Kim Dongyeon: "Transportation Is the Most Important Livelihood Issue"... 'THE Gyeonggi Pass' Surpasses 1.58 Million Subscribers

Gyeonggi Province Residents Highly Satisfied
Annual Consumption Boost of 107.2 Billion Won, 220,000 Tons of CO2 Reduced
30% Refund for Young Adults, Environmental Benefits for Those in Their 50s
Reduced Transportation Costs, Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Increased Local Spending
Transportation Policy Delivers Tangible Benefits for Residents

#. Lee, a 28-year-old resident of Yongin, feels especially glad to be a Gyeonggi Province resident once a month-on the day the refund from the "THE Gyeonggi Pass" is deposited. Commuting to Pangyo by subway and bus, Lee receives a refund of about 15,000 to 20,000 won out of the monthly transportation expenses of 50,000 to 70,000 won. Young people like Lee (aged 19 to 39) receive a 30% refund on transportation costs, which is higher than the 20% refund rate for other age groups. Thanks to the refund, which feels like a gift, Lee finds it easier to dine out than before. Lee said, "Compared to other local government support policies, benefits related to daily life, such as transportation, are what young people truly feel. Although the amount is not large, the satisfaction is very high."

#. Kim, a woman in her 50s who commutes from Bucheon to Seoul's Gasan Digital Complex, also learned about the "THE Gyeonggi Pass" through word of mouth and has been using it continuously since July last year. While spending 60,000 to 70,000 won per month on transportation for her 20-minute subway commute, she receives a refund of around 15,000 won each month. Kim said, "I feel the reduction in transportation costs every time, so I am very satisfied," adding, "Being able to use public transportation without financial burden makes me feel even prouder, knowing it also helps the environment."

Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, is responding to questions about provincial administration during the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee's audit held on October 23, 2023, at the multipurpose conference room on the 4th floor of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government building. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

The "THE Gyeonggi Pass," which refunds a portion of public transportation costs nationwide, has surpassed 1.58 million subscribers.

Since its launch in May last year, "THE Gyeonggi Pass" surpassed 1 million subscribers in October 2024, reached 1.3 million in April 2025, and as of December 2025, has recorded 1.58 million subscribers, consistently attracting the interest of Gyeonggi residents.

In a survey conducted from April 25 to 28 of this year with 1,000 Gyeonggi residents, 71% said that the 8th popularly elected administration’s transportation policy was well executed, with "THE Gyeonggi Pass and other transportation cost reduction policies" receiving a 66% positive rating, ranking first among all categories.

Gyeonggi Province cited the recovery of livelihoods through transportation cost refunds and the environmental impact through the promotion of public transportation use as reasons for this positive response.

First, when the Gyeonggi Research Institute asked 500 users of "THE Gyeonggi Pass" between March and July this year how they used their saved money, about 56% said it was spent on dining out and leisure. Based on the annual refund amount of 190.8 billion won over the past year, this translates to an estimated consumption boost of about 107.2 billion won.

According to an analysis of actual usage by refund recipients of "THE Gyeonggi Pass," the average number of times a person used public transportation increased from 29 times in May 2024 to 39 times in November 2024. Taking this into account, the Gyeonggi Research Institute estimated that annual CO2 equivalent emissions were reduced by about 220,000 tons. This is equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed in one year by approximately 11 million 30-year-old pine trees.

The Gyeonggi Pass refunds between 20% and 53% of monthly public transportation costs. Refunds are available for bus, subway, metropolitan bus, GTX, and Shinbundang Line use anywhere in the country. Specifically, for those who use public transportation more than 15 times a month, the refund rate is 20% to 53% (30% for people in their 20s and 30s, 20% for those in their 40s and above, 53% for low-income households, and 30% to 50% for families with multiple children). For children and teenagers aged 6 to 18 who are not eligible for the Gyeonggi Pass, the province is also running the "Gyeonggi Province Children and Youth Transportation Cost Support Project," which provides annual support of 240,000 won to help reduce transportation costs.

Customized Transportation Card for Gyeonggi Residents 'THE Gyeonggi Pass'. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

Koo Donggyun, a research fellow at the Gyeonggi Research Institute, said, "The advantages of the Gyeonggi Pass include the benefit of reduced transportation costs, convenient usage, and its contribution to addressing the climate crisis by promoting public transportation and reducing private car use," adding, "While the policy is currently focused on transportation welfare, it is also expected to help reduce the burden of increased transportation expenses due to fare hikes."

Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, stated in his budget address for 2026 on November 5 that "1.55 million Gyeonggi residents (as of that date) have subscribed to the customized transportation card 'THE Gyeonggi Pass,' receiving an average annual refund of 240,000 won per person," emphasizing, "Transportation is the most important livelihood issue in Gyeonggi Province."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.