How To Take The Subway In Korea
One of the best things about living in Korea is the easy access to public transportation. According to some (like Essential Living), Seoul has the best metro system in the world. I remember feeling anxious about navigating the subway, but don’t worry—this guide will help you confidently ride the Seoul metro. (Other large cities like Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Daejon, and Gwangju also have subway systems as well! In fact, the Seoul Metro is connect to Incheon’s, so you can get to the airport with 1 transfer!)
Buy a T-MONEY Card
T-Money cards are used for all public transportation in Seoul, including buses, subways, and even taxis! You can buy one at any convenience store or at Incheon Airport. The cards come in various designs and forms. (Please note that T-MONEY cards may not work for the other metro subways systems, where they use their own passes.)
There are also different types of T-Money cards. The original card is a prepaid card that you can refill at convenience stores or kiosks in subway stations. The machines have English instructions, so refilling is straightforward. Watch this tutorial for a step-by-step guide:
A newer option is the Climate Card, which costs 62,000 KRW for 30 days of unlimited subway and bus rides!
Use Naver Maps
Naver Maps is the best navigation app in Korea. It has an English version and provides multiple route options to your destination. It’s available for free on the Apple Store and Google Play.
Naver Maps will show you both bus and subway routes. I personally prefer the subway as it’s simpler to navigate, avoids traffic, and has restrooms in each station.
In Naver Maps, subway stations are marked with numbered exits. Just follow the signs inside the station to find the correct exit number!
After a few months in Korea, I could ride the subway to my favorite spots without needing Naver Maps! If you’d like to see a live demonstration of using Naver Maps for the subway, check out this video:
Naver Maps also shows “Fast Transfer” and “Fast Arrival” numbers, which match the numbered markings on the subway floors. If you board at the “Fast Arrival” location, you’ll be in the perfect spot to transfer or exit! Check out this video for more:
Exercise Local Etiquette In Subways
When riding public transportation in Korea, remember to stay quiet and keep to yourself. The subway is often a place for people to relax before or after work, so being loud can be seen as disrespectful. In addition to talking loudly on the subway, make sure you don’t eat anything as it is also considered faux pas!
Plan Subway And Bus Routes Ahead
For buses, planning ahead is key. Buses come every 10-15 minutes, so if you don’t check the schedule, you might end up wasting time. Naver Maps shows how many minutes until the next bus or train arrives, which helps you time your departure. I always check this before leaving to avoid rushing to the stop!
Lastly, don’t worry if you make a mistake! I’ve gotten on the wrong subway many times, and still do! Take a deep breath, double-check your map, and don’t stress. With time, you’ll become a pro at using public transportation in Seoul!
Gabriel White, Marketing Assistant
Gabriel (Gabe) White is an English teacher in South Korea. He is a Korean, Puerto Rican-American from the Richmond, Virginia area and received a bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. Being involved in student organizations like Filipino Americans Coming Together at VCU (FACT@VCU) and VCU Globe during his college years, Gabe learned just how much he enjoys experiencing new cultures. In his free time, Gabe loves teaching local dance classes, spending quality time with his loved ones, exploring new cities, and watching nostalgic movies.
