Enjoy multiple benefits with one pass
With none other than the Discover Seoul Pass, you get to make the most out of the capital of Korea at the lowest cost. Some benefits include free entry to more than 30 tourist destinations, discounted rates at experiences and shops, as well as customized card design, just to name a few. Here’s what you need to know about the Discover Seoul Pass and how you can get your hands on one for your trip to Seoul.
1. Features of the Discover Seoul Pass
The Discover Seoul Pass is available in the forms of 24, 48 and 72 hours respectively, allowing flexibility depending on the itinerary and duration of your trip. The card can be used to a wide range of attractions, and alongside the travel tips and resources they (and we) provide, you can hop from place to place without the hassle of budgeting your time and money. The pass not only grants free access to Seoul’s most representative spots but also discounted rates for shopping, performance shows and transportation.
Credit: Discover Seoul Pass
To highlight a few, from the moment you arrive in Seoul, the Discover Seoul Pass enables you to redeem a free one-time AREX train ride, bringing you from the airport to the city centre, as well as a SIM card with 1-day validity. In the city, you can rent a bike for free to explore the districts. Who knew one card could also have your travel insurance covered? It’d live up to the hype of being an all-in-one card, especially with exclusive pop-up features around Seoul and an endless source of entertainment right at your fingertips.
Source: Discover Seoul Pass
2. Compare types of Discover Seoul Pass
We know that the card is offered at different durations, another cool thing about it is that it comes in both physical and mobile versions. The mobile pass shares most of the same perks as its counterpart, and both come with the DSP app that is synced with your card, allowing you to check how much time is left.
Card Pass
Aside from the perks mentioned, it serves as a transportation card, which can be directly topped up at most convenience store chains or card recharging machines inside subway stations.
Mobile Pass
It allows you to skip the step of card collection so that you don’t need to worry about losing the physical card or making arrangements if you’re travelling in a bigger group. Note that it does not have a transportation card function.
Source: Discover Seoul Pass
Don’t worry if you change your mind after reserving a mobile pass though! As long as you reserve a pass online, it can be exchanged for a physical pass at any of the pickup locations at the Incheon International Airport, Gimpo International Airport, or the Myeongdong Tourist Information Center. Even if you haven’t made a reservation, the Discover Seoul Pass can be purchased directly from the Incheon Airport at the airport's KEB Hana Bank locations and CU convenience stores.
In Seoul, purchase your pass at the Myeongdong Tourism Information Center or the Seoul City Tour Bus ticket booths (at Gwanghwamun and Dongdaemun Design Plaza).
* Due to Covid-19, pick-up will only be available at Myeongdong Information Center (10:30-17:30)
3. Compare benefits
You know you’re saving big bucks with free entries to some of the major tourist destinations in Seoul, including but not limited to Lotte World Adventure, N Seoul Tower, Gyeongbokgung Palace, National Museum of Korea and more. Aside from unlocking more than 40 destinations and the multifunctionality, we’ve looked into why the pass is a must-go.
Time & convenience | Save time commuting as attractions are pretty much spoon-fed to you in close walking-distance proximity across Central, south and west Seoul. |
Validity | The card is issued and endorsed by the Korean government, and while there are services selling counterfeits, as long as you obtain the card from the sources listed above, you’re good to go! |
Variety of choices | Did you know that the card also comes with a Discover Seoul Pass Plus Edition on top of the card and mobile pass? Though it’s usually released in limited quantities, it gets you admission and discounts to attractions outside Seoul! |
Just as a reference, we’ve compiled the original cost of some destinations that you might want to check out in Seoul.
Attraction | Original Price | With Discover Seoul Pass |
N Seoul Tower Observatory | 16,000won (Adult) 11,000won (Children & elderly) | FREE |
Lotte World Adventure | 36,000won (Adult) 29,000won (Children) | FREE |
Gyeongbokgung Palace | 3,000won (Adult) 1,500won (Children) | FREE |
National Gugak Center Performance | 20,000won (Adult) | 30% off |
OK Hanbok Rental | 4 hours: 17,900won 1 day: 27,900won 2 days: 37,800won | 30% off |
And more!
Credit: Discover Seoul Pass
Credit: Discover Seoul Pass
4. How to use the pass
The Discover Seoul Pass is compatible with both Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Expect immediate activation when you pick up your card and install the DSP app, as it will automatically be linked upon verification. Using the card as a means of payment and directly topping it up as a T-money card will make your experience more convenient in Seoul for public transit and shopping!
The countdown for your pass will start after the first usage on a free attraction, not counting discounted attractions, AREX or the Seoul Bike, as those can be used once each, even past the pass’ duration. For K-pop fans out there, see if you’re lucky enough to visit Korea when your favourite groups are featured on the card. Periodically, limited-edition Discover Seoul Pass designs are released, with BTS, EXO and other groups being included in the past.
However, given travel restrictions, please check the opening hours and special arrangements before your visit, as they may subject to change during the pandemic. Various attractions have special events at specific times of the year, such as Culture Day (last Wednesday of each month) for royal palaces and art museums, while others are free to the elderly all year round, so keep an eye out for those! Check out the Discover Seoul Pass website to see what features the pass covers so you can make the most out of your trip!
