The Subway in Seoul

Information about getting around Seoul using the subway system with details about travel cards, tickets and fares...

Seoul has an outstanding public transportation network. It is cheap, clean, easy and quick. There are about 400 subway stations in the metropolitan area and over 9,000 buses in Seoul and neighbouring cities. Public transportation routes cover most of the city.

Seoul's underground system is divided into nine lines and is operated by three companies: the Korean National Railroad, Seoul Metropolitan Subway Corporation, and the Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation. Operating times vary according to lines, but most run during the week from 05:30-00:00. Subway fares are charged based on the distance travelled, while there is a fixed basic fare for distances less than 10 Km.

The Seoul T-money Card

The T-money card is a convenient prepaid and rechargeable transit card that can be used for all public transportation and also as electronic money. The T-money Card comes in many shapes and designs. It can be used for both buses and subways in Seoul and other major cities in South Korea. Credit can be stored on the card and topped up when necessary. To use the card, hold it up to the card scanner at the entry and exit barriers of transport: the price of a trip is automatically deducted until the balance on the card is finished. Cards can be purchased at subway stations, ticket booths near bus stops and at convenience stores.

  • For information about the T-Money card: Click here
  • For information about the T-Money card for foreigners: Click here

Seoul CityPass

The Seoul CityPass is a transportation card designed for tourists and which can be used up to 20 times a day on subways and buses. The Pass can be bought for a one-, two- or three-day period. To use the card, simply scan it on the reader when boarding public transport or entering the subway.

  • For further information on the Seoul CityPass: Click here

The Subway System

Subways run across Seoul and neighbouring cities generally from 05:30-00:00. Maps and timetables of the subway routes can be found at most subway stations.

Tickets and fares

Bus passengers can pay in cash or use their T-money card, which is scanned over the reader inside the bus. Tickets paid for with cash are slightly more expensive than with a prepaid card.

M-Pass

The M-Pass is a special discount travel card designed for tourists. It comes in one, two, three, five and seven day formats and can be bought at the Seoul Tourist Information Centre at Incheon International Airport.

Free travel

The subway provides free transport to:

  • Those over the age of 65
  • Children under the age of six
  • People with disabilities who hold a disability card

For further information about Seoul's subway system:

  • Hi Seoul has information about public transport
  • Visit Korea has information about subway itineraries and fares in Seoul