🚆 The Complete Guide to Seoul Public Transportation

Public Transport Seoul T-Money Subway Bus Bike

Seoul's globally recognized public transportation system is the most efficient way to explore the city, whether you're a tourist or a long-term resident. In this post, we'll cover Seoul's various transportation options, recent changes, and tips for navigating like a local.

🎫 T-money Card: Your Gateway to Seoul's Public Transit

Types of Transportation Cards

A transportation card is essential for using public transit in Seoul. While there are several options, the most common ones include:

  • T-money: The most universal card, usable on all public transportation and at convenience stores
  • Cash-bee: Functions similarly to T-money
  • M-Pass: Unlimited transit pass designed for foreign tourists
  • Discover Seoul Pass: Integrated pass that combines attraction admission with transportation

Where to Purchase and Reload

  • Any convenience store (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, etc.)
  • Ticket machines inside subway stations
  • Tourist information centers

A T-money card costs 3,000 won and can be loaded with any amount. There's no expiration date, so any unused balance remains until used.

2024's New Unlimited Pass!

In 2024, Seoul Metropolitan Government introduced an unlimited mass transit pass. For approximately 65,000 won ($48) per month, users can access all subway lines, bus routes, and the city's bike-sharing service without limits. This is an extremely economical option for frequent travelers or long-term visitors.

🚄 Seoul Subway: A World-Class System

Basic Information

Seoul's subway system consists of 22 lines, making it one of the most extensive and convenient urban railway networks in the world. Operating from as early as 4 AM until 1 AM, the base fare is 1,400 won with a 100 won discount for T-money users.

Subway Advantages

  • Cleanliness: One of the cleanest subway systems in the world
  • Multilingual Support: All signs and announcements are in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese
  • Free Wi-Fi: Available in all stations and trains
  • Safety Features: Most stations are equipped with platform screen doors, elevators, and CCTV
  • Climate Control: All trains are fully air-conditioned

Subway Usage Tips

  1. Avoid Rush Hour: Skip the "Hell Train" (jiok-cheol) during commute hours (7-9 AM, 6-7 PM)
  2. Plan for Transfer Time: Transfers at major stations can take up to 10 minutes
  3. Use Apps: Naver Map or KakaoMap will show the fastest routes and real-time train arrivals
  4. Check Exit Numbers: Large stations have 10+ exits, each leading to entirely different areas

🚌 Seoul Buses: A Color-Coded System

Bus Types (By Color)

Seoul's bus system is organized by color. Blue buses connect main districts, while green buses link subway stations and major blue bus routes with residential areas. Additionally:

  • Blue (Trunk Lines): Connect major areas across Seoul
  • Green (Branch Lines): Connect main routes to residential areas
  • Yellow (Circular Lines): Operate in a loop within downtown
  • Red (Express Lines): Connect Seoul with surrounding cities
  • Night Owl Buses: Operate after subway service ends

How to Use Buses

  1. Boarding: Enter through the front door and tag your transportation card
  2. Requesting a Stop: Press the bell as your stop approaches
  3. Alighting: Exit through the rear door and tag your card again (essential for transfer discounts!)

Utilizing the Bus Information System

Seoul operates a cutting-edge bus information system that provides real-time data on estimated arrival times, time remaining until arrival, current bus location, and intervals between buses. This information is available via:

  • Information terminals at bus stops
  • The Seoul TOPIS website and mobile app
  • Map applications like Naver Map and Kakao Map

🚲 Seoul Bike: The Public Bike-Sharing System

Seoul Bike (known as "Ttareungi" in Korean) is an unmanned bike rental system managed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, with over 1,500 rental stations throughout the city. A 1-day rental costs just 1,000 won, and services are available in English, Chinese, and Japanese.

How to Use Seoul Bike

  1. Download the app (Seoul Bike or Ttareungi)
  2. Register and purchase a pass
  3. Rent a bike by scanning the QR code or entering the station number
  4. Return at any station
  • Han River Bike Path: A flat course cutting through Seoul
  • Cheonggyecheon Stream Path: Enjoy nature in the heart of the city
  • Seoul Forest to Ttukseom: An easy route for beginners

🚖 Taxis: Fast and Convenient Transportation

Taxi Types

  • Regular Taxis (White/Silver): Most common taxis
  • Deluxe Taxis (Black): Slightly more expensive but offer premium service
  • Brand Call Taxis: Taxis called through apps like Kakao Taxi
  • Late-Night Surcharge: 20-40% additional charge from midnight to 4 AM

Taxi Usage Tips

  1. Use Apps: Kakao Taxi app eliminates the need to explain your destination
  2. Check the Meter: Always ensure the meter is running
  3. Request Receipts: Helpful if you leave something behind
  4. Note Key Destinations: Keep major addresses or nearby landmarks written in Korean

🚋 New Tram Line: 2025's Transportation Addition

Seoul will open a new tram line in 2025. This marks the return of the streetcar system that was abandoned in 1968 for subway development, now returning in a modern form as part of the expansion of environmentally friendly public transportation.

📱 Smartphone Apps: Essential Assistants for Seoul Transit

KakaoMap is available in English and can help plan your journey from door to door, covering everything from when the next bus will arrive to the most efficient train car to board. Additional recommended apps:

  • Naver Map: Provides the most accurate transit information
  • Subway Korea: Great for offline subway maps
  • Seoul Bus: Check real-time bus locations
  • Kakao T: Optimized for taxi hailing

💡 Local Tips: Using Public Transportation Like a Seoul Native

  1. Utilize Transfers: Free transfers within 30 minutes when using T-money (60 minutes from 9 PM to 7 AM)
  2. Plan Your Exit Strategy: Know which exit to use in advance to save time
  3. Use Express Trains: Some lines offer express services that skip stations
  4. Seating Hack: Take trains that start from terminus stations
  5. Free Restrooms: All subway stations have free public restrooms
  6. Escalator Etiquette: Stand on the right, walk on the left

Seoul's public transportation system boasts world-class efficiency and convenience. By appropriately combining subway, bus, bike-sharing, and taxi services, you can travel anywhere in Seoul quickly and economically. With the 2024 introduction of the unlimited pass and the upcoming tram line in 2025, Seoul's public transportation is set to become even more convenient.