Seoul Transit Card Calculator

πŸ‡°πŸ‡· Seoul Transit Card Calculator

Find out whether the Climate Card, T-Money, or WOWPASS saves you the most money.

3 Days
3 Rides / Day
πŸ’‘ Average tourists take 3–4 rides/day hopping between sightseeing spots.

How This Seoul Transit Card Calculator Works

Deciding whether to buy an unlimited Climate Card Tourist Pass or stick with a pay-as-you-go T-Money / WOWPASS card depends on two main factors: your daily transit frequency and whether your itinerary stays strictly inside Seoul.

This calculator uses official base fares and transit rules:

  • Base Adult Subway Fare: 1,550 KRW per ride within the central Seoul network.
  • Short-Term Climate Card Tourist Rates:
  • 1-Day Pass: 5,000 KRW
  • 2-Day Pass: 8,000 KRW
  • 3-Day Pass: 10,000 KRW
  • 5-Day Pass: 15,000 KRW
  • 7-Day Pass: 20,000 KRW
  • Physical Card Purchase Fees: 3,000 KRW for empty Climate Card / T-Money cards; 5,000 KRW for WOWPASS.

Which Card Should You Choose?

1. Seoul Climate Card (Unlimited Tourist Pass)

  • Best For: Sightseers staying 1 to 7 days who take 3 or more subway/bus rides per day within Seoul city limits.
  • Coverage: Valid across Seoul Metro Lines 1–9, Sillim Line, Ui-Sinseol Line, and Seoul city buses.
  • Important Catch: It does not work on the Shinbundang Line or outside Seoul (Suwon, Everland, Incheon, Busan). You can tap off at Incheon Airport on the All-Stop train, but you cannot tap in at Incheon Airport to begin a journey.

2. Classic T-Money Card (Pay-As-You-Go)

  • Best For: Casual riders taking 1–2 rides per day, or anyone traveling outside Seoul.
  • Coverage: Nationwide acceptance across all Korean subway lines, city buses, and local taxis.
  • Perks: Balances never expire and remaining cash under 20,000 KRW can be refunded at any convenience store.

3. WOWPASS Card (All-in-One Cashless Option)

  • Best For: Travelers who prefer not carrying paper Won cash and want guaranteed acceptance at self-service order kiosks and restaurants.
  • Coverage: Combines nationwide T-Money transit with an integrated prepaid foreign currency debit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Climate Card for the AREX Express Train?
No. The Climate Card does not cover the nonstop AREX Express Train. For direct airport transit to Seoul Station, purchase an AREX express ticket separately.

Where do I buy and load the Climate Card?
Buy the physical plastic card (3,000 KRW) at Seoul Metro customer convenience centers or convenience stores near stations, then load your chosen pass duration (1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 days) at subway station ticket vending machines (Lines 1–9) using Korean Won cash.

Can two people share one transit card?
No. Every passenger must tap their own individual card when entering and exiting Seoul subway turnstiles.