Seoul’s subway system is highly developed and easy to use, making it accessible even to first-time visitors. Its extensive network allows travelers to move quickly between major attractions and everyday neighborhoods, while excellent punctuality makes planning simple. Clear English signage and announcements help reduce language barriers. The affordable fare structure enables visitors to travel efficiently. Transfers are seamless. Using the subway is one of the most practical ways to experience Seoul like a local.
The things I love about the Seoul subway are as follows.
- It doesn’t smell at all. If you’ve ever taken the subway in Manhattan, you’ll immediately understand why this matters.
- In winter, the seats are actually heated. Sometimes they get so warm that you feel like standing up just to cool off.
- Air conditioning inside the trains might be expected—but in Seoul, even most subway platforms are air-conditioned. It’s impressively cool in the middle of summer.
- The restrooms in each station are remarkably clean.
- Delays are extremely rare. (Sorry to keep comparing it to the New York MTA, but the 7 Train really needs to reflect on itself.)
- It’s incredibly affordable. A subway ride for about one dollar is hard to believe.
- Screen Door. Yes, this is AWESOME.
That said, even Seoul’s seemingly perfect subway system has its downsides.
First, the stairs. There are plenty of escalators, but still… a lot of stairs. Please use an elevator even if you have to cross the road.
Second, it’s hard to spot station staff. Where does **** everyone go? If you have a problem using a metro card, ask any young people around you. They would help you well.
from Seoul Metro Official
TIP. When mobile connectivity is unstable inside the subway or when you need to conserve battery life, downloading a high-resolution PDF file is the best solution. By visiting the Seoul Metro or Cyber Station websites, you can find a “Download Subway Map” menu. Make sure to choose the high-resolution PDF format instead of image files (JPG).
PDF files are document-based and often support text search (Ctrl+F), which makes it much easier to quickly find specific station names.
1. Why the Seoul Subway Is One of the Best in the World
The Seoul Metropolitan Subway is widely regarded as one of the most efficient urban transit systems globally.
Key advantages
- Extremely punctual and reliable
- Extensive coverage: almost all major neighborhoods and airports
- English support: station signs, announcements, and ticket machines are bilingual (Korean / English)
- Clean and safe, even late at night
- Affordable compared to taxis and many other global cities
For first-time visitors, it is the easiest way to move around Seoul without language stress.
2. Fare System and How Prices Are Calculated
Subway fares are calculated by unifying all metropolitan subway lines based on a distance proportional system (based on the shortest distance)
from Seoul Metro
◆ When Using the subway only
| type | transportation cards | single-use tickets |
|---|---|---|
| general | [basic fare] Within 10km : 1,550 KRW [additional fare] – Between 10 and 50km: 100 KRW added for every 5km – Beyond 50km: 100 KRW added for every 8km – When using continuously in and out of Seoul, the metropolitan fare is applied first then, for sections outside the Greater Seoul area (Pyeongtaek-Sinchang, Gapyeong-Chuncheon), 100 KRW is added for every 4km | 100 KRW added to the transportation fare |
| teenagers | [basic fare] 900 KRW – Between 10 and 50km: 80 KRW added for every 5km – Beyond 50km: 80 KRW added for every 8km – When using continuously in and out of Seoul, the metropolitan fare is applied first then, for sections outside the Greater Seoul area (Pyeongtaek-Sinchang, Gapyeong-Chuncheon), 80 KRW is added for every 4km | Basic single-use ticket is applied |
| children | [basic fare] 550 KRW – Between 10 and 50km: 50 KRW added for every 5km – Beyond 50km: 50 KRW added for every 8km – When using continuously in and out of Seoul, the metropolitan fare is applied first then, for sections outside the Greater Seoul area (Pyeongtaek-Sinchang, Gapyeong-Chuncheon), 50 KRW is added for every 4km | Same as transportation fare |
| preferential | [ free ride] – Those separately designated including senior citizens (65 years of age or older), handicapped persons (including 1 guardian for severely handicapped persons with disability level between 1 and 3), men and women of national merit (including 1 guardian of disability or injury level 1) – Toddlers: Younger than 6 years old (1 guardian, up to 3 toddlers), children’s fare is charged starting with the 4th toddler | |
| commuter tickets | [In Seoul] 68,200 KRW(1,550 KRW X 44th) [distance proportional] 1 – 18 Phases(68,200~129,000 KRW) – Fare Calculation: Basic fare of each type of transportation card x 44 times x 15% D.C. – Use 60 times within 30 days from the date the card was charged (the card expires when it is used 60 times or has reached its termination date after 30 days) | |
| group tickets | – Can be used in urban railway sections – Not possible to be used on Airport Railroad, Sinbundang Line, Everline and U Line | |
- ※ Early bird discount system: Beginning of operation until 6:30 AM of the same day
