Public transit etiquette

Priority seats are for seniors, people with disabilities, pregnant women and injured passengers. If you do not fall into these groups, most locals leave them empty even when the train is crowded. They are at each end of the car and marked by color or signs; buses have similar seats near the front.

The pink seats are reserved for pregnant women, and passengers are encouraged to leave them empty. You will see them on subways and some buses. Some pregnant women wear a badge to show they are expecting, which helps others notice and offer a seat.

Eating strong-smelling food on the subway is considered bad manners. On Seoul city buses, drivers can refuse boarding to passengers carrying takeaway drinks that could be dangerous or bother others. A bottle of water or a drink with a secure lid is generally fine, but be careful not to spill.

Wait at the marked boarding spots on the platform, standing to either side of the doors. Let everyone get off before you board. Avoid standing directly in front of the doors, as it blocks passengers trying to exit. If you are near the door at a busy stop, briefly stepping off to let people out is polite.

Korea once ran campaigns urging people to stand on both sides for safety, but as of November 2026 the government has decided to stop pushing a uniform two-line rule. In practice, many people leave one side open for walkers, so follow the local flow. Hold the handrail, and remember that walking or running on escalators can cause accidents.

Big suitcases can be a real burden for other riders during rush hour, so try to avoid peak times. Keep your bags close and do not block doors or aisles. Some trains, like the airport railroad's express service, have dedicated luggage space.

Press the stop button as your stop approaches. It is safest to stand once the bus has fully stopped, though many passengers move toward the door early. If you use a transit card, tap it again when getting off so the transfer discount applies on your next ride.

Short, quiet calls are fine, but long or loud conversations are considered rude. Always use earphones for videos and music. Speakerphone and video calls are best avoided. Most passengers keep to themselves on the train, so a low voice fits the atmosphere.

On crowded trains, a backpack can bump into others, so wear it on your front or put it on the overhead rack. When seated, keep it on your lap. If you use the rack, be careful not to forget your bag when you get off.

Subway cars and low-floor buses have marked spaces for wheelchairs and strollers. If you are standing there, move aside when a wheelchair user or parent with a stroller boards. In station elevators, it is courteous to let wheelchair and stroller users go first.

Some passengers say a quick 'annyeonghaseyo' when boarding, and many do not. It is not required, but it is a nice gesture. If you need to ask the driver something, do it briefly while the bus is stopped, not while it is moving.

Quick touch-ups are common, but powders or strongly scented products can bother people nearby. When the train is crowded, avoid movements that take up space. Grooming like clipping nails is seen as unhygienic and should be avoided entirely. Use a mirror sparingly and keep products in your bag.

Offer your seat to seniors, pregnant women, people with disabilities or anyone carrying a small child. Even if you are in a regular seat, giving it up is appreciated. If the person declines, there is no need to insist. A gesture toward the seat is enough.

No. Dashing in as doors close can get you caught or cause a fall. In Seoul, trains usually come frequently, so it is better to wait for the next one. Never lean on platform screen doors or wedge items between them.

Seoul's subway has allowed bikes on weekends and holidays in the first and last cars, but rules differ by line and time. Folded bikes can be carried at any time on Seoul Metro Lines 1 to 8, while other operators may have different rules. Check the operator's official guidance before bringing a bike on board.

Playing music through a speaker or filming loudly disturbs other passengers. Capturing other people's faces can also raise privacy and portrait-rights issues. If you need to film, do it quietly at off-peak times and keep other passengers out of the shot.

Sit in the back and wear your seatbelt. Showing the address or your map app screen is the clearest way to give your destination, and avoid eating in the car. Do not slam the door, and check for scooters or bikes coming from behind before you get out.

Weekday mornings from about 7 to 9 a.m. and evenings from about 6 to 8 p.m. are the busiest. Subways get very crowded then, making it hard to travel with luggage. If you can, schedule sightseeing moves outside these windows for a much more comfortable ride.

Whether women-only cars are offered can vary by city, line and period, so check the operator's official information for the line you plan to use. Seoul's subway does have seats reserved for pregnant women and priority seats for seniors and others. If you experience harassment, text the subway customer center or call 112, noting the time, place and train number.

Buses can brake or accelerate suddenly, so always hold a strap or rail when standing. Letting go to look at your phone is a common way to fall. Press the stop button early, then keep holding on until the bus comes to a full stop before moving to the door.