Seoul, a bustling metropolis, boasts one of the world’s most efficient and user-friendly public transportation systems. Understanding how to navigate this network is key to making the most of your visit to this dynamic city. Whether you’re trying to figure out the best way to get to your next destination or simply curious about travel times, Seoul’s transportation options have you covered. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting around Seoul, ensuring you can explore the city with ease and confidence, and always be on time for your next adventure.
Seoul Subway: Fast, Efficient, and Extensive
The Seoul subway system is often lauded as one of the best globally, and for good reason. Its vast network, cleanliness, and frequent service make it an incredibly reliable way to travel across the city. Trains operate from approximately 5:30 AM until midnight, ensuring you can get around for most of the day and evening. Each subway line is clearly marked with a distinct color, and stations feature signs in Korean, English, and Chinese, making navigation straightforward for international visitors.
To ride the subway, you’ll need either a single-journey pass or a reusable transportation card. Single-journey tickets can be purchased at vending machines within each station, requiring the exact fare plus a refundable deposit. For longer stays or frequent travel, a Tmoney card is a more convenient option. These rechargeable cards can be bought at most convenience stores and offer seamless transfers between subway lines and even to buses.
A detailed Seoul subway map, showcasing the extensive network and color-coded lines for easy navigation around the city.
Free transfers are a major perk of the Seoul subway system. Transferring between different subway lines is free of charge, and Tmoney card users also enjoy free transfers between buses and subways, making integrated travel cost-effective and simple. For real-time route planning, timetables, and transfer information in English, numerous smartphone apps are available, including “Seoul Subway,” “Metroid Korea Subway Info,” and “Subway Navigation by Kakao.” These apps are invaluable tools for planning your journeys and ensuring you arrive on time.
Subway Fare Guide:
| Passenger Category | Transportation Cards (Tmoney) (KRW) | Single-Use Tickets (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| General (19 years & up) | 1,400 | 1,500 |
| Teenagers (13-18 years) | 800 | 1,500 |
| Children (6-12 years) | 500 | 500 |
Please note that starting October 7, 2023, additional fares apply to certain subway lines, including the Airport Railroad Independent Area, Sinbundang Line, Yongin EverLine, and Ui-Sinseol Light Rail Transit Line. Distance-based fares are also applied for journeys exceeding 10km.
How to Ride the Subway: A Step-by-Step Guide
Navigating the Seoul subway is user-friendly. Follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth journey:
-
Find a Subway Station: Subway stations are easily identifiable by their color-coded signs in Korean and English, each exit clearly numbered for straightforward orientation.
-
Purchase a Ticket or Use Your Tmoney Card: If you don’t have a Tmoney card, use the ticket vending machines within the station to purchase a single-journey ticket. A refundable deposit of KRW 500 is required, which you’ll get back at your destination. If you have a Tmoney card, you can skip this step and proceed directly to the turnstiles.
Choose the English menu option on the ticket vending machine for easy navigation.
Select “Single Journey Ticket” to purchase a single-use subway pass.
Choose your destination station from the list to calculate the fare.
Select the number of passengers and insert the required fare into the machine.
-
Enter the Turnstile: Tap your Tmoney card on the scanner or insert your single-journey ticket into the turnstile to pass through.
-
Transfer Lines (if needed): Follow the color-coded signs within the station to transfer to your desired line. Transferring is seamless and happens within the station complex itself.
-
Exit at Your Destination: Upon arrival, tap your Tmoney card again or insert your single-journey ticket at the turnstile to exit. If you used a single-journey ticket, remember to reclaim your KRW 500 deposit at a “Deposit Refund Device.”
-
Fare Adjustment (if necessary): If your Tmoney card or single-journey ticket has insufficient funds, you can use the fare adjustment machines located near the turnstiles to add more money.
Locate the Deposit Refund Device to get your 500 won deposit back after using a single-journey subway ticket.
Taxis in Seoul: Convenient and Readily Available
Taxis are another convenient and relatively inexpensive mode of transport in Seoul. They are plentiful and easy to hail on the street, or you can find them at designated taxi stands, especially near major tourist attractions. All taxis are metered, with varying base fares depending on the type of taxi. Payment is usually accepted in cash, credit cards, and Tmoney cards. Keep in mind that fares can vary based on taxi class, distance traveled, and time of day, especially with late-night surcharges.
Regular taxis are the most common and affordable option for getting around Seoul.
Types of Taxis:
-
Regular Taxis: These are the standard and most affordable taxis, easily recognized and hailed throughout Seoul. While most are orange, you might also see white, gray, or other colors.
-
Deluxe Taxis: Offering a more premium experience, Deluxe taxis are black with gold stripes. They have a higher base fare and per-distance charge but do not have late-night surcharges. They are typically found at major hotels and tourist hotspots.
Deluxe taxis offer a more luxurious ride and are often available at hotels and tourist areas.
- Jumbo Taxis: Ideal for larger groups, Jumbo taxis can accommodate up to 8 passengers and charge fares comparable to Deluxe taxis.
Jumbo taxis are perfect for larger groups traveling together within Seoul.
Important Taxi Warning: Be aware of the distinction between Jumbo taxis and call vans. Call vans are intended for cargo and may charge significantly higher fares without using a taximeter. Jumbo taxis will clearly display “JUMBO” on them, while call vans will have “VAN” or “CALL VAN.”
- International Taxis: Specifically designed for foreign tourists, International taxis are driven by multilingual drivers proficient in English, Chinese, or Japanese. These taxis can be pre-booked or hailed on the street and are slightly pricier than regular taxis. They are available in black or orange with “International” markings. Flat rates are available for airport pickups and chartered services for 3 or more hours.
