π Seoul Subway Guide for First-Time Visitors
Seoulβs subway system is one of the most efficient and cleanest in the world.
Whether you're here for a few days or a few weeks, understanding how it works will save you time, money, and stress.
πΊοΈ Basic Info
- Lines: 23 lines (numbered and color-coded)
- Operating Hours: Around 5:30 AM β 12:00 AM
- Language: All signs are in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese
- Fares: Base fare is β©1,400 with a T-money card
- Clean & Safe: Most stations are equipped with platform screen doors, elevators, CCTV, and good lighting.
Seoulβs subway connects every corner of the city and even goes far beyond into Gyeonggi Province and Incheon. Youβll find it not only fast and safe β but also a cultural experience in itself.
π³ Step 1: Get a T-money Card
You can buy one at:
- Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven)
- Subway stations (vending machines or service booths)
Tip: Recharge it with cash at machines inside stations. No need to buy a ticket every time!
π‘ T-money also works for buses, convenience stores, and even taxis.
π Step 2: Navigate Like a Pro
Forget Google Maps. Use:
- Naver Map or KakaoMap β the best navigation apps in Korea
- Subway Korea β great for offline subway maps
These apps show:
- Live train arrivals
- Which platform and car to board for fastest transfers
- Real-time transfer routes
- Which station exit to use (super important!)
- Expected crowd levels
π Transfers & Exits
- Transfers are free within 30 minutes when using T-money.
- Transfer paths can be long (up to 10 minutes), especially at massive stations like:
- Gangnam
- Express Bus Terminal
- Dongdaemun History & Culture Park
π³οΈ Exit numbers are everything.
For example, at Hongdae Station there are 9+ exits β each leads to a totally different area.
π¨ Subway Etiquette (Donβt Be That Foreigner)
- Donβt sit in priority seats (theyβre for elderly, disabled, pregnant)
- No eating, drinking, or phone calls on the train
- Keep conversations quiet
- Stand on the right side of escalators (left is for people walking)
π Rush Hour = Chaos
- Avoid:
8 AM β 9:30 AM (work commute)
6 PM β 7:30 PM (evening rush)
π§ It gets unbelievably crowded β think people shoulder-to-shoulder, no room to move. Even locals plan around it if they can.
π§ Most Useful Lines for Tourists
| Line | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Line 2 (Green) | Hongdae, Gangnam, Euljiro, City Hall, Seoul Forest |
| Line 4 (Light Blue) | Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Seoul Station |
| Line 6 (Brown) | Itaewon, Gyeongridan, HBC |
| AREX | Airport express to/from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station |
π°π· Quick Korean Phrases for Subway
| English | Korean | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Where is exit 3? | 3λ² μΆκ΅¬ μ΄λμμ? | sam-beon chul-gu uh-di-eh-yo? |
| Which line is this? | μ΄κ±΄ λͺ νΈμ μ΄μμ? | i-geon myeot ho-seon-i-eh-yo? |
| Thank you | κ°μ¬ν©λλ€ | gam-sa-ham-ni-da |
π§ Extra Tips from a Local Perspective
- Most people are helpful β if you look confused, someone will probably offer help.
- The subway is a great way to see real life in Seoul: student uniforms, ahjummas with shopping bags, and maybe even street performers in transfer stations.
- Most subway stations are connected to underground shopping malls, perfect for rainy days.
β Summary
- β Get a T-money card
- β Use Naver Map or KakaoMap for accurate navigation
- β Avoid rush hours if you can
- β Follow local etiquette to blend in
π Coming Soon on Seoul Algorithm
In future posts, weβll cover:
- π Themed subway stations (like K-pop or mural stations)
- πΊοΈ Best exits for tourist spots
- π§ Subway + cafΓ© hopping routes
Happy exploring β and ride like a local!