Public Transportation in Seoul
Even if you can’t speak Korean or read Hangeul, commuting around Seoul is actually easy! You have the option to either take the train, the bus, or rent a bike – for this article, we’ll go over Seoul’s trains from all the essentials and tips you need to navigate the Seoul subway system effortlessly. At first glance, the incredibly detailed Seoul subway map might tempt you to get a taxi but hear us out, it’s not as complicated as you think AND you can save your money for more exciting things to do in Seoul!
Seoul Subway Basics
Seoul’s subway has over 20 lines, close to 300 stations, and the trains run non-stop from as early as 5:30 AM to midnight, so wherever you’re staying whether it’s a hotel or a friend’s house, you’ll most likely be able to get to where you want to be and back via the train. The stations also have logos that are color-coded and have English equivalent names written, you can easily mark it on the Seoul subway map or better yet, on the app!
If you’ve been to Japan, you’ve probably been saved many times by apps like Google Maps or Japan Travel… for Korea, you’ll want to download Naver Maps. The app is available in English both in iOs and Android and has more accurate and updated mapping data compared to Google because of the multiple restrictions the country has with regards to foreign companies and mapping data.
How to buy subway tickets
Subway tickets come in the form of transit cards, you have the option to either buy a single-journey ticket (which is in the form of a card) or purchase a transportation card. In both choices, you will need physical cash in Korean Won (KRW).
Single-journey tickets
If you’re going to use the subway sparingly, here’s how you can get single-journey tickets.
When you’re in a subway station, head over to any ticket vending machine and follow the on-screen prompts (i.e., English menu, single-journey ticket, destination, etc). On top of the ticket fare, you’ll need to deposit KRW 500 (as of writing) for the card it’ll dispense. Don’t worry though because you’ll get your deposit fee back when you return the card upon arriving at your destination.
Here are the steps to expect after you receive your single-journey ticket card:
- Approach the turnstile and scan your single-journey ticket card over the T Money scanner.
- After you arrive at your destination, approach the turnstile heading towards your exit and scan your single-journey ticket card again to be able to get out.
- Look for the machines labeled “Deposit Refund Device” to return the card so you can get your KRW 500 deposit fee back.
- If by any chance your single-journey ticket has insufficient funds, you can top up by using a fare adjustment machine which are located near the turnstiles.
Transportation Cards
When buying smart cards in Korea, you’ll want to look for the “T Money function”, this means that these cards can be used to pay your transportation fares, whether it’s on the train, the bus, or even taxis! You can book them ahead of time on Klook and pick them up conveniently at the airport upon arrival (either ICN or GMP).
Features | |||
Public Transportation | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Debit card feature | ✅ | ✅ | ❌* *Only available at convenience stores and select affiliated stores |
Customizable card | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Dedicated mobile app | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Accepts different currencies for top-up | ✅* *Only if you use your credit / debit card | ✅ | ❌ |
Can top up online | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Validity | 5 years | Card: 6 years from manufacture date Unused balance: 6 years from last top-up (so you can carry over your balance if your card is expired, just reissue) | Card: no expiration Unused balance: 5 years |
The most popular is the T Money card, the card itself doesn’t expire so you can use it again and again when you go back to Korea. There are also other cards available with their own benefits, like WowPass, our personal favorite, which we used both as a transportation card and as a sort of debit card for our purchases and currency exchange.
Klook Tip: You’ll still need KRW in cash to top up your T Money card. You can either exchange currencies in your home country or use a WowPass machine in Korea. There are also cards, like NAMANE, which enable you to top up with a credit card via their app.
Additionally, you can get transportation cards that double as an attractions pass like the Discover Seoul Pass. This allows you access to multiple Seoul attractions apart from being able to use it as a transportation card by having the T Money function, so you essentially just have to top it up to use it on public transportation (see instructions below), just how you would a T Money card. Here’s the list of all the attractions available with the Discover Seoul Pass.
How to reload your T Money card
You can pick up your T Money card at ICN or GMP airport
As mentioned previously, you’ll need cash in Korean Won (KRW) to top up your T Money or any other transit card of your choice. You have the option to either top up with a ticketing machine or in a convenience store like CU, 7-Eleven, etc. with the help of the cashier staff.
