Riding the Seoul Metro Like a Local
Seoul's color-coded metro — 24 lines, 656 stations, trains every 2–7 minutes — is the fastest, cheapest, and most tourist-friendly way to move around the city. A T-money card unlocks ₩1,550 base fares, free transfers within 30 minutes, and free onboard Wi-Fi across the entire network.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 05:30–00:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Network-wide; enter at any of 656 stations across 24 lines |
| Time needed | Varies by journey; allow 2–3 min per stop plus transfer walking time |
| Best time to go | Weekdays 10:00–16:00; midday trains on Lines 3, 6, 7, and 8 are often half-empty |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Frequently asked questions
- What is the current base subway fare in Seoul?
- As of June 28, 2025, the adult base fare with a T-money transit card is ₩1,550 for the first 10 km. Teenagers pay ₩900 and children ₩550. Single-journey paper tickets cost ₩100 more than the card fare. An early-morning discount (boarding before 6:30 a.m.) reduces the adult fare to ₩1,240.
- What amenities and accessibility features does the Seoul Metro offer?
- All stations have platform screen doors, free Wi-Fi on platforms and trains, and air-conditioned cars with heated seats in winter. Priority seats at each end of every car are reserved for seniors, pregnant passengers, and people with disabilities. Most stations have elevators or wheelchair lifts; attendants at station offices can assist. Unused T-money balance up to ₩20,000 can be refunded in cash at convenience stores (minus a ₩500 fee); larger amounts require a T-money service center.
- How do transfer discounts work?
- Tap out of one mode of transport and tap into another within 30 minutes (60 minutes between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.) and you skip the second base fare — only distance-based surcharges apply. Up to four transfers (five rides total) qualify per journey, but you must tap off every ride or the discount is forfeited.
- Is the Seoul Metro easy to navigate for English-speaking tourists?
- Yes — all trains have bilingual Korean/English voice announcements for each stop, and at major stations Japanese and Mandarin follow. Station signs display names in Korean, English, and Chinese characters. Every station has color-coded line maps, numbered station codes (e.g., Myeongdong = 424, meaning stop 24 on Line 4), and real-time arrival screens. Naver Map (available in English) is strongly recommended over Google Maps for Seoul transit routing.
- What hours does the Seoul Metro run, and when is the last train?
- Trains run from approximately 05:30 to midnight (00:00) daily, with last trains departing between 11:30 p.m. and midnight depending on the line and direction. Weekend and public-holiday first trains may start about 30 minutes later on some lines. Always check the real-time display at your origin station or use Naver Map to confirm the last departure.
- Can I use a credit card or Apple Pay instead of T-money?
- Since March 2026, 440 new kiosks across 273 stations on Lines 1–8 accept Visa, Mastercard, JCB, UnionPay, and Amex to buy or top up T-money cards. Since April 2026, Mastercard holders with an iPhone or Apple Watch can tap directly on Seoul Metro gates via Apple Pay — Visa support is expected but not yet confirmed. Buses, taxis, and stations outside Seoul still work best with a physical T-money card.
- What is Line 9's express train and should I take it?
- Line 9 (Gold) runs both local and express services on the same track; express trains stop only at major hubs like Gimpo Airport, Yeouido, Noryangjin, Express Bus Terminal, and Sinnonhyeon, saving significant time. Check the platform screen door display — red 'Express' (급행) means fast, blue/green 'All Stops' (일반) means local. Avoid the express during rush hour (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 6–8 p.m.) as it becomes extremely crowded.
- How do I get and use a T-money card?
- Buy a T-money card (₩2,500–₩4,000) at Incheon Airport convenience stores or any subway station kiosk. Load credit in ₩1,000 increments at vending machines or convenience stores, then tap the orange sensor at the turnstile when you enter and again when you exit — the fare deducts automatically. Failing to tap out can trigger a maximum-fare charge on your next entry.
Nearby in Ask Seoul
- Getting Around Seoul Without a CarGetting around0 km · 0 min walk
- How to Use a T-money CardGetting around0 km · 0 min walk
- Korean BBQ Etiquette GuideAttraction0 km · 0 min walk
- Seoul in a WeekendAttraction0 km · 0 min walk
- Best Time to Visit SeoulAttraction0 km · 0 min walk
Where to stay near Riding the Seoul Metro Like a Local
Compare hotels & stays on Booking.com · doesn’t affect the Locals Score