If you are living or traveling in Seoul, the subway is the easiest and fastest way to get around. Nine numbered lines, and a few other non-numbered lines, criss cross the city and surrounding areas. All signs are translated into English and a ride only costs about a dollar on average. There’s no reason to fear the Seoul subway but if you want to make your ride easier and more enjoyable, follow these tips.
1. Get a T-Money card
Similar to London’s Oyster card, T-Money is used to scan on and off the subway. You can buy individual fare cards, but to save time and money pick up a T-Money card at any convenience store. They usually run around 3,000 won ($3) and you can load them using a machine at the subway station (which has an English option). When you scan into the subway you will be charged the base fare of 1,050 won ($1) and depending on how far you travel you will be charged another 100-400 won (10-40 cents) when you get off. Remember, if you scan when you get off a bus you get a free transfer onto the subway!
Typical Seoul subway station courtesy of Flickr user misternavid
2. Download the Jihachul iPhone app
Jihachul is, in my opinion, the best Korean subway app out there. It is free and provides route maps in Korean, English, and Chinese for Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju. In addition to the route map you can tap your starting and ending stations and the app will tell you the best route, where to transfer, how long it will take, and how much the fare will be. You can also access timetables and exit information. Best of all, you don’t need data to do any of this, so if you are traveling and don’t have a Korean plan you can still get to your destination with ease.
3. Use the transfer guide
Don’t be surprised if you have to transfer lines to get places in Seoul. Because of the size of the city this is very common. Seoul makes it very easy with English signage and a handy guide. When you get to your starting station look for the transfer map which is posted on the guard doors. When you find this map look for the station where you need to transfer. In a yellow triangle there will be two numbers separated by dash. This is where you need to stand to be in the prime location to transfer. On the floor in front of each door there is a triangle with this number. For example, if you the transfer map says 2-2 you need to be in car 2, door 2. Look for the triangle on the floor that says 2-2. If you stand here you won’t have to walk far and can transfer quickly. It can be a life saver if you need to meet someone and be on time.
The transfer map
Look for this on the floor. Your lifesaver.
4. Don’t sit at the very end of the car
The group of seats located at the far ends of each car are reserved for the elderly, pregnant, injured, and disabled. Do not sit here. I was unaware of this for the first few weeks I was here. Once I realized my mistake I finally understood all the of evil glares I’d been given. And felt very embarrassed.
5. If you want to sit, be aggressive
Seats very competitive. If you want to get one at peak times or on busy lines, you need to have a game plane sorted. Generally, the cars at the end are less crowded and you have a better chance there. If you get on and there are no empty seats, stand in front of people sitting, not near the door. This gives you easier snagging access when people get off.
A Line 7 (my line) train passing courtesy of Flickr user ForestMind
6. Be quiet
Older Koreans may have free reign to scream endlessly into their cellphones but you don’t. I’ve been shushed before for having a conversation at a normal volume, so your best bet is to keep it to a whisper or not talk at all.
7. Play on your phone
If you want to feel like a real Seoulite (and be quiet) you should get out your smartphone and NEVER look up. Seoul’s entire subway system is equipped with 3G and riders take full advantage. Watch TV, read your email, and keep up on your favorite travel blogs. But never, ever look up.
Seoul subway passenger courtesy of Flickr user taylorsloan
8. Push
I’ve mentioned this before, when it is your stop approaches, get up and do not, DO NOT say “excuse me”. Push your way toward the exit. I promise, no one will even look up from their phone.
How do you feel about public transportation, in Korea or in general? What are your Seoul subway riding tips?
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I didn’t realize that those yellow triangles meant where you should transfer! This is revolutionary. Thank you.
Rachel recently posted..My Travel Splurge
You’re welcome! I would’ve never known but one of my friends showed me my first week here. So thankful
Same here…I lived in Seoul for a year, saw those triangles a thousand times and never once even wondered what they were for. It turns out they would have actually come in quite handy.
Daniel McBane recently posted..New Year’s Eve in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
I’ve heard that from a lot of people! I guess I was lucky that someone showed me my first week here!
I hear so many great reports about Seoul. Can’t wait to get there one day. It is meant to be awesome.
Spencer recently posted..20 Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Bali You Simply Must Check Out
It’s a really great city!
Oh Amanda just IGNORE those people that shush you for speaking at a normal volume. I ignore them – it’s a subway, not a bedroom.
The Jihacheol app however is wonderful! I use it when I’m in Seoul. You’re right about the T-Money card too, so useful!
The subway really is nothing to be scared of and it’s so simple to get from A to B. I use the subway over the bus anytime. The buses are nightmarish.
Waegook Tom recently posted..Donkkaseu: Korean Pork Cutlet
LOL, I’m usually on the subway alone so I don’t get shushed often, luckily.
I rarely use the buses because they scare me and the subway is so easy!
I totally miss the efficiency of the Seoul subway system! It was so easy to go anywhere I needed via the subway and/or the bus. I also loved that people give directions via subway exits (ex. Hongdae exit #9). I hadn’t heard of numbering exits before South Korea.
Estrella recently posted..How Hiking in South Korea Got Me Free Car Service in Europe
It is so wonderful. And on time. Better than any other I’ve experienced. And yeah, I agree, I’d never heard of numbering exits either and it makes finding things so much easier!
Haha, this sounds like the metro in Mexico City. All the front cars of the metro here are for women and children only too – Does the subway in Seoul have anything like that?
Ceri recently posted..Scenes from the Museo de Arte Moderno
They don’t but I think there may have been talk about starting a car like that on the busiest line. It’s such a great idea!
Can anyone help me to read subway navigation and the exit.
For example, from my guesthouse’s owner said, from Incheon International Airport I have to take subway to seoul station,exit 12. My question is, how to read at the subway map the ‘exit 12′.
Please let me know soon and very appreciated.
Thank you.
Hi Anis,
Once you get to Seoul Station all the exits will be labeled with numbers. Follow the signs for exit 12. It is easier than it sounds!