How To Rent Ttareungyi In Seoul: The Bike Rental App Foreigners Actually Need

Wherever you go in Seoul, you'll spot the green bikes, Ttareungyi. I use them almost weekly living here. Once you know the app, foreigners can rent one in just five minutes. The catch? If you pick the wrong pass, you might end up paying multiple times in a day. This guide covers everything from app installation to foreigner registration, rental, return, and common pitfalls.

If you're only riding once today, just pay for a one-time pass (₩1,000 for 1 hour / ₩2,000 for 2 hours). But if you plan to ride multiple times in a day or over several days, the 7-day pass (₩3,000) is cheaper than paying ₩1,000 each time. Remember, the pass allows repeated rentals within its validity, but you'll incur extra charges if you exceed the set time per rental (60 minutes for the 1-hour pass).

What Is Ttareungyi?

Ttareungyi is a public bike-sharing system operated by Seoul City. You can unlock a bike at any station using a QR code and return it to any station. It's a staff-free system available 24/7.

Stations are densely located in high-traffic areas like subway exits, major intersections, and Han River park entrances. It's perfect for filling the last leg of your journey after taking the subway. I often use it for those awkwardly distant spots from subway stations or to enjoy a ride along the Han River. Check out great spots for biking along the Han River to plan your route better after renting.

Pass Comparison

Ttareungyi passes are mainly divided into "one-time payment for one ride" day passes and "repeated rides within a set period" passes. There's no unlimited day pass like a 24-hour pass.

Pass	Price	Usage	Recommended For
1-Hour Day Pass	₩1,000	One rental after payment, extra ₩200 per 5 minutes over 60 minutes	Those trying a short ride once
2-Hour Day Pass	₩2,000	One rental after payment, extra ₩200 per 5 minutes over 120 minutes	Those wanting a longer single ride, like along the Han River
7-Day Pass (1-Hour)	₩3,000	Unlimited rentals and returns for 7 days, 60 minutes per ride	Travelers riding multiple times a day or staying for several days
30-Day Pass (1-Hour)	₩5,000	Unlimited rentals and returns for 30 days, 60 minutes per ride	Long-term visitors staying around a month

Note that a pass doesn't mean you can keep one bike for the whole period. You must return it within the set time (60 minutes for the 1-hour pass) to avoid extra charges. Just remember to return and rent again to reset the time.

From App Installation to Foreigner Registration

Most foreign travelers get stuck here. I highly recommend adding the Ttareungyi app to your essential Korea travel apps. Follow these steps, and it's not hard.

Search "Ttareungyi" or "Seoul Bike Ttareungyi" in the App Store or Play Store and install it.
When you first open the app, you'll see a language selection screen. If it only shows Korean, you can change it to English in the settings (gear icon or left menu).
Select "Foreigner" on the login screen. If you choose the local option, you'll get stuck at the identity verification stage, so start with the foreigner option.
Enter your passport information and a phone number that can receive texts abroad. If you don't have a Korean SIM, you can use eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi for verification texts.
Select your desired pass and pay with a foreign-issued card. If payment keeps failing, your card issuer might have blocked overseas online payments. Enable it in your card app and try again.

Once registered, you're ready to scan QR codes.

How To Rent A Bike

Check the app map for stations near your location. The number of available bikes is shown in real-time. If the app map is confusing, use Naver Map or KakaoMap to find station locations first.
At the station, tap "Rent" in the app and scan the QR code on the bike dock.
Once unlocked, a confirmation message will appear on the screen. Don't try to force the bike out of the dock before seeing this message.

Make it a habit to check the tire pressure and brakes before riding. Maintenance varies by station, and bikes at city stations run out quickly during rush hours (8-9 AM, 6-8 PM).

How To Return A Bike

Check for nearby stations on the app map before reaching your destination. Some stations might be full, so double-check right before you arrive.
Push the front wheel into the dock until it's completely secured.
Ensure the app shows a return confirmation. If you leave before seeing this, it might still count as rented, leading to overtime charges.

Common Issues & Solutions

If the QR code doesn't scan, increase your screen brightness and try again. If it still doesn't work, you can manually enter the station's unique number in the app to rent.

If there's no space at the return station, check the app map for the nearest station. If you're worried about overtime charges, temporarily park the bike at a nearby convenience store or sidewalk and contact the app's customer service.

If payment repeatedly fails, check your card's overseas payment block settings or try a different card. If payment went through but the bike isn't showing in the app, fully close and reopen the app to resolve it.

If the bike is damaged, report it using the app's report feature before riding. If you return it without reporting, responsibility for damages can be unclear.

FAQ

Can foreigners buy a pass?

Yes, as long as you're registered as a foreigner, you can purchase passes like the 7-day pass.

Do I have to wear a helmet?

While recommended by traffic laws, helmets aren't provided at stations. For safety, bring your own helmet.

Is there an age limit?

It's available for those aged 13 and older. Under 13s can only use it with a family pass purchased by a guardian.

Can I return the bike at Han River parks?

Yes, there are stations throughout Han River parks where you can return the bike after your ride.

How do I report a broken bike?

Enter the station and bike numbers in the app's report feature.

Are there other bike-sharing apps besides Ttareungyi?

There are private services like KakaoT Bike, but Ttareungyi is the most convenient for travelers in terms of station density and price.

Does the app support English?

Yes, you can switch to English in the app settings, and the foreigner registration menu is available in English.

It might be confusing at first, but once you get the hang of the rental and return process, you'll find there's no more convenient way to get around Seoul.