The Seoul Subway system is one of the most convenient and efficient ways to get around the city. With well-connected lines, you can easily travel to popular tourist destinations like Gangnam, Hongdae, and Itaewon. Seoul’s subway system has up to Line 8, covering almost every corner of the city and extending into parts of Gyeonggi Province. Many subway stations also feature shopping centers, which can be a bit confusing for first-time travelers. However, with clear signs, you can easily find the right platform and train to board.
Most stations provide signs in English, so language won’t be a barrier. The subway map, with color-coded lines and numbers, makes it visually easy to navigate. Trains run non-stop from approximately 5:30 am until midnight. However, the first and last train times may vary by station and day, so please check on Google Maps or Naver Maps for the exact schedule.
While there are some differences between Seoul’s subway and those in other regions of Korea, this post will specifically focus on navigating the Seoul subway. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, using the Seoul Subway is a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Types of Tickets
There are two main types of tickets : the single journey ticket and the T-money card. Each offers different conveniences and payment options. Single journey tickets are perfect for one-time trips, while the T-money card is ideal for those planning to use public transport multiple times.
Single Journey Ticket
A single journey ticket for the Seoul Subway can be purchased at ticket machines located in subway stations. The deposit for the ticket is 500 KRW, and it’s important to remember to refund this deposit at the refund machine at your destination station. The fare depends on the distance traveled. For distances under 10 km, the basic fare of 1,400 KRW is applied. If the travel distance exceeds 10 km, additional charges of 100 KRW are added for every 5 or 8 km beyond the basic fare zone.
When you approach the ticket machine, you’ll find three options to choose from:
- Destination-Selection Single Journey Card: You can select your destination at the ticket machine, and the fare will be adjusted accordingly based on the distance traveled.
- Discount Card: This option is available for senior citizens, disabled individuals, and other eligible passengers who receive discounts.
- Add stored value to T-money Card: You can also use the machine to add stored value to your T-money card, which is a rechargeable transport card used for both buses and subways.
Single Journey Ticket Fares : Cash Only
- Adults: Basic fare of 1,400 KRW + additional fare (500 KRW) for travel over 10 km.
- Children (6-13 years old): Basic fare of 500 KRW + additional fare (50 KRW) for travel over 10 km.
- Discounted Fare: Free for seniors (65 and over), people with disabilities, and veterans.
- Infants (under 6 years old): Free (with the condition that up to three children can travel free with one adult; beyond three, the additional children will be charged the child fare).
T-money Card
The T-money card is a rechargeable transport card in Korea, similar to the Compass Card in Canada or MetroCard in the U.S. With the T-money card, you can transfer between buses and the subway, and enjoy discounted fares compared to paying with single journey tickets. Using a T-money card makes the basic fare 100 KRW cheaper than a single journey ticket. T-money cards can be used not only in Seoul but also in other regions of Korea.
You can buy a T-money card at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, GS25, or CU, as well as at subway customer service centers. The basic design of the card costs around 2,500 KRW, while special edition cards featuring characters or designs can range from 5,000 to 8,000 KRW. The card can be recharged at subway ticket machines, convenience stores, or ATMs(at any bank). The T-money card can only be recharged with cash.
You can also use it to pay for purchases at stores displaying the T-money logo, such as convenience stores, cafes, and PC bangs (Gaming internet cafes).
If you wish to get a refund on your T-money card balance at the end of your trip, you can do so at any convenience store if the balance is less than 30,000 KRW. If it’s more, you’ll need to go to a subway customer service center. Please note that there’s a 500 KRW fee for refunds.
Transferring Between Bus and Subway
When transferring between buses and Subway, you need to use a T-money card, as single journey tickets do not allow transfers. Buses have two card terminals: one at the front door for boarding, and another at the rear door for getting off. You must tap your T-money card at the front terminal when boarding the bus and at the rear terminal when getting off. After tapping your card at the bus exit, you can transfer to the subway or another bus within 30 minutes without any additional charges. Be sure to follow this procedure to avoid extra fees.
Subway Etiquette
- Give up priority seats: The seats at both ends of each subway car are typically reserved for the elderly, people with disabilities, and those in need, and are known as priority seats. Additionally, pink-colored seats are designated for pregnant women. It is important to always keep these seats available, not just give them up when someone who needs them boards. Being mindful and leaving these seats open for those in need is a respectful practice in Subway.
- Stand on the right side of the escalator: People stand on the right side of escalators to allow others in a hurry to pass on the left side.
- Keep noise levels low: Avoid loud conversations, phone calls, or music. Use earphones if listening to music or videos.
- No eating or drinking: It is generally not allowed to eat or drink on the subway. Maintain cleanliness by disposing of trash properly.
- Queue up and wait for passengers to exit first: When waiting for the subway, stand in line and let passengers exit the train before entering.
To learn more tips about traveling in Korea, check out my previous post.
