‘K-pass’ to provide transport discounts up to 53% across Korea

A citizen tapping their transportation card to pass through a subway station in downtown Seoul. [NEWS1]

A public transportation fare discount card offering discounts of up to 53 percent, dubbed "K-pass,” will be launched in May.

K-pass, available in prepaid or deferred cards, operates by providing partial reimbursement of expenditures on public transportation in the subsequent month in cash or mileage. To qualify for these discounts, users need to utilize public transportation at least 15 times a month, with the program extending benefits for a maximum of 60 times.

The K-pass card is available for use nationwide, including by foreign residents holding a residence number, except for specific regions.

The discount service covers transportation including city buses, subways and the GTX. However, high-speed trains (KTX and SRT) and intercity buses are excluded.

Discount amounts are categorized based on age and income criteria. Regular adults are eligible for a 20 percent refund, individuals aged 19 to 34 qualify for a 30 percent discount and those in the low-income bracket receive a 53 percent discount.

For instance, a monthly expenditure of 70,000 won ($52) on public transportation could lead to a 14,000 won refund for adults, 21,000 won for younger people and 37,000 won for low-income individuals.

Existing holders of the "Affordable Transportation Card," a precursor to the K-pass that reimbursed users based on distance, can transition seamlessly to the new program without the need for reissuing a new card. New users can apply for the K-pass card through the official website (korea-pass.kr), the mobile application or various card company websites.

"The original launch date was slated for July but was expedited to May to promptly address the burden of transportation costs for the public," the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said.