South Korea's 'Modu's Card' to Offer Increased Public Transport Fare Refunds

South Korea is enhancing its public transportation subsidy program, 'Modu's Card,' to provide greater financial relief to commuters. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Metropolitan Area Transport Commission announced that the benefits of the card, which offers refunds on transportation expenses, will be significantly expanded starting this month.

The key change involves halving the minimum spending threshold required to qualify for a refund. This adjustment means that more users will be eligible to receive a larger portion of their travel costs back, making public transport a more economically viable option for a wider segment of the population. This initiative is particularly timely as it is funded through the 2026 supplementary budget, recently approved by the National Assembly.

This move reflects a broader governmental effort to encourage public transport usage and alleviate the financial burden on citizens, especially in densely populated metropolitan areas. The program's enhancement is expected to not only benefit individual commuters but also contribute to reducing traffic congestion and environmental pollution. From a local perspective, this is a welcome development that directly addresses the cost of living concerns for many South Koreans who rely on public transit daily.