Travel guides › Seoul Transit Cards and the Subway: A Guide for First-Time Riders
Seoul Transit Cards and the Subway: A Guide for First-Time Riders
Seoul's subway and buses are so dense that you can reach most sights without a rental car. At first, though, it can feel unclear where to buy a transit card or how to find the right direction on the subway. This article walks through it in order, from getting a card to riding trains and buses.
Why a transit card helps
Seoul's subway and buses can be paid for with a rechargeable transit card. With one card you can ride both, and transfers within a set time get a discount, which is a big advantage. It is far more convenient than buying a single-ride ticket each time, and some cards can also be used for small purchases such as at convenience stores.
Where to buy and top up
You can buy transit cards at airport shops, some outlets in subway stations and many convenience stores in the city. Top-ups can be done at the same convenience stores or at machines in subway stations. Topping up with cash is the most common method, so carry a little cash. Card types, prices, where they work and the conditions for refunding a leftover balance differ by issuer, so read the notice when you buy.
At some times there are short-term passes or discount products for travelers. Whether foreigners can use them and where to buy them are best checked in the latest guidance on official Seoul transport sites.
Riding the subway, step by step
- Check your line: subway lines are distinguished by number and color, such as Line 1 and Line 2. Search your destination in a map app and it will show the line to take and where to transfer.
- Check the direction: on the platform, direction is shown by the line's terminal station name. Board on the side that shows the end station in the direction you want to go.
- Fare gate: tap your card on the reader to enter, and tap again when you exit so the fare is settled.
- Exit number: Seoul stations have many exits, and the closest one differs by destination. Always check the exit number in your map app.
Subway hours vary by line and day of the week, but generally the first train runs around 5:30 a.m. and the last trains stop around midnight. If you plan to be out late, check the last train time in advance.
On buses, tap your card when boarding and when leaving
On Seoul buses you tap when you board and tap again when you get off. If you do not tap when leaving, you may miss the transfer discount or be charged extra. Bus colors indicate the type of route: blue for trunk buses running long routes across Seoul, green for feeder buses to subway stations and the like, red for express buses linking Seoul and surrounding areas, and yellow for circulation buses in the center.
Stops often have next-stop announcements in Korean, so save your destination stop name in a map app and follow your position as you ride to stay safe.
Etiquette worth knowing
- Leave priority seats and pregnancy seats free for those who need them.
- Keep phone calls short and quiet, and use earphones for video or music.
- Let people get off first. When the doors open, step to the side to leave a path.
- At rush hour (generally 7–9 a.m. and 6–8 p.m.) trains are very crowded, so avoid large luggage.
When you cannot find your way
Locally, apps such as Naver Map and KakaoMap are accurate for transit directions. They show transfer distance, travel time and even exit numbers, so make a habit of searching your destination in the app before you travel. If you are confused, showing the destination name to station staff also works well.
Official sources
Rules, fares and opening hours change often. Check the latest details on the official sites below.