Seoul's Climate Companion Card to become 'Climate Companion Pass' in September

Seoul's popular 'Climate Companion Card,' offering unlimited public transport rides, is set to evolve into the 'Climate Companion Pass' in September. This transition integrates the card with the government's 'Modu's Card' subsidy program, expanding its reach beyond the capital city.

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The Climate Companion Card is the first unlimited public transport pass in Korea launched by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in January 2024. As the government launched 'Modu's Card' in January 2026, which adds the concept of an unlimited pass to the existing percentage refund system, Seoul City decided to integrate the specialized benefits of the Climate Companion Card to unify public transportation cost support policies.

The core change involves merging Seoul's unique benefits with a nationwide public transport subsidy system. This means users can now utilize the pass across the country and receive refunds on their transportation costs. The age range for youth discounts will also expand from 19-34 to 19-39, benefiting older youth in Seoul.

However, the transition introduces potential confusion for users. With multiple similar transit subsidy programs operating concurrently, including the existing Climate Companion Card, Modu's Card, K-Pass, and The Gyeonggi Pass, passengers are questioning the usability of their current cards and the necessity of re-issuing new ones.

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The Climate Companion Pass combines nationwide public transport use, transportation fee refunds, and Seoul's specialized benefits. Notably, the youth discount age will expand from the existing 19-34 to 19-39, allowing Seoul citizens aged 35-39 to also receive youth-type refund benefits.

The existing Climate Companion Card has varying end dates depending on the type. Prepaid 30-day passes can be charged until August 31 and used until September 29. Postpaid passes will retain their benefits until September 30. The new Climate Companion Pass aims to streamline these options while offering broader benefits, though clear communication will be crucial to avoid user confusion.

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Prepaid 30-day passes can be charged until August 31, and the last charged card can be used until September 29. Postpaid Climate Companion Cards can receive benefits until September 30 and will be converted to regular transportation cards from October 1. Short-term passes (1, 2, 3, 5, 7-day passes) will continue to operate.