Guide to Riding the Seoul Subway (How to Buy Tickets, Use the Turnstiles, and Find the Platform)
For foreigners traveling in Seoul, the subway is one of the fastest and most convenient means of transportation. To help you navigate it with ease, I’ll guide you step-by-step from buying tickets to finding your platform!
Table of Contents
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1. How to Buy Tickets
There are two main ways to use the Seoul subway: with a transportation card (T-money card) or by purchasing a single journey ticket. Here’s an overview of each option:
- T-money Card: This card can be easily purchased from card vending machines and is convenient for use not only on the subway but also on buses and taxis.
- Single Journey Ticket: For short-term visitors, a single-use ticket can be purchased at ticket machines. Simply select your destination, pay the fare, and collect your ticket. The machines offer multiple language options, including English, making them accessible for foreign travelers. The single journey ticket available in Seoul looks similar to a transportation card and includes a 500 KRW deposit. After using the ticket, you can reclaim the deposit at a refund machine inside the subway station.
In this post, I will explain how to buy a single journey ticket, using an example route from Gangdong-gu Office to Gangnam.
1-1. Setting Your Destination
To purchase a single journey ticket, start by locating a ticket machine at the subway station. These machines have touch screens with various language options, including English, Chinese, and Japanese, making them easy to use for travelers.
- Select your preferred language on the screen.
- Choose the "Single Journey Ticket" option.
- Input your destination by searching or selecting from a list of popular stations, or use the station map feature to find your stop. In this example, set the destination to Gangnam Station.
Once your destination is set, the machine will display the fare and a prompt to proceed with payment.
Ticket Machine Home Screen
This tab will guide you to choose the type of ticket and start the process of selecting your travel destination
1-2. Searching by Initial Consonants
Ticket Machine Destination Setting Screen
매표기 목적지 선택화면
In Seoul's ticket machines, one helpful feature for finding your destination quickly is the ability to search by initial consonants (Korean "초성"). This method can be particularly useful if you’re familiar with the Korean language and its writing system.
- On the destination search screen, look for the input section that allows you to type in the station name.
- Type the initial consonants of the station you’re looking for. For example, to find Gangnam, you would input "G".
- The machine will display stations that match your input, allowing you to easily select Gangnam Station from the results.In Seoul's ticket machines, one helpful feature for finding your destination quickly is the ability to search by initial consonants. This method can be particularly useful if you’re familiar with the Korean language and its writing system.
1-3. Choose Whether to Transfer to the Shinbundang Line
Shinbundang Line Transfer Option Screen
After setting your destination, the machine will ask whether you want to transfer to the Shinbundang Line. This screen appears by default, even if the route does not actually include the Shinbundang Line. The Shinbundang Line operates on a separate system, and additional fees may apply. If your destination is not outside Seoul (e.g., in Gyeonggi Province), you can choose "Do not transfer". (However, for those who wish to use the Shinbundang Line, such as Gangnam Station and Sinnonhyeon Station, please check the option that all Shinbundang Line stations are included.)
1-4. Select the Number of Passengers
Ticket Machine Number of Passengers Selection Screen
Finally, after selecting the number of passengers, proceed to the payment. Please note that payment can only be made in cash. (Even if there is a card reader, it is only for recharging multi-use transportation cards, so it cannot be used for ticket purchases.)
Children aged 6 to 12 are charged a child fare, while children under 6 can ride for free.
1-5. Receiving Your Ticket and Change
Ticket Machine: Ticket and Change Disbursement
Once your payment is completed, the machine will issue your ticket and change as follows:
- The green arrow indicates the area where your single journey ticket will be dispensed.
- The red arrow points to where your change will be returned.
Make sure to collect both your ticket and any change from these designated spots before moving on!
2. Finding the Right Platform
- Look for Signage: Inside the subway station, look for clear signs indicating the train lines. These signs will show the corresponding line colors (e.g., Line 2 is green, Line 4 is blue) and the directions (e.g., "Gangnam," "Hongdae").