Here are the steps to expect if you’ll top up with a ticketing machine:
- In any Seoul subway station, head over to the nearest ticketing machine.
- Select your language (English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese are available) then select the option to reload your transit card.
- Place your T Money Card on the reload plate and your current balance will appear.
- Then select the amount you want top up – options are in the range between KRW 1,000 - KRW 90,000.
- Insert your cash totalling the slected amount.
- Wait for the reload to complete.
- Remove your T Money Card once your new balance has been reflected on the screen and you’re done!
How to navigate the Seoul Subway
Once you’re equipped with a loaded transportation card, it’s time to conquer the Seoul subway! On each train you hop on, you’ll be able to see sections of the Seoul subway map that are relevant to the line, and don’t worry, the station names also have their English equivalent. There will also be the usual screens and announcements (also in English) to make sure you know what stop you’re on and what’s the next one.
Klook Tip: Try to avoid using the subway during rush hour (around 6 pm). As with any city, this is when the majority are rushing to go home but in Korea, and depending where you’re from, you might experience some culture shock as people can be pushy! Just literally stand your ground when this happens and don’t take it personally cause it can get extremely jampacked.
If you haven’t already, please do download Naver map on your phone. Apart from giving you directions, options, and which exits you can take, it’ll show you the arrival time based on the schedule you input. You can check out the Seoul Subway map here if you want to get a hang of it already before your trip.
Seoul Subway etiquette
As with any country you’re visiting, it’s our responsibility as visitors to be respectful by making the effort to observe their rules and common courtesies. Although you may encounter some offenders along the way, save yourself the stress and don’t be one of them! Here are a few simple practices to know beforehand on your commute in Seoul:
- Always stand behind the numbered platform lines.
- Wait for passengers to exit before entering the train car.
- Do not sit on train seats designated for PWD, pregnant women, and senior citizens.
- If you’re not in a hurry, stand on the right side of the subway escalators to make way for those who are.
- Avoid eating on the subway and making noise like talking too loudly or having your phone on full blast.
Seoul Subway’s operating hours
Seoul’s trains run non-stop from 5:30 AM to 12MN / 1AM the next day. However, some train lines close before this 1 AM cut-off, so pay attention to the train announcements being made in each station. Transportation apps usually update the times but it’s best to give yourself some buffer time to avoid encountering minor inconveniences.
Seoul Subway Facilities
Convenience stores & shops
Most, if not all, subway stations have convenience stores and restaurants located inside. So in case you’re in need of coffee, a snack, or have to squeeze in a meal before your next stop – you can find a number of options in many of Seoul’s subway stations! You can even find small shops that sell a variety of things from clothes, phone cases, face masks, and more.
Lockers
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you either shopped too much or have lots of baggage you don’t want to bring with you to your next schedule, you can rent the lockers in most stations for up to 4 hours! What’s even more convenient is you can pay for these using your transit cards like T Money!
Breastfeeding Room
If you’re traveling with your kids, you can find nursing rooms in a number of Seoul’s subway stations. If you have Naver maps, you can search ahead for the stations you’ll be passing through by tapping on the station name to open the detailed menu. Look for the bottle icon next to “수유실”, it’ll be greyed out if nursing rooms aren’t available.
Elevators
A good number of Seoul’s subway stations now have elevators in addition to the escalators in each station, so you don’t have to worry about lugging around your luggage but please prioritize pregnant women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Wheelchair Lifts
If you are traveling with a wheelchair or with someone who’s using one, you can also check ahead of time via Naver maps if a wheelchair lift is available. Same steps as mentioned above for locating breastfeeding rooms, just look for “휠체어 리프트” beside the wheelchair icon to check if it’s greyed out or not. Similarly, you can also check for toilets also marked with a wheelchair icon but accompanied by “장애인화장실”.
Korea Travel Essentials
We hope you’re now confident to take on Seoul’s subway! You can always bookmark this page to get back to it when you arrive in Korea. Before you go, here’s a rundown of travel essentials for a smooth and fuss-free trip:
🇰🇷South Korea Essentials🇰🇷
🚄Trains & Airport Transfers
🚇Transportation & Prepaid Cards
Happy travels! ✨
