ALL ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT OF SEOUL

Seoul has an efficient, large public transport system that’s used by over 10 million local residents – and tourists like you and me. This includes the Seoul Metropolitan Subway (Seoul Metro), as well as public buses and regional rail/bus services.

First: What you should know before going Seoul

What is T-Money? T-Money is a contactless, reloadable farecard used for public transport in Seoul, as well as nearly all other cities. There are also accessories like phone charms or keychains with the T-Money chip embedded in them!

What can T-Money be used for? Apart from being a public transport fare card, T-Money can also be used to pay for taxi fares and purchases at convenience stores, cafes, and fast food outlets like McDonalds.

Where can I buy T-Money cards? T-Money is most easily purchased at convenience stores or metro stations (Price: KRW 2,500). At Incheon Airport, try the GS25 convenience stores in the arrival hall. You can buy the T-Money card using a credit card, but all reloads must be paid for with cash whether you top-up at convenience stores or in subway stations.

Can T-Money be shared? No. Each traveler needs their own card for the Seoul subway, although the card can be shared when taking public buses.

Does the T-Money card expire? T-Money does not expire, so there’s no need to refund them if you’ll be visiting South Korea again! However, if you have a T-Money card from before 2014, you’ll want to get a new one: a new “One Card All Pass” system was introduced in 2014 that makes T-Money usable on express/intercity buses, toll booths, railroad stations, and public transport in other cities outside Seoul.

Do I have to use T-Money? Single-trip Seoul subway tickets are available for purchase at all stations, and cash is accepted on buses, but your fare will cost more. Trust me, you’ll be using T-Money and the subway very frequently in Seoul!

Second: Arrive Seoul from Incheon Airport by the AREX

The AREX (Airport Railroad Express) is the metro line connecting Incheon airport to Seoul. There are two train services available: Express and Commuter.

Express service (currently KRW 8,000): 43 minutes. Travels non-stop between the airport and the Seoul Station, with comfy seats. 

Commuter service (KRW 4,150): 60 minutes. Stops at all stations, terminating at Seoul Station.

The AREX makes a good tutorial for using the Seoul subway. Here are some basics to prep you when you arrive all bleary-eyed at Incheon Airport subway station:

Tap in/out at the station gantries to enter or exit each station.

The Seoul subway has a distance-based fare structure, with a basic fare of KRW 1,250 and no peak/off-peak fare differences.

Announcements for the next station are made in Korean and English (+Japanese, Mandarin at central stations). In-train LED marquees display the station names – and which side the doors will open – in English and Korean.

Alternatively, you can also get to Seoul by airport bus, which may be more convenient if you’re lugging a heavy suitcase along or staying in Gangnam district. Prices vary based on the route and type of bus. If you like to be prepared, the KAL Limousine Bus serves tourists going to City Hall, Namsan, Gangnam, COEX, and Jamsil and you can buy a voucher online in advance, at a discount. 

Third: Taking the Seoul subway

The Seoul metro system actually comprises both above-ground and underground stops, but in the downtown region almost all stations are underground. When it comes to accessibility, the Seoul subway isn’t super wheelchair-friendly: many older station exits only have stairs and escalators.

Notice

1)    Sometimes, the distance between one line and another at the same station can be a few hundred metros – you don’t want to end up at the wrong exits or transfer to the wrong lines!

2)    For many subway stations in Seoul, the platforms are on either side of the tracks and you’ll need to check that you’re going down to the right direction platform.

3)    Some lines have split terminus stops. If you’re traveling somewhere along a split, make sure you board a train going to the correct terminus.

Fourth: Taking public buses

Seoul’s public buses use color-coded livery for different types of buses: blue (trunk bus; base fare KRW 1,200), green (feeder bus; base fare KRW 1,200), red (express bus; base fare KRW 2,300), and yellow (loop bus; base fare KRW 1,100).

Take a photo of the bus route map at the bus stop (to count stops) and know what the stop name looks like in Korean, so you can press the bell in advance.

It’s highly unlikely that you’ll need to take a bus in Seoul, but if you do, enjoy the ride!

Fifth: Etiquette in Seoul public transport

When getting around Seoul in trains and buses, take note of the following:

1)    When using escalators, stand on the right and move on the left.

2)    Koreans will push and squeeze in a crowded train/bus, especially during peak hours. The small personal space is just a cultural trait; don’t take this as a sign of rudeness.

3)    Passengers will keep to themselves, not making much noise, and you won’t see busking in the trains. I have, however, observed a woman putting on a full face of makeup on the train!

4)    Priority seats at the ends of train cabins are meant for the elderly, pregnant, and handicapped. Try not to sit there.

5)    There are no women-only cars, but as a woman I’ve never felt physically unsafe in the trains.

6)    Often, standing passengers will place their bags on the rails above seats. Whether you do that or keep your bag on you, use common sense to prevent pickpocketing.