How to Use the Subway
• 1. Use Subway
A subway map is usually located above of the ticket window (see right). Most subway maps are written in Korean and English. The numbers next to the name of each station on the map indicates the subway fare for the destination from the present station. Simply tell the worker behind the ticket window your destination, and they will issue you the appropriate ticket. The yellow box next to the ticket window contains free subway maps which you can freely take and keep. Some subway stations do not provide free subway maps. Subway fares are as below. (Foreign currency is not accepted at subway ticket windows, so please prepare Korean Won.)
| Base fare for 12km |
19 years and older |
13-18 years old |
7-12 years old |
| Transportation Card |
800 |
640
(80% of adult fare) |
400
(50% of adult fare) |
| Cash |
900 |
900
(No youth discount for cash payment) |
400
(50% of adult fare) |
- Free for children 6 years or younger.
- For total distances exceeding 12 kilometers, the charge is 100 won for each additional 5 kilometers.
- For total distances exceeding 42 kilometers, the charge is 100 won for each additional 12 kilometers.
- For journeys outside Seoul, the charge is 100 won for each additional 5 kilometers and 100 won for each additional 10 kilometers if the total trip exceeds 35 kilometers.
• 2. Ticket Vending Machine
Every subway station has ticket windows but it is becoming more regular to use vending machine, especially at the newly built stations. It is always good to know how to use these convenient facilities.
(1) Layout of Ticket Vending Machine
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1. Service Area 1 or 2 Selection
2. Button for multiple tickets.
3. Selection cancellation button.
4. Coin slot
5. Money Return Button
6. Help Button
7. Service Area indication window
8. Fare indication window
9. Ticket pickup box |
(2) How to Buy Subway Tickets
Using ticket vending machines differs depending on which subway line you are on. On Seoul Subway Line 1 through 4, you must select the Service Area first then insert coins. On Subway Line 5 through 8, you must insert coins first then select the Service Area. The description below is for Lines 1 through 4. When using Lines 5 though 8, simply switch the second and third step.
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Find your destination above the ticket machine and check the fare on the subway map. |
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Press the blue fare button. If you need more than one ticket, use the button for multiple tickets (2/3/4). |
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Insert coins. Exact change is not required. |
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Take your ticket from the drop box belowM |
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Insert the ticket in the small slot and enter. You may only enter through the gates with the downward-left pointing arrow. Remember to pick up your ticket as you pass through the gate. |
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You cannot enter through the gates with the universal 'do not enter (  )' symbol. |
Description of signs in the subway
(1) Exits
(2) Transfer points
The color coding system of the subway makes for a convenient ride. If one needs to transfer to the number 7 line, all one has to do is follow the dark green line and you are there before you know it. The arrows on the signs, along with the colors, will easily guide you in the appropriate direction.
(3) The subway line colors
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Train Stations in Seoul 
