Seoul Subway Guide: How to Use the Metro, T-money & Transfers

First day in Seoul, standing in front of a subway station, overwhelmed? The route map looks like a rainbow threw up. You don't know how to buy a ticket. What even is a T-money card?

Don't worry. Seoul's subway is way easier than it looks. Once you get the hang of it, you can travel anywhere in the city for ₩1,400 (about $1 USD).

Here's everything you need to know: how to buy a T-money card, navigate the subway map, transfer between lines, and avoid the mistakes everyone makes. This one guide makes you a Seoul subway pro.

Why Seoul's Subway is Awesome

Seoul's subway is one of the world's best public transit systems. Even first-timers get comfortable fast. Here's why.

What Makes Seoul Subway Great:

• Cheap: ₩1,400 base fare ($1 USD) takes you up to 10km
• Fast: Trains every 3-5 minutes, even during rush hour
• Clean: Every station has restrooms, air conditioning, and heated seats in winter
• Safe: CCTV everywhere, platform screen doors, women-only areas at night
• English signage: All station names and announcements in Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese
• Free WiFi: Connect to "Public WiFi@Seoul" in stations and trains
• Runs late: Most lines operate until midnight (first train ~5:30am, last train ~midnight)

Insider Tip: Seoul subway has 23 lines connecting 700+ stations. Myeongdong, Gangnam, Hongdae—all accessible by subway. Faster and cheaper than taxis.

T-money Card: Why You Need One

To ride Seoul's subway, you need a T-money card. Single-journey tickets exist, but T-money is way better.

T-money vs Single-Journey Ticket

Bottom line: Staying in Seoul for 2+ days? Get a T-money card. Even for one day, if you're transferring, T-money saves money.

Where to Buy T-money Cards

Purchase locations:

1. Convenience stores (easiest): CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Emart24
2. Subway station vending machines: Most major stations have them
3. Incheon Airport: 1st floor arrival hall convenience stores and vending machines
4. Tourist information centers: Myeongdong, Jongno

Price: Basic T-money card ₩2,500 / Character designs ₩4,000

How to buy (convenience store method):

1. Say "T-money card, please" to the cashier
2. Pick a card design (basic vs character)
3. Pay with cash or credit card (foreign cards accepted)
4. Charge it immediately or later

Pro Tip: When you arrive at Incheon Airport, grab a T-money card at the first convenience store you see. You'll use it on the Airport Express (AREX) right away.

How to Charge Your T-money Card

Charging locations:

• Convenience stores (easiest)
• Subway station charging machines (cash or card)
• Bus stop charging kiosks

Convenience store charging method:

1. At the cashier, say "Charge please" or point to your T-money card
2. Say the amount (₩10,000 or ₩20,000 recommended)
3. Place T-money card on the card reader
4. Pay with cash or credit card

Subway charging machine method:

1. Select "Charge" on screen (language options available)
2. Place T-money card on sensor
3. Select amount (₩1,000 / ₩5,000 / ₩10,000 / ₩20,000)
4. Insert cash or use credit card
5. Done!

How much to charge?

• 2-3 days trip: ₩20,000
• 1 week trip: ₩30,000-₩50,000
• Daily average usage: ₩5,000-₩10,000 (4-6 rides on subway + bus)

Common Mistake: If your balance is below ₩1,400, the turnstile won't open. Check your balance when you tap in—it shows on the screen.

How to Ride Seoul Subway (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Find the Station

Use these apps:

• Kakao Metro (highly recommended!): Real-time arrivals, optimal routes, even Koreans use it
• Naver Map: Korea's Google Maps. Integrates subway + bus routes
• Google Maps: Works for basic directions (Naver Map is more accurate)

Finding the entrance: Look for yellow signs with the subway symbol. Station entrances are numbered: "Exit 1", "Exit 2", etc.

