How to Use the Subway in Seoul: Things You Need to Know Plus Helpful Tips and Apps

Navigating your way around the city of Seoul is surprisingly easy because of its very efficient transportation system. Local buses, taxis, and trains are available in the metro and they are widely used by its citizens through their everyday life as well as tourists visiting the city. Seoul's subway is recognized as one of the best train systems in the world. Most tourists before coming to Korea are already learning the subway's system and where to get tickets in advance instead of opting to use taxis because riding trains are relatively cheaper. Using this mode of transportation will give the tourists a feel on how to be a local and each stop will direct them to different places that will permit them to experience the vibrant lifestyle of Seoul. 

Moving around the metro through mobile apps

One look at the subway's map might be intimidating especially for first-time visitors because of its interlocking lines, colors, and numerous stops. Google maps can be useful when it comes to direction but there are accessible apps that are downloadable both from Android and iOS and it can guide tourists on familiarizing themselves with the train system. Another good thing is, these apps are free and available in English. 

Subway Korea 

Image Source: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.imagedrome.jihachul&hl=en

This app will provide the user with the most specific train lines to take to get to his or her destination. For every place or stop typed in Subway Korea's app, it will automatically calculate the quickest route the person can take to save time. It's very convenient in the sense that it will also give the user a look at the train's timetable for the day and if there are any malfunctions with the transportation system, they will also notify their users to avoid that specific line and ride an alternative route instead. Push notifications are also available in the app and it will alert the user of the arrival of the carriage once stationed in the platform area. Tourists can also use this offline so no need to trouble themselves in connecting with the internet. 

Naver Map

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Compared to Google Maps, Naver Map is more detailed when it comes to directions. Instead of going through multiple exits, Naver Map will offer the user the nearest exit to take to get to their desired place. This app is convenient especially for tourists who want to visit famous landmarks around the city⸺ the app will help them save time. Naver Map also optimizes real-time traffic information of the subways and roads around Seoul which gives the user the actual travel duration from point destination to the place they want to go. Just like Subway Korea, Naver Map also provides the user with different routes to make their transfer hassle-free. It also has an aerial and street view interface which allows the user to plan their route. 

Ticketing

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Seoul’s subway has two types of tickets and they are called the Single Journey Ticket and T-money. Single Journey Tickets are for those who are not reliant on using the subway. It is paid via cash and available only in the train stations through the information services center and you can use it for one route only. The next ticket option is the T-money which is exclusive only in Korea and it is more recommended than purchasing a Single Journey Ticket to fully maximize the tourist’s time in getting around the city. Using the T-money card is also a bit cheaper by 100 won when it comes to subway fares compared to Single Journey Tickets. The card is also reloadable through system generated ticketing kiosks. English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean languages are available when using these kiosks which are very effective to foreigners who want to top up their T-money. 

Tourists who plan to visit Seoul soon have the option to purchase their T-money in advance. There are travel booking apps like Klook, KKday, Trazy, Creatrip, etc. and websites such as Visit Korea and T-Money wherein you can buy T-money and have it picked up once the tourist arrives at the airport in Korea. 

T-money is not only utilized in subways but it can also be used as a payment method when riding the bus, buying food at convenience stores or restaurants, using payphones, and vending machines. Tourists also have the option to have their T-money refunded in case there's a remaining balance inside the card. The minimum balance amount should be 20,000 won and they can take their card to any loading kiosks to get their refund. 

Discover Seoul Pass

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For a budget-friendly approach to short-term visiting tourists, purchasing a Discover Seoul Pass is the best option. The pass can be activated into days with three different options; 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours. It allows the tourist to design his or her itinerary in ease and with flexibility and its benefits include free entry to over 35 attractions around Seoul's metro, which can serve as a one-way ticket in using AREX (Airport Express Subway) and access to Seoul Bikes. It can also act as your own T-money card in using public transportation and buying goods at those establishments which accept this pass as a payment method. Discover Seoul Pass is also available on mobile by using the app. It has the same functionality as the physical card but it's only limited to free admission to attractions, AREX, and Seoul Bikes. The T-money services are not available on the mobile app. Discover Seoul Pass is available for purchase through their official website and also affiliated online and offline sellers wherein tourists can choose from for their convenience. 

Train Etiquette

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Tourists should also keep in mind that Koreans are civic centered people. Foreigners should consider these dos and don’ts when taking the subway for them and the locals to have a comfortable ride. 

Dos

1. Stand behind the yellow line; don’t go near the sliding entrance towards the rail. 

2. Take the right lane always when using the escalator or stairs. If you’re in a hurry, you can always use the left lane. 

