Nearly 1.25 million Climate Cards sold since January, Seoul gov't says

Nearly 1.25 million Climate Cards have been sold just over 100 days after launch, said the Seoul city government on Monday.

A person passes through a subway turnstile at Gwanghwamun Station in central Seoul on April 7 with a banner advertising the Climate Card unlimited public transportation pass displayed nearby. [YONHAP]

Nearly 1.25 million Climate Cards have been sold just over 100 days after launch, said the Seoul city government on Monday.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the unlimited transit pass has been issued 1,249,000 times as of last Thursday since the card's debut on Jan. 23.

The launch of the K-pass, a similar public transportation discount card that debuted on May 1, did not have a direct impact on the number of Climate Card users, according to the city government.

The number of pass users has been rising, up from 525,138 on April 29 to 533,784 as of May 2.

The city government is collecting feedback from the public regarding the cards, and will select 100 individuals to try newly designed versions set to be released in July.

The new card designs include two versions, one of which features Hechi, Seoul's mascot.

Individuals who wish to participate should submit their feedback through an online form by Friday.

City officials plan to extend the discounts available for cultural and recreational facilities.

Starting at the end of May, pass holders will receive a 50 percent discount on entrance fees for the Seoul Science Center in northern Seoul.

“Seoul will expand services, including car insurance discounts and short-term passes, to enhance the convenience and efficiency for pass users,” said Yoon Jong-jang, director of the city’s transportation bureau.

BY WOO JI-WON [woo.jiwon@joongang.co.kr]