Gov’t to introduce a public transit pass in May 2024

[Photo by Yonhap]

South Korea will launch a monthly transit pass in May 2024 that offers refunds of up to 53 percent of the passengers’ paid transportation fare, two months earlier than the initial July launch date.

The transit card, called K-Pass, is available for use in public transportation, including buses, subways, and even higher-speed commuter train GTX-A, in the Seoul Metropolitan Area. The pass offers 20 to 53 percent refunds on the fare to passengers on at least 15 trips in a month, depending on their income brackets. Those with low income can get refunded up to 53 percent of the fares they paid during the previous month, while adults will get 20 percent back, and young people aged 19 to 34 get 30 percent.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, which will operate the pass, is expected to offer information on the program in May 2024. Users can choose their pass via the K-Pass website, the mobile app, or via 11 card companies.