Traveling to a new place always comes with a unique set of challenges.
Becoming familiar with an unfamiliar transportation system often tops that list.
However, understanding even a complex subway or metro network opens the doors to cost savings, efficiency, and deeper cultural experiences during a trip abroad.
With multiple lines, hundreds of stations, and etiquette particular to Korean public transit, it can prove a difficult maze to untangle for first-time visitors.
That’s exactly why this blog post exists! This comprehensive guide covers the key dos and don’ts for getting around via subway in Seoul. With these tips, you will hopefully reduce stress, save money during your stay, and, most importantly, feel more confident hopping railcars like a local.
Here’s what we are going to cover:
- The essential benefits using the subway system offers over other transport options
- A step-by-step guide to using the subway in Seoul
- Quick insider tips to make getting around by rail easier as a new visitor
With this comprehensive guide at your fingertips, you can unlock all the perks of Seoul’s subway system without all the hassle. So let’s dive right in!
Why Seoul’s Subway Is So Popular
In Seoul, most locals prefer getting around by public transportation rather than by car. And for good reasons: The subway is one of the most affordable ways to get around Seoul, with fares starting at 1,400 KRW per ride. Plus, with 23 lines and 768 stations, the Seoul Metropolitan Subway can get you close to almost any destination within the city.
Although it can get very crowded during rush hours, the subway in Korea is known for being clean and safe. Personally, in two years of taking the subway living in Seoul, I’ve never witnessed any violent incidents or had uncomfortable encounters (except for one old Korean man who tried to recruit me for his political party, but that’s a whole other story).
Additionally, the subway system in Seoul is (from my experience) easier to understand than in other cities of similar sizes. The subway lines are color-coded, and stations display signs in Korean, English, and Chinese to make navigation easier for foreign travelers.
So it’s safe to say that overall, Seoul’s subway is a very comfortable option for travelers. I would even recommend relying on the subway for most of your transportation needs during your time in Seoul as it’s the most efficient and reliable way to get around in the city.
Navigating Seoul’s Subway System: A Quick Step-by-Step Guide
So, you are planning on making use of the great subway system in Seoul, but you have no idea how things work? Don’t worry, I got you covered. Here is a step-by-step guide for first-time visitors to get you started:
1. Get A Transportation Pass
To use the Korean public transportation system as a tourist, you will need something called a T-Money card. T-Money cards are rechargeable smart cards used for paying transportation fares in Korea. You can use them on buses, subways, and taxis, and even for making small purchases at convenience stores and other affiliated stores.
You can buy T-Money cards at convenience stores like CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven. Cards come in various designs, including ones featuring popular characters like Kakao Friends, or even K-Pop idols. The cost of the card itself ranges from KRW 2,500 to KRW 4,000, depending on the design.
To use the card, simply tap it on the card reader when entering and exiting buses or subways, or when paying in taxis. You can recharge your T-Money card at convenience stores or subway stations. Recharging can be done in units of 1,000 KRW, with a range from 1,000 KRW to 90,000 KRW. As a tourist, you need to use cash to top up the card, as credit card options are not available for travelers.
2. Plan Your Route
There are multiple ways to plan your subway route. Of course, you can go for the non-digital way and plan with the help of a subway map but let’s be real – Who does that in 2024, right? Instead, I recommend using a transportation app. Now, it’s important to know that the apps you might be familiar with, like Google Maps or Apple Maps are not your go-to option in Korea. Due to restrictions on the use of geographic data in South Korea, those apps don’t work properly here.
Locals use Korean apps like KakaoMap or Naver Map to get around. I use the latter and I’ve seen most Koreans using it as well. Both apps are very intuitive and easy to use. Just enter your start- and ending point and Naver Maps will give you detailed, real-time information on which routes you can take depending on your preferences: There are options to filter by fastest route, cheapest route, route with the least amount of walking, etc. If you need help with using Naver Map, check out this Instagram post, where I explain everything you need to know to use the app!
3. Check Operating Hours
Remember that while Seoul truly is a city that never sleeps, subways don’t operate 24/7. The general operating hours for the Seoul subway are from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM the next day. It’s important to note that while this is the standard operating time, some train lines may also close earlier than this 1 AM cutoff.
4. Follow Etiquette
You got your T-Money card, planned your route, and checked the operating hours. Now you’re good to go right? Almost! South Korea has some unique “subway etiquette”. While Koreans are very understanding towards foreign tourists, it can’t hurt to memorize a few basic rules:
- Priority Seating: Always leave priority seating open for the elderly, disabled, pregnant women (these are the pink seats in subways), and children. Do not sit in these seats – unless you belong to one of these groups, of course.
- No Eating: Refrain from consuming food on the subway to prevent spills and odors.
- Boarding and Exiting: Allow passengers to exit the subway car before you enter, and form orderly lines when waiting at busy stops
- Escalator Etiquette: Stand to the right on escalators to let others pass on the left.
- Volume Control: Lower the volume of your earphones and your speaking voice to avoid disturbing others.
- Handling Litter: Do not leave trash on the subway; always dispose of it properly.
Insider Tips To Seoul’s Public Transportation System
Having lived in Seoul for about two years now, and taking the subway almost every day, I gathered quite some knowledge on how to navigate the subway system like a pro. Here are my top 5 tips:
1. Avoid rush hours when possible
Rush hours in Seoul are no joke. This is coming from someone who had to commute to work and back every day for many months: If you can, avoid it at all costs! Rush hour in Seoul typically occurs on weekdays from about 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM in the morning and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening. During these times, the subway system can be extremely crowded, with some lines operating at easily 200% of their passenger capacity.
2. UsE Lockers
Lockers are available at almost all subway stations in Seoul. They come in different sizes and are great for storing your shopping or luggage temporarily, especially when traveling.
3. Know Your Exit and Boarding Strategy
This might sound silly, but understanding the layout of stations and preferred subway cars can save time and hassle, especially during peak hours. Some exits are closer to transfer points or street exits, and some cars might be less crowded than others.
Naver Map tells you exactly which cars are closest to your transfer point or exit, and even on which side of the train you have to exit.
4. Public Restrooms
If you are in urgent need of a restroom, subway stations are a safe bet. Every station is equipped with a restroom. They are free and usually quite clean.
5. The most important Korean phrase TO KNOW when taking public transportation
Here’s the most important phrase you need to know when taking the subway in Seoul: 내릴게요! (ne-lil-gae-yo). It literally means “I’m getting off.”, and it’s what locals say instead of “Excuse me!” or “Sorry!” when trying to get off a crowded subway train or bus. Saying this sentence is so much better than awkwardly tapping the person in front of you on the shoulder, trust me.
Wrapping It Up…
As you’ve seen, with some preparation Seoul’s subway system provides an affordable portal for exploring fascinating neighborhoods, sampling authentic food and culture, and tapping into local lifestyle.
I hope you’ve found this guide helpful for unlocking everything Seoul has to offer. Please share any other questions below – I wish you a great journey!
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