Heads Up: Big stations (Gangnam, Hongdae, Seoul Station) have 10+ exits. Check which exit number you need on your app. Exit 1 and Exit 10 can be 500m apart.

Step 2: Pass Through Turnstiles

1. Tap your T-money card on the blue sensor
2. Lift the card off (don't hold it there)
3. Blue light + "beep" = you're good to go
4. Red light + "beep beep beep" = insufficient balance or error

Pro Tip: You can tap through your bag or wallet—the sensor reads through fabric. But if you have multiple cards stacked together, it might error.

Step 3: Find the Right Platform

Check the direction: Platforms are labeled by the "terminal station" name.

Example: Line 2 (Green Circle Line)

• Outer Loop: Hongik Univ → Sinchon → Ewha → Ahyeon → Chungjeongro → City Hall (clockwise)
• Inner Loop: City Hall → Euljiro → Dongdaemun History → Wangsimni → Seongsu (counterclockwise)

Confused?: Platform signs list several station names. Find your destination and see which direction it's in.

Insider Tip: There's a route map on every platform. Your current station lights up red. Find your destination and check the direction.

Step 4: Board the Train

Where to stand for faster exits?

• Near exit: Get off faster
• Near transfer: Faster transfers
• Near elevator: If you have luggage

Platform ceilings show car numbers: "1-1", "1-2". Kakao Metro app tells you the "fast transfer position" for each station.

Pro Tip: Rush hour (7-9am, 6-8pm) is packed. Avoid if possible. If you can't, the first and last cars are slightly less crowded.

Step 5: Exit the Station

1. When you hear your stop announced, move toward the doors
2. Wait for passengers to exit first, then board
3. Follow "Exit" signs to your desired exit number
4. Tap your T-money card at the turnstile (you MUST tap out!)
5. Head to the exit number you need

Common Mistake: Forgetting to tap out charges you the maximum fare. Always tap!

How to Transfer (It's Easier Than You Think)

Here's the magic of Seoul subway: Transfers within 30 minutes are free! T-money automatically recognizes transfers.

Transfer Method

1. Ride the first line to the transfer station
2. Get off and follow "Transfer" signs (color-coded by line)
3. Don't exit through turnstiles (stay inside the station)
4. Find the platform for the next line
5. Board directly

Important: You don't tap your T-money card when transferring. Only tap when you exit the final station.

Frequently Used Transfer Stations

Heads Up: Express Bus Terminal and Sindorim stations have long transfer walks. Allow extra time. If you have heavy luggage, consider a taxi.

Pro Tip: Kakao Metro shows "fast transfer car" info. It tells you which car to board for the quickest transfer. Super useful!

Reading the Subway Map

Seoul subway has 23 lines. Looks chaotic at first, but once you know the colors, it's simple.

Major Lines (Most Used by Tourists)

Line 1 (Blue): Seoul Station - City Hall - Jonggak - Jongno 3-ga - Dongdaemun

• Key spots: Seoul Station, City Hall, Jonggak (near Gwanghwamun)

Line 2 (Green): Seoul's most important line. It's a loop that circles the city.

• Key stations: Hongik Univ, Ewha, Sinchon, City Hall, Euljiro, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, Gangnam, Gyodae, Sadang, Sillim, Sindorim
• Tourist areas: Hongdae, Ewha, Gangnam, Seongsu-dong, Samseong

Line 3 (Orange): North to south (Apgujeong - Yangjae - Nambu Terminal)

• Key stations: Gyeongbokgung, Anguk (near Insadong, Samcheong-dong), Jongno 3-ga, Chungmuro, Sinsa, Apgujeong, Express Bus Terminal
• Tourist areas: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong, Apgujeong Rodeo

Line 4 (Light Blue): South to northeast

• Key stations: Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Hyehwa (Daehangno), Hanseong Univ (Seongbuk-dong)
• Tourist areas: Myeongdong, Namsan, Dongdaemun, Daehangno

