Riding the Seoul subway

The Seoul subway generally runs from around 5:30 a.m. until about midnight, with some last trains running past midnight. First and last train times vary by station, direction and day of the week, so check a map app or the station timetable. If you miss the last train, you will need a late-night bus or a taxi.

Seoul subway fares are distance-based: a base fare covers the first stretch, and extra charges are added for longer journeys. Using a transit card is cheaper than buying single-journey tickets and also gives you transfer discounts with buses. Check a subway app or the operator's official guidance for exact fares.

Each Seoul subway line has its own color and number, which makes signs and maps easy to follow. Every station also has a number, so you can navigate by station number even without reading Korean. Announcements and signs are mainly in Korean and English, and station names on Lines 1 to 8 are also provided in Chinese and Japanese, though not on every sign.

Before boarding, check the platform sign for the next station and the final destination to avoid mistakes. If you are on the wrong train, get off at the next station and cross to the opposite platform. At some stations you have to exit the gates to do this, and leaving and reentering may mean paying again.

Line 2 is a loop around central Seoul, so its directions are called inner circle and outer circle. The inner circle runs clockwise and the outer circle counterclockwise. If you are unsure, just check the next station name on the platform sign before boarding.

Some lines, including Line 9, Line 1 and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line, run express trains that stop only at major stations. Express trains are marked on platform displays and on the train itself, and if your station is not an express stop, take a local train. Map apps often show whether a route uses an express or local service.

The pink seats are reserved for pregnant women. Since early pregnancy may not be visible, it is considered good manners to leave them empty. The seats at both ends of each car are for seniors, people with disabilities and pregnant women, so avoid sitting there unless you need them.

Let passengers get off before you board, keep phone calls quiet and use earphones for music. Keep large bags out of the aisle, and wear your backpack on your front or put it down in crowded cars. Avoiding strong-smelling food on board is also expected as common courtesy.

Large Seoul stations can have more than ten exits, and taking the wrong one can mean a long walk around. Check the exit number in your map app or your hotel's directions, then follow the yellow exit signs inside the station. Not every exit has an elevator, so check ahead if you have heavy luggage.

Most Seoul subway stations have elevators, but not at every exit. Check the station map or a navigation app to find exits with elevators. If you use a wheelchair, push a stroller or carry large luggage, allow extra time, since some transfers involve long routes.

Map apps such as Naver Map and KakaoMap, as well as dedicated subway apps, show routes, travel times, transfer points and first and last trains. Several of them offer English interfaces. Some apps also suggest the best spot for a quick transfer or which door to exit from, though features differ from app to app.

Note the station, time, train direction and which car you were in, then go to the nearest station office right away. Each subway operator runs a lost-and-found center, and the National Police Agency's lost-and-found portal, LOST112, lists found items too. You can also ask the 1330 Korea Travel Hotline for help.

Suitcases are allowed, but rush hour can be extremely crowded and difficult. If possible, avoid roughly 7 to 9 a.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., and keep your bags near the ends of the car. Some trains, like the AREX express, have dedicated luggage space.

In summer, some Seoul subway lines designate cars with milder air conditioning than the rest of the train. According to the operator, as of November 2026 Lines 1 and 2 do not have them, while Lines 3 to 8 each assign different cars, marked on the platform or the car. If you get cold easily, carry a light jacket.

Public Wi-Fi is available in many Seoul subway stations and trains. It can be slow when crowded, and because it is a public network, avoid banking or entering sensitive information. For a stable connection, use a SIM card or eSIM with mobile data.

Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Daejeon all have urban rail systems, and Incheon and many cities in the capital area are linked to the Seoul subway network. You can use a nationally compatible transit card on most of them. The number of lines and operating hours vary by city, so check local information.

The gate may reject your card if the balance is too low, if another card in your wallet is interfering, or if there is an unfinished tap record from another station. Try tapping the card alone, and if it still fails, press the help button by the gate or ask at the station office.

Water or a quick drink is fine, but eating on a crowded train is generally avoided because it can bother other passengers. Especially avoid food that smells strong or spills easily. Drinks without lids are also risky, since sudden stops can cause spills.

Young children below a certain age ride free with an accompanying adult. Free rides for people aged 65 and over apply to those who meet eligibility and card requirements; some foreign residents, such as permanent residents living in Seoul, can qualify with a senior transit card. Older foreign tourists do not ride free automatically, and child discounts may require registering the card.

Every station has a station office or customer service center, and trains have emergency intercoms. Report crimes such as harassment or threats to the police at 112, and call 119 for medical emergencies. Depending on the operator and line, you may also be able to report by text message, so look for the notice stickers inside the car.