Beginners Guide to Seoul Subway

The subway system in Seoul is a large-scale transportation network that connects the entire metropolitan area through 24 lines. It is highly accessible for traveling due to the abundance of lines. English, Japanese, and Chinese language guides are also available, so it is not difficult to ride the subway as long as you familiarize yourself with the basic instructions.

The subway lines in Seoul consist of a total of 24 lines, including lines 1-9 and 15 lines named after specific regions. The Seoul subway system connects to nearby cities, making it possible to travel to suburban cities by subway.

• Seoul Subway Map

The subway lines that you're most likely to use are lines 1-6 and the Airport Railroad.

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The subway operates from 5 AM to midnight. The operating hours vary slightly depending on weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. During peak hours, particularly during rush hour, the subway can be very crowded due to the influx of commuters.

・ 07:30 AM - 09:00 AM ・ 05:30 PM - 07:00 PM

Seoul subway operates on a fare system where additional charges are applied based on the distance traveled. In most cases, the fare for traveling within Seoul city center is KRW 2,000 or less. To pay for the fare, you can use a single-journey ticket or a transportation card (T-money card). Since it is possible to transfer between buses and subways in Seoul, using a transportation card is convenient as you don't need to pay separately.

Let us give you an example! If you're traveling from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Gangnam, the subway fare would be KRW 1,650 (transit card) and KRW 2,350 for Shinbundang Line.

・ A loadable transit card available for purchase at subway stations, airports, convenience stores, and more. (approx. KRW 4,000) ・ If you take the bus/subway within 30 minutes after you get off, you can ride them for free.

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Each station has entrance sign. While the designs may vary slightly from station to station, they all display information such as the subway line, station name, and exit numbers.

Purchase single-journey tickets or recharge your transportation card.

Depending on the station, there are two scenarios for finding the platform: before entering the ticket gate and after entering the gate. To find the correct platform, you need to locate the line number and color of the train you need to take. Once you have identified the correct line, check the final destination of the train and make sure you are heading in the right direction.

Checking the final destination through the subway route map located in front of the ticket gate. If you accidentally enter the wrong gate, you can use the calling button near the access gate for people with disabilities to move to the opposite gate free of charge.

Double check the direction of the train indicated above the screen door, and then board the train.

Refer to the announcement and information monitors for guidance to the departing station.

Even on the same route, the boarding location may vary depending on the direction you are going, so make sure to check both the transfer route and the direction.

Once you get off, the exits are indicated by arrows and numbers. Since it's easy to get lost if you take the wrong exit, make sure to check the direction of the exit and go up.