- 20% discount applied when using prepayment or deferred payment transportation cards, excluding transfers after using another form of public transportation
◆ When transferring between Subway and Bus:integrated distance proportional system(integrated fare)
| When transferring to and from bus (integrated distance proportional system of public transportation) | Basic fare | Basic fare and transfer free up to 10km (up to 30km for Seoul metropolitan, Gyeonggi Express and Nonstop, Incheon Express and metropolitan buses); however, the highest basic fare among different types of public transportation used is applied |
|---|---|---|
| additional fare | After 10km, 100 KRW added for every 5km (after 30km for Seoul metropolitan, Gyeonggi Express and Nonstop, Incheon Express and metropolitan buses) |
- It is made to be lower than the sum of all public transportation used even for a long distance
- To be applied: Transferring from subway to Seoul buses (Blue, Green, circular, village, and metropolitan bus), Gyeonggi buses (basic city, village, express and nonstop buses), Incheon buses (Blue, Green, express, metropolitan buses)
- How to use: Only applicable when getting on using a
- A transportation card must contact the card reader when getting on or off
If the transportation card does not properly touch the reader when getting off, the benefit of a free transfer is lost (individual fares for each means of public transportation will be charged) - Integrated fare system is applied if the latter public transportation is used within 30 minutes of getting off from the former public transportation (If getting on after 30 minutes, it is regarded as a separate transportation, which charges a separate fare. However, the transfer time is 60 minutes during night and dawn between 21:00 and 07:00 of the following day)
- A transportation card must contact the card reader when getting on or off
◆ Subway Fare
The Metro transit fare is set to a distance scale. This scale unifies all of the metropolitan subway sections. It is based on the shortest traveling distance.
| Classification | Traffic Card | Single Journey Traffic Card |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | Basic Fare : 1,550 KRW up to 10km Additional Fare – Between 10km and 50km : Additional 100 KRW per 5km – Over 50km : Additional 100 KRW per 8km But, if you are using the inner suburb section and those non-suburb sections (Gyeongbu Line~Chonan)successively, the fare for the inner circle will be charged first followed by an additional 100 won for every 4km of the non-suburb sections you have travelled. | Additional 100 KRW on the traffic card fare |
| Youths (aged 13-19) | Basic Fare: 900 KRW up to 10km Between 10km and 50km : Additional 80 KRW per 5km Over 50km : Additional 80 KRW per 8km | No discount (adult single ticket price) |
| Children (aged 6-12) | Basic Fare: 550 KRW up to 10km Between 10km and 50km : Additional 50 KRW per 5km Over 50km : Additional 50 KRW per 8km |
◆ Transfer
When passengers transfer from a subway to a bus or a local bus, the transit fare is calculated using the combined distance scale rate system. All sections or zones that have been traversed are added together. (Instead of paying a separate fare upon transferring, passengers are charged an extra fare for the additional distance they have traveled beyond their fare zone.)
The basic fare applies to a traveled distance of up to 10km. Beyond this point passengers will be charged an extra fare for every 5km traveled.
- Regardless of the transportation mode and the number of transfers during a trip(a maximum of five transfers is allowed per passenger per trip), the basic transit fare applies as long as the traveled distance is within the minimum traveling distance of 10km (can transfer for free).
- If the combined traveled distance, on all modes of transportation, is beyond the minimum traveling distance, passengers will be charged an extra fare of 100 won for every 5km traveled.
- If the combined unified fare exceeds the sum of the unified fare for each mode of transportation used, the final fare will equal the aggregate of the fares charged on each mode of transportation
Applied Circumstances
- Seoul buses (main roads, local lines, circular, town, metropolitan), Gyeonggi buses (regular city buses, town, express, direct express)
- Incheon buses (metropolitan, express, direct main roads, main roads, local lines) and transfers within the subway.
What Methods to Apply
- Passengers need to place their traffic card on the transit card reader whenever they get on or off.
※ If they do not place their card on the sensor they will lose all of their free transfer privileges.
(They will be required to pay a separate fare for each mode of transportation they use.) - If they switch to other modes of transportation within 30 minutes of their previous use of public transportation, they will be subject to the total combined distance scale rates. (If they get on after 30 minutes it is regarded as an independent journey and a separate fare is charged.)
※ But, taking early morning or the night into consideration, the length of time allowed for transfer will be extended to 60 minutes between 21:00 pm and 07:00 am.
