Looking for the ultimate Seoul Subway Guide? The Korean subway system is world-class: it is clean, fast, and cheap. However, looking at the complex map for the first time can be scary.
Don’t worry. With the right app and one magic card, you can go anywhere in Seoul. This Seoul Subway Guide covers everything from buying a ticket to local etiquette.
Quick Table of Contents
- Editor’s Pick: Why Subway is Best
- Step 1: T-money Card (Essential)
- Step 2: Best Apps to Download
- Step 3: How to Ride
- Step 4: Important Etiquette
- FAQ: Subway Hours & Tips
Editor’s Note: Why I Recommend the Subway
As a local expert creating this Seoul Subway Guide, I highly recommend the subway as your main mode of transport. Here is why:
- Access to Tourist Spots: You can reach almost all major tourist attractions in Seoul by subway.
- Avoid Traffic Jams: Seoul’s traffic can be terrible, especially during rush hour. Buses and taxis often get stuck on the road. If you have a reservation or a tight schedule, you might be late.
- Reliability: The subway has short intervals (runs frequently) and never gets stuck in traffic. It is the safest way to travel on time.
- Easy Transfer: Transferring between lines is much easier and more systematic than in many other countries.
🚑 Emergency: Wrong Way or Bathroom Break? 🚽
This is a life-saving tip in our Seoul Subway Guide. If you accidentally entered the wrong direction platform or urgently need to use the restroom (which is often outside the gate), do not tap your card to exit. If you tap, you will be charged again.
Instead, look for the “Wide Gate” (usually for wheelchairs or heavy luggage) at the end of the turnstiles.
💡 The “Help Button” Trick:
1. Press the “Help” (Call) button on the Wide Gate.
2. Say “Wrong Way” or “Toilet” to the intercom.
3. The staff will open the gate for free. (Do the same to get back in!)
Step 1: Get a “T-money” Card (Essential)
Before you download any apps, you need a T-money card. You cannot use most foreign credit cards directly at the subway gate.
- What is it? A rechargeable transportation card.
- Where to buy? Any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) or subway station vending machines.
- Cost: The card costs about 4,000 KRW, and you must load cash (KRW) onto it.
💡 Bonus Tip: Traveling to Busan or Daegu?
Good news! The T-money card and the Subway Apps recommended below work nationwide. You can use them in Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju exactly the same way as in Seoul.
Step 2: Download the Best Subway App
Google Maps does NOT work well for walking directions or subway exits in Korea. Please use one of these two apps specifically designed for the Seoul Subway Guide.
Option 1: Kakao Metro (Best for Beginners)
This is the simplest app dedicated solely to the subway. It tells you exactly which car to board for the fastest transfer.
⬇️ Download Kakao Metro
📱 Android Download
🍎 Apple iOS Download
Option 2: Naver Map (Best for Total Navigation)
If you want one app for everything (Subway + Bus + Walking), this is it. It is the “Google Maps of Korea.”
⬇️ Download Naver Map
📱 Android Download
🍎 Apple iOS Download
Step 3: How to Ride (Don’t Get Lost!)
- Tap In: Tap your T-money card on the turnstile sensor on the right side. You will hear a “beep.”
- Check the Direction: Look at the arrow on the platform screen doors. Make sure it points to your next stop.
- Transfer: Follow the colored lines on the floor. You do not need to tap your card when transferring inside the station.
- Tap Out: You must tap your card again when you exit. If you don’t, you will be charged extra next time.
Step 4: Important Etiquette (Don’t be rude!)
To master this Seoul Subway Guide, you must know the local etiquette. Koreans value quietness and order in public transport.
- Pink Seats are for Pregnant Women: Never sit on the pink seats at the end of the car, even if they are empty. Locals leave them empty out of respect.
- Grey Seats are for the Elderly: The seats designated for “Senior Citizens” should also be left empty unless you are elderly, disabled, or pregnant.
- Be Quiet: Do not talk loudly on the phone. Most people text or whisper.
FAQ: Seoul Subway Guide
When does the subway close?
Generally, trains run from 5:30 AM to Midnight (12:00 AM). On Fridays and weekends, times may vary slightly. Check your Kakao Metro app for the exact “Last Train” time.
Is there Free Wi-Fi?
Yes, but it is usually locked for Korean telecom users (SKT, KT, LGU+). If you rented a pocket Wi-Fi or have a tourist SIM, you can use your own data. It works perfectly even underground.
Can I eat or drink on the subway?
Technically, it is not illegal, but it is highly frowned upon. Please do not eat smelly food or drink open cups of coffee. Water in a bottle is fine.
Hopefully, this Seoul Subway Guide helps you travel safely and cheaply!
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