You will find that the subway is the most efficient way to get around the city. The subway system has grown significantly over the years since the inauguration of line 1 in 1974. With eleven lines connecting various parts of the city, Seoulites can often travel to their desired destination without the use of buses or taxi. Seoul Metro is quite easy to use since the lines are color-coded and each station is labeled with a three-digit code. The first digit refers to the line and the last two digits indicate the station number. For example, Myeong-dong station is 424, meaning stop number 24 on line 4. You might also notice that some of the subway trains and platform designs differ slightly as Seoul’s public transit system is
run by three organizations: the Seoul Metropolitan Subway Corporation, the Korean National Railroad and the Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation. The subway operation hours are from 5:30 to approximately 24:00. The estimated travel time between subway stations are 2~3 minutes. The schedule can vary depending on the line so remember to make note of the schedule in advance.
Subway payment methods
Several ticket purchasing options are available for the Seoul Metro. The most obvious is the ticket bought at the ticket window or at automated machines which dispenses tickets. These tickets include one-time tickets and prepaid tickets. When purchasing your ticket, it is important to clearly state your destination.
Subway lines
● Line 1 (Navy Blue)
The first line built in Seoul, the main purpose of line 1 is to connect the southwestern cities with northeast city of Uijeongbu through Seoul.
● Line 2 (Green)
The only circular line of the Seoul Metro, it crosses all the major stops around the heart of the city. Many of the entertainment, shopping and other tourist destinations are located near this line
● Line 3 (Orange)
The orange line connects the northwest area to the southeast area, perpendicularly crossing the center of the city.
● Line 4 (Blue)
Commuters residing in the northeast or southwest areas of Seoul use line 4 to reach central Seoul.
● Line 5 (Purple)
Makes stops at Gimpo Airport and Yeouido, an island known as a business/residential island on the Hangang River.
● Line 6 (Brown)
Connects the northwest to the northeast parts of Seoul, passing through central Seoul in the process.
● Line 7 (Olive)
The olive line supplements line 4, connecting the southwest and northeast areas of the city.
● Line 8 (Pink)
The shortest line, it was built to provide commuters access to the southeast area.
Notable cultural and historical stops are on this
line.
● Bundang Line (Yellow)
Bundang Line was created to accommodate the growing population in the satellite city south of Gangnam.
● Incheon Line 1 (Ultramarine)
A line connecting north and southern parts of Incheon city.
● Central Line (Turquoise)
The central line connects the center with northeastern parts of Seoul.
To avoid confusion and to speed up the entire process, it may be more convenient to purchase a pre-paid transportation card or T-Money card. You can recharge these cards by simply giving the person behind the ticket window your card and the amount you wish to recharge your card with. Those of you here for a longer stay may want to opt for the credit-based transportation cards. These cards include credit cards, debit cards or e-cards. The total fare amount is accumulated and at the end of the month, it is billed to you alongwith your other transactions. Subway fares start at 900 won and can cost up to 1,500 won depending on your destination. However, an average travelwithin Seoul will cost between 900 to 1,000 won. Not only are T-Money cards convenient, it’ll save you 100 won for each trip. T-Money cards can be purchased at ticket windows or at your local convenience stores (Family Mart, Buy the Way, GS25, 7-eleven).
Regular Tickets
- Basic fare: - up to 10km: 1,000won (cash)/ 900 won (T-Money card)
- Additional fare - extra fare charged for every 5km traveled
Preferential ticket, group purchase ticket
-One-time tickets are valid for 3 hours after check-in
- Pre-paid tickets include a 10% fare bonus. Even when the amount remaining on the ticket is less than the basic fare, the ticket will still cover another ride.
Lost and Found Centers
Each line on the Seoul Metro operates its own lost and found center. The lost items are collected at the very last stop and brought to the corresponding lost and found center. If you forgot an item on a subway car, do not panic. Make your way to the subway office or ticket window and give the transit officers on duty details such as the number of the car you left your belongings in. If possible, the officers will signal for the lost item to be retrieved from the car. Another method is to check one of the Lost and Found Centers at following stops.
SeoulMetro Lost&Found Center
Lines 1&2: City Hall Station (Tel. 02-6110-1122)
Lines 3&4: Chungmuro Station (Tel. 02-6110-3344)
SeoulMetropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation Lost&Found Center
Lines 5&8: Wangshimni Station (Tel. 02-6311-6765, 6768)
Lines 6&7: TaereungIpgu Station (Tel. 02-6311-6766~7)
KORAIL Lost&Found Center
Line 1: Guro Station (Tel. 02-869-0089)
Line 1: Seongbuk Station (Tel. 02-917-7445)
Line 1: Byeongjeom Station (Tel. 031-234-7788)
Line 2: Seolleung Station (Tel. 02-568-7715)
Line 3: Daegok Station (Tel. 031-965-8516)
Line 4: Ansan Station (Tel. 031-491-7790)
IncheonRapid TransitCorporation Lost&FoundCenter
Bupyeonggucheong(District Office) Station (Tel. 032-451-3650)
Airport Railroad Lost&Found Center (AREX)
Gimpo Airport (Tel. 032-745-7777)
Public Transit Transfer System
Using T-Money cards are convenient and can save you some money. For example, if you need to transfer buses, the base fare remains the same if the total distance traveled is less than 10km. An increase 100 won is added to the fare for every addition 5km.
Simply swipe your transportation card on the reader by the rear exit of the bus. You can transfer up to four times and the transfers must be done within 30 minutes of exiting a bus. If you transfer from bus to subway a small discount of 50 won will be deducted from the fare.
Subway Crime Unit 112
Crimes such as sexual harassment and pick-pocketing can be reported to the 112 police hotline. You can alsomake the report in person at the corresponding subway station office or one of 22 crime unit officers patrolling various stops on the Seoul Metro. The head crime unit office is located atWangshimni Station, Tel. 02-2218-0898.