🚇 Foreigners can get refunds too! The changed K-Pass and regional transportation benefits

“They say the Climate Companion Card has changed. As a foreigner, can I also receive benefits?”

Yes, foreigners can also sign up for Everyone’s Card (K-Pass) and get transportation fee refunds! In this article, we’ll cover the eligibility requirements, the updated Climate Companion Card, and the benefits you can receive outside of Seoul. 🚌

Based on information as of October 8, 2026.

🪪 Foreigner registration requirements and card registration

If you are 19 or older and have a Foreigner Registration Number, you can apply. You register after identity verification and address confirmation. International students can also use it if they meet the same requirements.

• You have a Foreigner Registration Number → Prepare an eligible card and sign up for Everyone’s Card.

• You live outside of Seoul → You can receive nationwide common benefits (K-Pass). Additional benefits vary depending on where you live.

• You are still waiting for a registration number → If commuting in Seoul, you can use the physical Climate Companion Card short-term pass without membership registration.

👉 Buying just the card does not automatically apply for the refund. You must also complete Everyone’s Card membership registration and card registration. Official signup requirements · Foreigner signup FAQ · Short-term pass guide

💳 From prepaid 30-day pass to post-usage refund system

The old Climate Companion Card was a prepaid 30-day pass. Now, the Climate Companion Card 30-day pass has ended, and the Climate Companion Pass, which refunds your transportation expenses, is in operation.

The Climate Companion Pass is not a separate refund program from Everyone’s Card; rather, it provides extra benefits for Seoul residents. Seoul residents already using K-Pass/Everyone’s Card can continue using their existing registered cards from September 1. Seoul transition notice

👉 If you only used the old 30-day Climate Companion Card, you need the new card and Everyone’s Card registration to fit the new refund system.

If you are in Seoul for just a few days, the short-term pass is also available. Prices range from 5,000 KRW for 1 day to 20,000 KRW for 7 days, with card purchase fee charged separately. Applies to Seoul subways and city-licensed buses; Shinbundang Line, GTX, and express buses are excluded. Short-term pass price/routes

💰 Refunds are calculated based on 3 criteria, and the largest amount is refunded

Everyone’s Card automatically applies the highest refund among the three methods. You do not need to choose an option when signing up.

• Basic type: 20% refund of usage for general users, 30% for ages 19–34.

• Standard type: Collects usages where single fare is under 3,000 KRW, then refunds the amount exceeding the monthly base amount.

• Plus type: Includes fares over 3,000 KRW and refunds the amount exceeding the monthly base amount.

If you transferred from a bus to a subway and got a transfer discount, it counts as one trip. Below are the monthly base amounts for general and youth users.

Youth in the table refers to ages 19–34. If a region has a broader youth age or applies extra benefits for multiple children or low income, the criteria may differ.

For example, if a 24-year-old student living in a provincial region spends 100,000 KRW on transportation?

Assuming all trips cost under 3,000 KRW and there are no time-based extra refunds: Basic type refunds 30,000 KRW, Standard type 50,000 KRW, and Plus type 15,000 KRW. The largest 50,000 KRW is refunded. Refund calculation method

Base amounts may differ by city/county even within the same province. In Gyeongnam, for example, Changwon is General Provincial, Miryang is Priority Support, and Namhae is Special Support. You can see your area’s criteria by selecting your city/county on the Everyone’s Card website > Program info > Region categories. Regional base amounts

🚌 Refunds from 15 rides/month, covers buses, subway, GTX

Refund applies not only to buses and subways you use daily, but also express buses, Shinbundang Line, GTX, and airport railroad. Transportation costs outside your registered address are also included.

• You must use the service at least 15 times per month for general/youth. In your first month after joining, refunds are possible even if you use it less than 15 times.

• KTX, SRT, intercity/express buses, and airport buses that require separate ticket purchase are excluded.

• Usage before joining is not retroactive. Please complete registration before using the card.