Climate Companion Pass to Launch on September 1...Combines Modu Card with Seoul-Specific Features

[Financial News] Seoul Metropolitan Government will launch the Gihu Donghaeng Pass next month. It adds features for Seoul residents to the government’s public transit refund program, the Modu Card.
Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 27th that it will launch the Modu Card (Gihu Donghaeng Pass) on September 1.
The Gihu Donghaeng Pass will continue the youth discount benefits of the existing Gihu Donghaeng Card by expanding the age range for youth discounts from 19 to 34 to 19 to 39. If monthly public transit spending is below 55,000 won, 30% of the amount spent will be refunded. If spending exceeds 55,000 won, the excess amount will be refunded. For example, if a young person spends 40,000 won a month on Seoul subways and buses, they would receive a refund of 12,000 won, or 30%, leaving an actual cost of 28,000 won. On the other hand, if they spend 80,000 won, they would only bear 55,000 won. The system automatically applies whichever benefit is greater.
Citizens who are already using K-Pass or the Modu Card can receive the Gihu Donghaeng Pass’s specialized services automatically after completing residence verification for Seoul.
The Gihu Donghaeng Pass can also be used on public transportation nationwide, including Great Train eXpress (GTX), the Shinbundang Line, and intercity buses. The system automatically applies the refund method that offers the greatest benefit based on total monthly usage, so users can receive favorable discounts whether they spend more or less.
From September 1 to October 2, Seoul Metropolitan Government will operate on-site promotional booths for the Gihu Donghaeng Pass at 12 major subway stations, including Seoul Station, City Hall Station, and Jamsil Station. The booths will be open on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
At the booths, users can return an existing physical Gihu Donghaeng Card whose validity period has expired and exchange it free of charge, one for one, for the newly launched physical Gihu Donghaeng Pass card. Users who switched from the existing Gihu Donghaeng Card to the Modu Card can also return their used cards and receive convenience store coupons or other rewards in exchange.
The booths will also provide one-on-one guidance on mobile app installation, K-Pass enrollment, and card registration for seniors and others who may have difficulty using digital devices. Those who want to use the mobile Gihu Donghaeng Pass can also receive help with app installation, issuance, and registration on site.
Before the youth version of the Gihu Donghaeng Pass is launched, Seoul Metropolitan Government will introduce a short-term youth pass, valid for seven days, starting September 1 to minimize any gap in benefits for existing youth users of the Gihu Donghaeng Card. Users who complete youth verification will be able to buy the seven-day pass for 13,000 won, down from the previous 20,000 won.
Seoul Metropolitan Government is continuing consultations with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to expand youth discount benefits for the Gihu Donghaeng Pass. It also plans to apply additional measures within the year, including extending the discount age for discharged military personnel and linking discounts with Seoul Bike (Ddareungi).
In addition, Seoul Metropolitan Government has extended the application period for the '30,000-won monthly payback for the Gihu Donghaeng Card (30-day pass)' program by one month, until the end of September. The payback program applies to Seoul residents and residents of Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province; Gwacheon; Guri; Seongnam; and Hanam City in Gyeonggi Province who purchased a 30-day pass between April 1 and June 30 and used it through expiration.
Yeo Jang-kwon, Director General for Transportation of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, "We will support on-site guidance, including applications and card exchanges, for digitally vulnerable citizens so they can use the Gihu Donghaeng Pass smoothly." He added, "As we are also launching the short-term youth pass and extending the payback application period, we will do our best to ensure that the projects get off to a stable start."

[email protected] Lee Seol-young Reporter