Seoul’s Climate Card to merge with All K-pass but still keep expanded youth discounts 

Seoul's Climate Card will be integrated into the nationwide public transit reimbursement program, while retaining additional benefits exclusively for residents of the capital.

To ensure a smooth transition, the current Climate Card service will be extended by one month, through Sept. 29. Monthly 30-day Climate Cards can be recharged until Aug. 31, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Friday.

Under the new system, Seoul's version of the upgraded K-pass — officially called the All K-pass but commonly known in Korean as the “Modu Card” or “Everyone's Card” — will be named the Climate Pass. The Seoul city government had previously referred to the service as Climate Card Plus.

The new pass will combine the nationwide reimbursement program with additional discounts funded by the city government.

One of the biggest changes is the expansion of youth benefits. While the nationwide youth discount applies to commuters ages 19 to 34, Seoul residents will remain eligible through age 39.

Current All K-pass users will not need to apply for a new card, as the additional Seoul benefits will be applied automatically.

The All K-pass offers two reimbursement options: the existing K-pass system, which refunds a percentage of eligible transit expenses, and a monthly fare-cap system that reimburses riders once their transportation spending exceeds a certain threshold. Users will automatically receive whichever option provides the greater benefit.

Under the fare-cap system, a general Seoul resident will be reimbursed for eligible transit spending exceeding 62,000 won ($43) in a month. For Seoul residents eligible for the expanded youth benefit, the reimbursement threshold will be lowered to 55,000 won.

The standard reimbursement rate for most commuters is 20 percent, while Seoul residents aged 35 to 39 will receive a 30 percent reimbursement under the city's expanded youth benefit. All reimbursements are available to commuters who use public transportation at least 15 times in a month.

The city also plans to retain Climate Card benefits that are not available under the nationwide K-pass program. These include extending youth eligibility for former mandatory military service members until age 42, as well as including the city's public bicycle rental program, Ttareungi, in the Climate Pass.

BY CHO JUNG-WOO   [[email protected]]