International taxis are designed for tourists, with drivers who speak foreign languages.
For International Taxi Reservations: www.intltaxi.co.kr
Taxi Fare Structure:
| Fare Component | Regular Taxi (KRW) | Deluxe/Jumbo Taxi (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Fare | 4,800 / 1.6 km | 7,000 / 3 km |
| Distance Charge | 100 / 131 m | 200 / 151 m |
| Idle Charge | 100 / 30 s | 200 / 36 s |
| Late-Night Surcharge | 22:00-23:00 & 02:00-04:00 (KST): 120/131m / 23:00-02:00 (KST): 140/131m | 22:00-04:00 (KST): 240/151m |
International taxis offer flat fares (KRW 70,000-95,000) for trips between Incheon International Airport and Seoul.
Prepaid Taxi Service for Tourists: To avoid fare disputes, Seoul offers a prepaid taxi voucher service, currently available for travelers from Hong Kong, through Hanatour.
Seoul Buses: Extensive Network, Deeper City Exploration
Seoul’s bus system is another efficient and cost-effective way to get around. Buses are color-coded to indicate their routes: blue buses for main routes across districts, green buses connecting to subway lines and residential areas, yellow buses for city center circulation, and red buses for travel to surrounding areas. While the bus system can be slightly more challenging for first-time visitors due to less English signage at stops, major stops usually have announcements in both English and Korean. Apps like “Seoul Bus” are available to help navigate bus routes in English.
QR code for cashless bus information, promoting the use of transportation cards or mobile payment options.
Bus Fare Structure:
| Bus Type | Category | With Transportation Card (KRW) | With Cash (KRW) | Early Bird Discount (KRW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Bus (Trunk Bus) / Green Bus (Branch Bus) | Adult | 1,500 | 1,500 | 1,200 |
| Teenagers | 900 | 1,000 | 720 | |
| Children | 550 | 550 | 440 | |
| Yellow Bus (Circulation Bus) / Short-distance Bus | Adult | 1,400 | 1,400 | 1,120 |
| Teenagers | 800 | 800 | 640 | |
| Children | 500 | 500 | 400 | |
| Red Bus (Rapid Bus) | Adult | 3,000 | 3,000 | 2,400 |
| Teenagers | 1,700 | 1,800 | 1,360 | |
| Children | 1,500 | 1,500 | 1,200 | |
| Town Bus | Adult | 1,200 | 1,200 | 960 |
| Teenagers | 600 | 600 | 480 | |
| Children | 400 | 400 | 320 | |
| Late-night Bus | Adult | 2,500 | 2,500 | |
| Teenagers | 1,600 | 1,800 | ||
| Children | 1,400 | 1,400 |
Tmoney card users receive a KRW 100 discount on fares. Free transfers are available for Tmoney users within 30 minutes (or 1 hour between 9 PM and 7 AM) of disembarking, and within 10km.
Cashless Bus Information: Seoul is expanding its cashless bus service. Check for cashless bus QR codes and use transportation cards or mobile payment options.
Where to Recharge Transportation Cards:
Transportation cards can be recharged at convenience stores, vendor stalls, via the Tmoney Pay app, subway stations, and bank ATMs.
Travel Passes: Tmoney and Mpass
Tmoney Card: The standard transit card in Seoul, Tmoney, is accepted on buses, subways, and taxis, as well as in many convenience stores. It offers fare discounts and free transfers. Cards can be purchased and recharged at convenience stores, subway stations, and tourist information centers for KRW 3,000.
A Tmoney card, the standard rechargeable transit card for Seoul’s public transportation system.
Tmoney Mpass: Designed specifically for international visitors, the Mpass allows up to 20 rides per day on most subways and public buses. It can also be recharged for use in convenience stores and taxis. Mpasses are available at Seoul Station Tmoney Town and are valid for one month from purchase, activating upon first use.
Mpass Pricing:
| Card Type | 1-Day Pass | 2-Day Pass | 3-Day Pass | 5-Day Pass | 7-Day Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (KRW) | 15,000 | 23,000 | 30,500 | 47,500 | 64,500 |
| Price After 17:00 (KRW) | 12,000 | 20,000 | 27,500 | 44,500 | 61,500 |
Tour Bus Parking Guide
For those traveling by tour bus, Seoul provides numerous parking locations, including parking garages, off-street facilities, and designated street parking. Parking rates and availability vary by location.
Parking Garage & Attached Parking Lots (Examples): Gyeongbokgung Palace, Donghwa Duty Free Shop, Lotte Department Store.
Off-street Parking Facilities (Examples): Seoul Station Seobu, Jeokseondong Parking Facility, Namsan Hanok Village.
Street Parking Spaces (Tour Buses Only) (Examples): Dongsulla-gil, Tapgol Park, Sopa-ro Namsan Park.
Street Parking with Time Limits (Examples): Itaewon-ro, Changuimun-ro, Sajik-ro.
Temporary Parking (Example): Entrance to Itaewon (5-minute limit).
Use the “Seoul Parking Information” app for real-time parking location and availability.
Conclusion: Time to Explore Seoul with Confidence
Seoul’s comprehensive public transportation system, encompassing subways, buses, and taxis, makes navigating this vibrant city remarkably easy and efficient. By understanding the options available, from purchasing a Tmoney card to utilizing helpful mobile apps, you can explore Seoul with confidence and make the most of your time. Knowing what time it is in Seoul is just the start – knowing how to get around efficiently ensures you are always on time to experience all that this incredible city has to offer. Plan your journey, embrace the system, and enjoy your exploration of Seoul!