3. Make way for those who are going to exit from the train and wait for them to disperse completely before going in.

4. Once inside the train, talk in a normal tone. Don’t talk too loudly or shout. The same goes for your smartphone, set it on silent mode, or avoid using loud ringtones. 

5. Let the elderly, pregnant woman, and the disabled take your seat especially during rush hour when every priority seat is already taken. 

Don'ts

1. Don’t stand in the middle of the carriage’s door entrance and disrupt the way of those who are exiting the train. Instead, wait on the left or right side of the entrance and stand in line. 

2. Bringing smelly food and drinks inside the train is not allowed. Eating is also strictly prohibited inside the train. 

3. Don’t sit in the priority seats of the train. Especially those “pink seats” designated for pregnant women and those seats at the end of each carriage. These are reserved for people with special needs such as people with physical or mental disabilities and senior citizens. 

4. Pets are not allowed inside the train. 

5. Avoid manspreading (sitting in public transport with legs wide apart) and putting your bag or other things in the space next to you. As much as possible, make space and allow passengers to take the seat next to you. 

Some Tips 

1. Seoul’s subway operation hours are from 5:30 a.m. till 1:00 a.m. the next day. But you should keep in mind that not all subway lines have the same cut-off so it’s better to check the recommended subway mobile apps for the accurate time table of the day to avoid being left behind since local buses have their curfew too and it will be hard to get transportation if you didn’t make it to the cut-off. 

2. Purchase T-money to save money and move around the city without limit. If you’re visiting the city for just a few days but want to see all the famous attractions, it is advisable to purchase the Discover Seoul Pass instead for a more curated route and it will take you to different landmarks around the city. 

3. Free smartphone apps that are very useful in guiding your way through Seoul’s subway system are always available to download, don’t hesitate to use them and maximize their services. 

4. Subway stations in Seoul are big and crowded during rush hours but the place is scattered with directions and arrow pointers for you to find the exit you want to take. If still having trouble, just approach the personnel assigned in the information system for him or her to guide you through the place. 

5. Pushing and shoving are normal when taking the train. Rush hours are the worst since people move fast and Koreans don't want to stall around. Avoid these hours: 6:50 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

Corresponding Train Stations for Tourist Spots in Seoul

Especially for first-time tourists in Seoul, these train stations will be your drop-off point to visit the most popular tourist destinations. 

• Gyeongbokgung Palace

  • Visit the largest palace and watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. To get here go to the Gyeongbokgung station on the Seoul Subway Line 3 and Exit 5.

• Insadong

  • Insadong is a whole strip full of traditional teahouses, restaurants, and shops. To get to Insadong go to Jonggak Station on the Seoul Subway Line 1 and Exit 3.

• Dongdaemun Market

  • Shop til you drop at Dongdaemun Market, go to Dongdaemun Station on the Seoul Subway Line 1 & 4 then Exit 8 or 9.

• National Palace Museum of Korea

  • Learn about the history of South Korea. To get here go to Gyeongbokgung Station of Seoul Subway Line 3 then Exit 5.

• Itaewon

  • End the day by partying at Itaewon, it is easy to get here but keep in mind the schedule of the last train for the day. Simply go to Itaewon Station on the Seoul Subway Line 6.

• Gangnam District

  • The area of Gangnam is more upscale and modern, find shops and high-end restaurants and night-clubs in this area. Get off at Gangnam Station Seoul Subway Line 2.

• Namsan Mountain, N Seoul Tower and Myeongdong

  • To get to these two destinations you will get off at Myeongdong Station on the Seoul Subway Line 4 then Exit 3, you will get a full view of Seoul at the N Seoul Tower by walking for 15 minutes from the station then ride a cable car going up the Namsan Mountain where the N Seoul Tower is located. The Myeongdong shopping district will require you to pass through Exit 6.

• Lotte World

  • Lotte World is an amusement park within the city that kids and adults will surely enjoy. To get here, go to Jamsil Station on the Seoul Subway Line 2 or 8 then Exit 4.

• Bukchon Hanok Village 

  • Take the walking tour at the Bukchon Hanok Village where you can see traditional Korean houses. Simply go to Anguk Station on the Seoul Subway Line 3 then Exit 3. 

Traveling around Seoul is easier than you think, the trains are conveniently close to the tourist destinations. The train ticket prices are one of the most affordable options to travel around the city. It may seem overwhelming at first but download the apps before your travel date and it will help you work your way around Seoul’s train stations.