What is the Dongbaek Pass?
The Dongbaek Pass is a special transportation cashback program offered by the city of Busan, South Korea. Launched in 2023, it’s designed to encourage public transport use by refunding part of your monthly transit spending. If you use buses, subways, or trains in Busan regularly, the Dongbaek Pass can help you save up to 45,000 KRW (about $35) every month. It’s open not only to Korean citizens but also to foreigners, students, and those without a credit history thanks to the newly introduced prepaid card option.
How to Sign Up and Use the Dongbaek Pass
1. How to Get It
There are two types of Dongbaek Pass cards:
- Postpaid (linked to a bank account): Available from Busan Bank, NongHyup, or Hana Card.
- Prepaid (no bank account needed): Ideal for foreigners and students. Can be topped up with cash.
To get started:
- Download the “Dongbaekjeon” app (available in Korean).
- Apply for a Dongbaek Pass card (either postpaid or prepaid).
- Register the card in the app and activate the Dongbaek Pass program.
- (Optional) If you're also using transportation in other Korean cities, link your card to the national "K-Pass" system to get the highest cashback amount available across both programs.
2. Where You Can Use the Cashback
You can use it at a wide range of local businesses in Busan, including:
- Convenience stores (e.g., CU, GS25)
- Cafes and restaurants
- Pharmacies
- Small markets and local shops
You cannot use the cashback at:
- Large chain stores (e.g., Costco, E-Mart, Lotte Mart)
- Online shopping platforms
- Franchise fast food chains (e.g., McDonald's, Starbucks)
- Outside of Busan
👍 The idea is to encourage spending at local, small-to-medium-sized businesses in Busan.
The Dongbaek Pass is more than a transit pass — it’s a smart money-saving tool.
If you use public transportation in Busan regularly, you can receive real, usable cashback each month and spend it across the city at local businesses.
It’s especially convenient for foreigners thanks to the prepaid card and soon-to-launch mobile version. Whether you’re a resident or long-term visitor, this program is an excellent way to cut costs and support the local community at the same time. 🤗