The K-pass explained: All you need to know about Korea's latest transit card

Social Affairs

Published: 13 Jun. 2024, 16:46 Updated: 13 Jun. 2024, 17:18

The K-pass explained: All you need to know about Korea's latest transit card

A user holds a mobile screen of the K-pass, Korea's new public transportation fare refund service. [YONHAP]

The "K-pass," Korea's newest transportation card, quickly became popular after being introduced in May, as people seek ways to secure discounts on mass transit fares amid high inflation.

As of June 6, the K-pass attracted more than 1.57 million users, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. While the transit card continues to gain traction among Koreans, it is currently not as well known to foreigners. Among the people using the K-pass, only some 5,666 people, or 0.4 percent, are foreigners.

The K-pass refunds a portion of monthly public transportation expenses for users who ride buses and subways at least 15 times a month.

The refund amount differs depending on what category users fall into: general users receive a 20 percent refund, young adults 30 percent and low-income individuals 53 percent. Young adults are defined as people aged from 19 to 34. For example, a user spending an average of 70,000 won ($50.80) per month would save 14,000 won as a general user, 21,000 won as a young adult and 37,000 won as a low-income individual.

A poster of K-pass [MINISTRY OF LAND, INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORT]

The K-pass initiative aligns with Korea's national agenda to promote carbon neutrality and mitigate climate change by reducing transportation costs. It is the successor to the "Alddeul Transportation Card," which provided mileage-based refunds based on users tracking their trips on a mobile application. The K-pass eliminates this inconvenience and increases the benefits.

"The popularity of the K-pass is driven by improvements over the previous Altteul Transport Card and the desire to save even 10,000 to 20,000 won per month," Baek Seung-rok, director of the Metropolitan Transport Economy Division, told the Korea JoongAng Daily on Thursday. "While there has been extensive promotion among Koreans, outreach to foreign residents has been limited."

The K-pass is comparable to Germany's 49 Euro Ticket and Austria's KlimaTicket, both nationwide public transportation passes. Unlike these prepaid integrated discount passes, the K-pass operates on a refund model.

"There was considerable debate over whether to adopt an unlimited prepaid model or the refund model chosen by the K-pass. We will continue to assess the situation and adjust to provide more benefits," Baek said.

The K-pass is partially subsidized by the government, with local governments covering the remainder on a 50 to 50 scale. The unexpectedly high number of users raised concerns about early budget depletion and potential refund delays.

"If it appears that the budget will fall short, we plan to secure additional funds in consultation with local governments," Baek said.

Additionally, there are concerns about a transportation welfare gap in rural areas that have not adopted the K-pass. Currently, 189 out of 229 cities, counties and districts nationwide offer K-pass benefits. Notable non-participating areas include Sokcho in Gangwon, as well as other smaller municipalities with populations under 100,000, which typically face administrative burdens.

"Some local governments have expressed their intention to participate, and we aim to continue expanding the benefits," Baek said.

Below are some frequently asked questions about the K-pass based on information provided by the Transport Ministry.

A poster of K-pass [MINISTRY OF LAND, INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORT]

Who can get the K-pass?

Residents aged 19 or older who live in municipalities participating in the K-pass program and use public transportation at least 15 times a month are eligible to use the K-pass. Foreigners can register if they have a foreigner registration number. Currently, 189 municipalities participate in the K-pass program, and the full list of participants is available on the K-pass website (https://korea-pass.kr).

How can one get the K-pass?

Users can choose between using a standard credit or debit card as a K-pass or using a mobile prepaid card accessible on an app. The K-pass card is issued by 10 card companies, including Kookmin, NongHyup, BC, Samsung, Shinhan, Woori, Hana, Hyundai, DGB UPay and Ezl (Kakao Pay's mobile transportation card). After receiving the card, users must register it on the K-pass website or app.

What is the purpose of the K-pass, and what are its benefits?

The K-pass program promotes public transportation use and reduces transportation costs by refunding a portion of the expenses in the following month. General users get a 20 percent refund, young adults 30 percent and low-income individuals 53 percent. Young adults are defined as those aged from 19 to 34, and low-income individuals are those receiving basic living subsidies or near-poverty benefits based on the National Basic Living Security Act. Public transportation expenses up to 200,000 won per month are fully eligible for a refund, but for any amount over 200,000 won, only 50 percent is eligible.

What modes of transportation are covered by the K-pass?

The K-pass covers all subways, city buses and village buses nationwide, as well as the more expensive red buses and the GTX, the greater Seoul area high-speed train. It does not cover express, intercity and airport buses, nor the KTX and SRT trains.

When can users receive the actual refund from the K-pass?

Refunds cannot be tracked in real time, as they are requested by the card company on the fifth business day of the month following the first time using public transportation with the K-pass. The exact payment date varies by card company.

A comparison table of Korea's transit passes [AHN DA-YOUNG]

What is more beneficial for Seoul residents, the Climate Card or the K-pass?

For those who frequently use subways or buses within Seoul, the prepaid unlimited Climate Card is more advantageous. As for commuters traveling between Seoul, Gyeonggi and Incheon, or those using the GTX and red buses, the K-pass is more useful.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]