Taking Subway in Seoul

One of the reasons backpacking in Seoul is very feasible is because of how extensive their subway network is. Almost everywhere can be reached by the train. Seoul have a whopping 16 lines serving throughout the city. There are also many transfer stations that we can actually choose whether to have the minimum travel time or minimum transfers for journeys using more than one line.

Seoul Subway Map. source: smrt.co.kr

Whenever you are lost, it is always a good idea to ask for the nearest subway station. Chances are it is not far. As long as you know the subway station nearest to your staying place you can take yourself safely home.

Seoul subway fare is reasonable. It is only 1,150 KRW within 10 km. Ticket prices are discounted for T-Money card holders. T-Money is a prepaid transportation card that can be used in subways, buses and taxis. Instead of 1,150 KRW, card holders are only charged 1,050 KRW. This discount is not limited to subways but also including buses. If you are going to be in Seoul for one week and more, I really recommend buying the T-Money card. The card only costs 2,500 KRW and even if you don't use the subway 25 times for the whole trip, the convenience of not having to queue up and buy tickets each time more than make up for it. T-Money can be bought at almost all convenience stores in Seoul.

source: visitkorea.or.kr

If you already calculate the fares for the whole duration of your trip, you can load the T-Money the first time with that amount. Make sure you don't misplace the card though :)

Checking Subway Fares Tutorial:

Go to this site by Seoul Metro Traffic Center. To choose for departure and arrival stations you can either click on the station's name on the subway map, or search for the its name. Click on the search button to get the list for Departure and Arrival:

Once you have chosen both stations, the site will calculate the fares, time taken, distance taken, show the stations you will pass through and the stations for transfer. You can move the information boxes if they cover the subway path.

For every journey you must take note of the first next stations and the transfer stations. This is to make sure that you board the subways heading the correct way and you change line at the correct stations. For the example above here are the details:

• Departure: Achasan

• Next Station from Departure: Gunja

• Transfer: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park

• Next Station from Transfer: Chungmuro

• Arrival: Myeongdong

There are English signs in subway stations, and announcements of next stations inside the subways are also in English among other languages. InshaAllah you will have no problem using subways in Seoul.