Seoul’s Climate Companion Card Ends as Nationwide Refund Scheme Takes Over

Seoul’s Climate Companion Card, a monthly pass that allowed unlimited public transport use, is being folded into the nationwide Modoo Card system from Sept. 1. The change will end the city’s separate transit-support scheme and replace it with a Seoul-specific version called the Modoo Card Climate Companion Pass.

The Climate Companion Card has operated since 2024 in prepaid and postpaid forms, costing roughly 62,000 to 65,000 won per month. Modoo Card works differently. Instead of paying a fixed amount for unlimited travel, users pay each fare as they travel and later receive a refund. The two cards are not compatible because they operate under separate payment structures.

Seoul and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s Metropolitan Area Transport Committee said they were ending the separate system to reduce confusion caused by two public-transport support programs and to simplify administration. A transition period will protect some current users. Prepaid cards could be recharged through Aug. 31, with the final balance usable until Sept. 29. Postpaid cards will retain their discount through Sept. 30, then become ordinary postpaid transit cards from Oct. 1. A 30,000-won cashback payment for certain 30-day pass users has also been extended to Sept. 30.

People already registered for Modoo Card or K-Pass must complete Seoul residency verification to receive the city-specific benefits automatically. Those who used only the Climate Companion Card must obtain a Modoo Card, register as members, and link the card through the app or website. Users can join during any month and receive refunds for that month’s travel. In the first month, fewer than 15 trips can qualify, but users generally need at least 15 trips in later months.

Not every existing benefit transfers immediately. The youth category for ages 35 to 39 will continue, while some youth and discharged-service-member discounts are scheduled for later application. Short-term passes lasting one, two, three, five, or seven days will remain for people without mobile devices or bank accounts and for users uncomfortable with digital tools. The seven-day pass will cost teenagers 13,000 won instead of 20,000 won because they cannot join Modoo Card.

Seoul has placed help booths at 12 busy subway stations, including Seoul Station, City Hall Station, and Jamsil Station. From Sept. 1 to Oct. 2, staff will exchange eligible physical cards and help older users install the app and register cards. Modoo Card will be available through most major card companies and banks, as well as services including KakaoPay, Naver Pay, and mobile Rail Plus.

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We are providing on-site guidance, including applications and card exchanges for digitally vulnerable groups, and will do our best to ensure the program becomes firmly established.