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The Night of Martial Law, Illuminated by Lightsticks

Photo Credit = X On December 3, 2024, South Korea was once again caught in the midst of a great historical upheaval. President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law under the pretext of national security, and the military seized control of major cities. Freedoms of assembly and expression were suppressed, and the daily lives of citizens were strictly monitored. Yet, even under such control, there was a generation determined not to remain silent: South Korea's MZ generation. The MZ generation found their own unique way of resisting—not through traditional means, but with lightsticks in hand, illuminating the darkness of oppression and showing their support for democracy. Lightsticks, symbols of the K-POP fandom, had long represented the unity and passion of music lovers. But that night, they took on a far greater meaning. They became a symbol of hope and support for democracy. In the streets of Seoul, citizens gathered with their lightsticks, creating a stunning display of diversity an...
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All About K-PASS Transportation Card


Many people in Korea use K-PASS when using public transportation.

Therefore, foreigners visiting Korea may also find it of interest.

Below are key questions and answers regarding K-PASS distributed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport.

  • What is the K-PASS program?
    ▶ K-PASS is a program designed to promote public transportation usage and reduce transportation costs. It provides a refund for a certain percentage (20–53%) of public transportation fares regardless of the distance traveled. Transportation expenses up to KRW 200,000 per month are fully recognized for a refund. However, for expenses exceeding KRW 200,000, only 50% is recognized for the refund.

  • What are the conditions for receiving a refund?
    ▶ Anyone aged 19 or older who resides in a participating municipality and uses public transportation 15 or more times per month is eligible for a refund. Refunds are given for up to 60 trips, with the highest amounts prioritized if usage exceeds 60 trips.

  • What transportation modes are eligible for K-PASS benefits?
    ▶ K-PASS applies to subways, metropolitan buses, city buses, village buses, and GTX nationwide. However, it does not apply to express/intercity buses, airport buses, and KTX/SRT, which require separate tickets.

  • Can I receive K-PASS benefits when using public transportation outside my residential area?
    ▶ K-PASS members can enjoy benefits anywhere in the country, even outside their registered residence.

  • What procedures are required to receive K-PASS benefits?
    ▶ You only need to issue a K-PASS card (credit, debit, or prepaid transportation card) and register as a member. Benefits are automatically applied when using public transportation without additional procedures. Registration can be done via the K-PASS app (distributed by the Korea Transportation Safety Authority) or the official website.

  • Where can I issue a dedicated K-PASS card?
    ▶ There are 23 types of K-PASS cards issued by 10 card companies. Postpaid cards (credit/debit) can be issued through card company apps/websites, and some card companies (Shinhan, KB Kookmin, NongHyup, Woori, Hana, etc.) also issue them at banks. Prepaid cards can be issued via mobile apps (Mobile Ezuel, Kakao Pay, iM One Pass), at convenience stores, online (Cashbee Shop), and at subway stations (Daegu).

  • Can I use K-PASS benefits without a physical card?
    ▶ Android users can issue a mobile prepaid card or register a physical card on mobile payment services (e.g., Samsung Pay). However, this is not available for iPhone users.
    Mobile prepaid cards can be issued through apps such as Mobile Ezuel, Kakao Pay, and iM One Pass. Mobile payment services are limited to postpaid transportation cards (credit/debit cards) and can be registered with services like Samsung Pay, Payco, NH Pay, or BC Paybook.

  • When can I check the accumulated balance, and when will the actual refund be paid?
    ▶ Accumulated balances can be checked a minimum of 2–3 business days and up to 14 days later (for mobile pay users). Refund requests are made to card companies on the 5th business day of the following month after public transportation use, and the payout date varies by card company.

  • Can foreigners use K-PASS?
    ▶ Only foreigners with a foreign registration number can register. When signing up, the foreign registration number must be entered instead of a resident registration number.

  • When I search for K-PASS in the app store, many apps appear. Which one should I use?
    ▶ You should download and use the official app developed and distributed by the Korea Transportation Safety Authority, the entrusted operator of K-PASS.

  • What are the differences between regional programs such as the Climate Companion Card (Seoul), The Gyeonggi Pass (Gyeonggi), and I-PASS (Incheon)?
    ▶ The Climate Companion Card is a prepaid unlimited pass that applies to Seoul subway lines (excluding certain lines outside Seoul, like the Gimpo Gold Line), Seoul-licensed buses, and the city bike service, Ddareungi.
    The Gyeonggi Pass and I-PASS are based on K-PASS benefits, with additional benefits provided by local governments.

  • Do I need to issue a separate card to use Gyeonggi’s The Gyeonggi Pass or Incheon’s I-PASS?
    ▶ The Gyeonggi Pass and I-PASS are types of K-PASS. Residents of Gyeonggi or Incheon can automatically receive additional local government benefits by issuing a K-PASS card and registering as a member.

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