Seoul, Dec 14 (LatestNewsX) – Officials announced the start of a review into a new system that would let foreign tourists pay for Seoul’s buses and subways with credit cards issued overseas.
The Ministry of Land, Infra‑and Transport has just issued a request for proposals to carry out a study on creating an open‑loop public transportation payment network. The review, which is scheduled to begin this month and finish by the end of next year, seeks to determine whether visitors can use international cards directly for public‑transport fares.
At the moment, travelers must purchase a Korean transport card and reload it with cash—or buy a prepaid card designed solely for foreigners—often leading to frustration, Yonhap news agency reported.
The ministry will use the findings to estimate the cost of rolling out the new system and decide who should cover the expenses.
The need for improvement has grown, following a 15.2 % year‑on‑year rise in foreign visitors to 15.82 million from January to October.
Large cities around the world, such as New York and London, already allow riders to tap their own credit cards on public‑transport networks.
“It would be difficult to roll out the system nationwide over a short period so that the government is likely to adopt a phased expansion in consultation with local governments and public transportation operators,” a government official said.
If the study recommends implementation, the first rollout could begin as early as 2027, he added.
int/rs
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
