoul? Read how to find a place to live in Seoul next.
