Staring at that Seoul subway map andseeing a giant bowl of colorful spaghetti?
I get it. Your first thought is probably, "How will I ever figure this out?"
Honestly, I saw a friend of mine stare at that map
for a solid 10 minutes, completely frozen.
But what if I told you that this complex map
is actually your key to the city?
This problem? It's solved in the next 5 minutes.
This isn't just another guide.
This is your secret weapon to navigating Seoul's amazing subway system like you were born here.
Forget being a confused tourist. Let's make you a subway master.
๐ Your 5-Minute Master Plan
- 1. The 'Magic Key': Your T-money Card from A to Z
- 2. Crack the Code: How to Read the Maps & Signs
- 3. Level Up: The Secret to Using Express Trains
- 4. Ride Like a Local: Pro Tips & Subway Etiquette
๐ณ The 'Magic Key': Your T-money Card from A to Z
First things first: forget buying single-journey tickets.
Your absolute best friend in Seoul is the T-money card.
It's a rechargeable card you can use for subways, buses, taxis, and even at convenience stores.
You just tap it on the sensor when you enter and exit.
That's it. No fumbling for cash, and you even get transfer discounts. It's a total game-changer.
๐ T-money Card Checklist
✅ Where to Buy: Any convenience store (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) or at the machines inside subway stations. Just say, "T-money card, please!"
✅ How to Reload: At convenience stores or the ticket machines in stations. A key tip: the machines often only accept cash (ํ๊ธ), so have some bills ready!
✅ How to Get a Refund: Go to a convenience store to get the remaining balance back. Note: they can only refund balances under 20,000 KRW and charge a small 500 KRW fee.
๐ฐ Cost Info
• Card Price: The card itself costs around 2,500 - 4,000 KRW.
• Base Fare: The starting fare is 1,400 KRW (with a T-money card).
• Reloading Tip: I recommend loading 10,000 KRW to start. You can always add more later!
๐บ️ Crack the Code: How to Read the Maps & Signs
Okay, let's look at that "spaghetti map" again.
It's actually simple if you just focus on three things:
Line Color, Line Number, and Direction.
For example, going to Gyeongbokgung Palace? You need the Orange Line, which is Line 3.
All the signs for that line will be in orange, so you literally just follow the color.
๐ก Key Point: Finding Your Direction
Confused about which platform to use? It's easy!
The signs will show the names of the next few stations and the LAST station on the line.
Just check your map and find the name of the last station in your intended direction.
๐ Transferring Pro-Tip
When you transfer, you DO NOT need to tap your card again!
Just look for the "Transfer" signs (ํ์น) and follow the colored line on the floor or walls to your next subway line.
Apps like Naver Map or Kakao Maps will even tell you which train car number is best for a fast transfer.
⚡ Level Up: The Secret to Using Express Trains
Ever been on a train that just blew past your station?
You probably hopped on an "Express" (๊ธํ) train by mistake!
But once you know how to use them, they're a lifesaver.
Express trains skip the smaller stations, which can save you a huge amount of time, especially on long routes like Line 9 or the Airport Railroad (AREX).
⚠️ Warning: Express vs. All-Stop
• Express (๊ธํ): Often marked in red. Only stops at major stations.
• All-Stop (์ผ๋ฐ): The regular train that stops at every single station.
Before you board, always check the digital screen on the platform to see if the arriving train is an "Express" or "All-Stop" and make sure it stops at your destination!
⭐ Ride Like a Local: Pro Tips & Subway Etiquette
Finally, here are a few extra tips and etiquette rules to make your journey smoother.
Follow these, and you'll blend right in with the locals!
⭐ Premium Tips
• Lockers: Most stations have automated lockers. If you have heavy bags, stash them for a few hours and explore freely!
• Restrooms: The restrooms inside the stations are free and surprisingly clean. Don't hesitate to use them.
• Free Wi-Fi: You can connect to free public Wi-Fi inside most train cars.
๐ Subway Etiquette Checklist
✅ Let People Exit First: Stand to the sides of the door and wait for everyone to get off before you board.
✅ Keep Conversations Quiet: Talking loudly on the phone or with friends is generally frowned upon.
✅ Mind the Priority Seats: At the ends of each car, there are seats for the elderly, disabled, and pregnant. It's best to leave them open, especially the pink seats, which are specifically for expectant mothers!
See? The Seoul subway isn't so scary after all!
With your T-money card and this guide, you have the power to explore every corner of this incredible city.
Go have an adventure!
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