Line 5 (Purple): Yeouido - Gwanghwamun - Wangsimni

• Key stations: Yeouido, Gwanghwamun, Euljiro 4-ga, Wangsimni
• Tourist areas: Yeouido (Han River Park), Gwanghwamun

Line 6 (Brown): Connects Itaewon - Mangwon

• Key stations: Itaewon, Hangangjin, Mangwon, Yeonsinnae
• Tourist areas: Itaewon, Gyeonglidan-gil

Line 7 (Olive): Gangnam-gu to Nowon-gu (southeast to northeast)

• Key stations: Gangnam, Nonhyeon, Express Bus Terminal, Isu, Konkuk Univ
• Tourist areas: Gangnam, Konkuk Univ (food alley)

Line 9 (Gold): Fastest express line. Gangnam - Yeouido - Gimpo Airport

• Key stations: Gimpo Airport, Yeouido, Dongjak, Express Bus Terminal, Sinnonhyeon
• Feature: Express trains skip stations (check express vs regular!)

Airport Railroad AREX (Sky Blue): Incheon Airport - Seoul Station / Hongdae

• Express (43min, ₩11,000) vs All-Stop (60min, ₩5,100)
• Key stations: Incheon Airport T2 - T1 - Hongik Univ - Seoul Station

Using the Subway Map App

Kakao Metro how-to:

1. Search departure station (Korean or English)
2. Search destination station
3. View routes: shows time, number of transfers, fare
4. Choose "Fast transfer" vs "Minimum transfers"
5. Real-time arrival info (how many minutes away)

Insider Tip: Multiple routes might appear for the same destination. Compare 1 transfer vs 0 transfers and pick what works for you.

Airport to City Center (Incheon Airport)

AREX Airport Express (Recommended!)

Express Train:

• Time: 43 minutes nonstop (Incheon Airport → Seoul Station)
• Fare: ₩11,000 (T-money not accepted, buy separate ticket)
• Pros: Fast, guaranteed seat, lots of luggage space
• Cons: Expensive, doesn't stop at intermediate stations

All-Stop Train:

• Time: Incheon Airport → Hongdae 53min / Seoul Station 63min
• Fare: ₩5,100 with T-money
• Pros: Cheaper, stops at Digital Media City, Hongik Univ, etc.
• Cons: Takes longer, crowded during rush hour

Which should you take?

• Hotel near Seoul Station → Express Train
• Hotel near Hongdae, Sinchon, Ewha → All-Stop Train (get off at Hongik Univ, transfer to Line 2)
• Budget traveler with time → All-Stop Train

Line 9 (To Gangnam Area)

If your hotel is near Gangnam, Jamsil, or Express Bus Terminal:

1. Take AREX All-Stop to Gimpo Airport Station
2. Transfer to Line 9 (take express for faster trip)
3. Arrive at destination

Heads Up: Line 9 express trains skip stations! Check express vs regular before boarding.

Pro Tips & Money-Saving Tricks

Save Money

Use 30-minute free transfers: Bus → subway transfer is also free within 30 minutes.

• Example: Bus ₩1,400 + subway transfer (₩0) = ₩1,400 total
• Without transfer: ₩2,800

Avoid late-night surcharge: Buses after midnight charge double. Subway has no surcharge (runs until ~midnight).

Use Line 9 express: Same fare but skips stations to save time.

Taxi vs subway: Taxi base fare is ₩4,800. Subway round trip is ₩2,800. For 3+ people, taxi might be worth it.

Save Time

Kakao Metro "fast transfer" feature: Shows which car to board for quick transfers. Can cut 10 minutes down to 5.

Avoid rush hour:

• Morning 7:30-9:00
• Evening 6:00-8:00 → These times are packed. Adjust your schedule if possible.

Express vs local: Lines 9, Shinbundang, Gyeongui-Jungang have express trains. Always check before boarding.

Elevator locations: If you have luggage, check elevator positions on Kakao Metro. No need to haul bags up stairs.