◆ Discount Rate
| Category | Discount (Bonus) Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Single Journey Ticket | Adult fare (including youths): 1,650 KRW (up to 10km), no discount rate Children: 550 won (up to 10 km) | |
| Prepaid Commuters’ Ticket | Only for the Seoul Metropolitan Area (KRW 68,200) | Use up to 60 times within 30 days after purchase Prepaid tickets are valid only for Seoul Metro Lines 1 ~ 9 and for rail sections operated by KORAIL and AREX within the Seoul area. |
| Fares by distance (KRW 68,200~129,000) | Fares are calculated based on travel distance to your final destination within the Wide Area Subway lines and Metropolitan Subway lines. Prepaid tickets can be used only for the subway (Wide Area Subway lines and Metropolitan Subway lines). Also, they are valid for the section from Cheongna Int’l City Station to Incheon Int’l Airport Terminal2 Station operated by AREX. | |
| Transportation Card | Adults: 1,550 KRW (up to 10 km) Youths: 900 KRW (up to 10km) Children: 550 KRW (up to 10km) | |
| Group Ticket | Adults: 20% discount on the regular adult fare Youths: 20% discount on the regular youth fare Children: 20% discount on the regular children fare * Every 20th person is free. However, if the total of the discounted fares is less than the basic group fare, the basic fare will apply. | |
Exact fares may change slightly by year or policy update. Travelers should confirm current prices via official transportation announcements. They can also use subway ticket machines to verify fares.
3. Subway Times to Avoid (Rush Hours)
To ensure a comfortable experience, visitors should avoid peak commuter hours.
Most crowded times
- Weekdays
- Morning: 7:30–9:30 AM (HELL NO… NO!!!)
- Evening: 5:30–7:30 PM (OMG….)
- Lines serving business districts (Line 2, Line 9, parts of Line 1) are especially crowded
Best times for tourists
- Mid-morning (10:00–11:30 AM)
- Early afternoon (1:00–4:30 PM)
- After 8:00 PM (still safe and active)
4. How to Buy and Use a Transportation Card
A transportation card is essential for visitors.
Where to buy
- Convenience stores (near subway stations) such as Seven Eleven, GS25, CU, etc. (Easiest Way)
- Airport convenience stores
- Vending machines at major stations
How it works
- Purchase the card (small one-time cost)
- Add balance (cash only in most machines)
- Tap once when entering
- Tap again when exiting
Why it’s recommended
- Lower fares than single tickets
- Required for free or discounted transfers
- Works on subways, buses, and some taxis
Cards can also be used for small purchases at convenience stores.
5. Subway and Bus Transfer System (Very Important)
Seoul has an integrated public transportation system.
How transfers work
- Subway ↔ bus ↔ subway transfers are automatically recognized
- Must tap your card every time you board and exit
- Transfers must be completed within a set time window
Key rule
If you forget to tap when exiting, the system cannot calculate the distance correctly. You may be charged extra on your next trip.
6. Operating Hours of the Seoul Subway
General operating hours
- First trains: around 5:30 AM
- Last trains: around 12:00–12:30 AM
Last train times vary by:
- Line
- Station
- Direction
Always check last-train times in advance if returning late at night.
7. Helpful Apps for Subway Navigation
Using a navigation app will make subway travel effortless.
*Recommend Application
I use Naver Map / Kakao Map / Google Map every day. (Android/Apple)
– English Available
– Calculate Route and Pare (Better than google map)
– Kakao Map shows the train moving. You can see where the train is right now.
– Show restaurants and stores around you. Must check reviews and pictures before trying.
Highly recommended
- Subway route apps with real-time arrival info
- Korean map apps that show platform numbers, exit numbers, and walking directions
- Google Maps works reasonably well for subways but may lack exit-level detail
For the most accurate results, travelers should compare at least one local transit app with Google Maps.
8. Subway Etiquette Every Visitor Should Know
Korean subway etiquette is taken seriously and following it helps avoid uncomfortable situations.
Essential etiquette rules
- Stand on the right side of escalators (walkers pass on the left)
- Give priority seats to elderly, pregnant passengers, and those with disabilities
- Keep phone conversations quiet
- Remove backpacks in crowded cars
- Line up on platform markings and allow passengers to exit first
What surprises many visitors
- Priority seats are respected even when trains are full
- Eating and drinking are discouraged inside trains
Final Practical Advice for First-Time Visitors
If this is your first trip to Korea, mastering the Seoul subway will dramatically improve your travel experience. With a transportation card and a reliable navigation app, you can explore Seoul confidently. Basic etiquette awareness will help you explore like a local, efficiently.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always confirm details through official transportation announcements. You can also check with public transit service providers during your visit.
Leave a Reply