Safety & Convenience

Late-night return: Use women's safety return service via Seoul app.

Lost & found: Lost something on the subway? → Call Seoul Metro Customer Center 1577-1234 or visit lost & found office.

Wheelchairs/strollers: All stations have elevators. Some older stations only have them at one exit.

Free WiFi: Connect to "Public WiFi@Seoul" or "WiFi@Subway" (no password needed).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Forgetting to tap out at turnstiles → You'll be charged maximum fare. Always tap!

2. Exiting through turnstiles when transferring → New fare applies. Stay inside the station when transferring!

3. Not checking T-money balance → Insufficient balance blocks the turnstile. Check regularly.

4. Confusing Line 9 express vs regular → If you take express and your stop doesn't show up, you'll overshoot. Check announcements carefully.

5. Not checking exit numbers → Exit 1 vs Exit 10 can be 500m apart. Check Naver Map for "which exit" you need!

6. Staying out late without checking last train times → Last trains run ~11:30pm-midnight. Check Kakao Metro for exact times.

7. Choosing transfer-heavy routes with lots of luggage → Compare fewer transfers vs faster routes and pick wisely.

8. Trying to charge T-money with foreign cards at machines → Some machines only accept Korean cards. Convenience store charging is more reliable.

Quick Reference Guide

Major Tourist Spots by Subway Station

Operating Hours

Heads Up: First/last train times vary by station. Check exact times on Kakao Metro!

Fare Table

Transfers: Free within 30 minutes for bus↔subway (T-money users only)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can foreigners buy T-money cards? A: Yes! Anyone can buy them. Convenience stores accept cash or foreign credit cards. No passport needed.

Q: Can I get a refund on my T-money card? A: Yes! You can refund the remaining balance at convenience stores or subway stations. The card itself isn't refundable, only the balance. ₩500 service fee applies.

Q: The subway map looks so complicated. Do I need to memorize it? A: No need! Use Kakao Metro or Naver Map apps. Just enter your start and destination, and it'll tell you the route.

Q: Can I eat or drink on the subway? A: Drinking water is fine, but eating is frowned upon. It's not illegal, but Koreans don't do it. Gum or candy is okay.

Q: Can I bring luggage on the subway? A: Yes, large suitcases are fine. But avoid rush hour (7-9am, 6-8pm). Look for stations with elevators.

Q: Are there English announcements? A: Yes! Every station broadcasts in Korean → English → Chinese → Japanese. Station names are also written in English.

Q: What if there's no subway late at night? A: Take a taxi or night bus (N buses). Night buses follow similar routes to subway lines (2x fare).

Q: Do I tap once to enter and once to exit? A: Yes! You must tap twice: once when entering, once when exiting. Skipping the exit tap charges you maximum fare.

Q: My T-money card isn't working. What's wrong? A: 1) Insufficient balance 2) Card damaged 3) Multiple cards stacked together → Try using just one card. If it still doesn't work, visit the station office.

Q: Is there a time limit for transfers? A: Yes, 30 minutes. Transfers beyond 30 minutes charge a new fare. Most transfers take 5-10 minutes, so you're fine.

Bottom Line: Travel Seoul with Confidence

Seoul's subway looks complicated at first, but after one day you'll feel like a pro. With a T-money card, you can go anywhere in Seoul for ₩1,400 ($1 USD).

Today's takeaways:

1. Buy a T-money card (convenience store, ₩2,500)
2. Charge ₩10,000-₩20,000
3. Download Kakao Metro app
4. Search start/destination stations
5. Tap in when entering + tap out when exiting
6. Transfer inside stations without tapping!

Questions? Ask station staff. Just say "Excuse me" and they'll help you. Even if they don't speak English, they'll use gestures and point you in the right direction.

Explore Seoul freely with the subway. Faster than taxis, easier than rental cars, less tiring than walking. You've got this!