- Platform Information: Once you know your line and direction, follow the signs to the appropriate platform. Platforms are usually clearly labeled with the line name and the final stations on that line.
- Check the Line: Each subway line in Seoul has a unique number and color. After confirming your destination and the corresponding line, follow the line number or color to the correct platform.
- Announcements and Displays: Pay attention to the electronic displays and voice announcements inside the station. These will provide information about the next trains, including their destination and expected departure times.
Let’s go through an example of finding the platform for your journey from Gangdong-gu Office Station to Gangnam Station.
2-1. Check the Map
Inside the subway station, you will usually find a map that shows your current location. Use this map to determine which color-coded line you need to take for your destination.
- Look for the colored lines on the map that correspond to your route, and check the station names to make sure you’re heading in the right direction. If you're still confused, you can easily find it by checking the name of the last station on the line you want to take.
- App Recommendation: To make this process even easier, I recommend using an app called “Smarter Subway” ("지하철 종결자"). This app provides detailed subway maps and real-time information, helping you navigate Seoul’s subway system more easily.
In a future post, I’ll explain how to use this app to make your journey even more convenient.
- Check the Line:
- Gangdong-gu Office Station is on Line 8 (the pink line).
- You will travel to Jamsil Station, which is also on Line 8. From Jamsil, you will transfer to Line 2 (the green line) to reach your destination.
- Find the Direction:
- At Gangdong-gu Office Station, look for signs indicating Line 8 in the direction of Seok chon, Jamsil (if you're traveling towards Jamsil). You can confirm that Jamsil Station and Seokchon Station are on the direction you want to go. The last station on the line is Moran. If you remember the names of these key stations (mainly transfer stations), you can easily figure out where to board.
- Confirm that the train is heading towards Jamsil Station by checking the direction displayed on the platform and the digital screens.
- Jamsil Station will be your transfer station to Line 2.
- Transfer Information:
- When you arrive at Jamsil Station, follow the signs to switch to Line 2 (Green Line). You'll need to find the platform for Line 2 in the direction of Gangnam or Hongdae depending on your destination.
- Once you board the correct Line 2 train, continue your journey to your final destination.
By following the color-coded signs and directions at each station, you can easily navigate your way from Gangdong-gu Office on Line 8 to Jamsil and then transfer to Line 2!
2-2. Finding the Turnstile Direction
One of the most confusing parts of using the subway for the first time can be figuring out which direction to go through the turnstiles. In Korea, some stations have a single turnstile that allows access in both directions, while others have separate turnstiles depending on the direction you’re traveling.
Check the Signs: Once you're at the entrance, follow the signs indicating the direction of trains going toward Jamsil (the direction toward Gangnam). This will guide you to the correct set of turnstiles.
At larger stations, the direction of travel is often clearly marked on overhead signs, and the turnstiles are divided based on the line and direction. Keep an eye on the signs to make sure you are in the right spot!
As shown in the picture above, the signs above the turnstiles display the names of stations that the train is heading towards, such as Jamsil, Garak Market, Bokjeong, and Moran. Since we are heading towards Jamsil, you should pass through the turnstiles that indicate the Jamsil direction.
Simply follow the signs to the correct turnstile, and you'll be on your way to the right platform!
Direction Signs After Passing Through the Turnstiles
Once you pass through the turnstiles, you’ll notice plenty of signs indicating which direction the subway trains are heading. These directional signs are clearly marked and placed along the station corridors, making it easy to find your way to the right platform.
3. How to Pass Through the Turnstile
Finally, let's talk about how to pass through the turnstile at the subway station. There are two main methods depending on the type of ticket you have:
- T-money Card:
To pass through the turnstile with a T-money card, simply tap your card on the card reader. You'll hear a "beep" sound, and the turnstile will open, allowing you to proceed. - Single Journey Ticket:
If you’re using a single journey ticket (which is a disposable card), you will need to insert the ticket into the turnstile reader. Unlike paper tickets used in some other cities like Busan, Seoul uses a tag-style one-time-use card, which works the same way as a regular T-money card.
Once you insert the ticket, the turnstile will open, and the ticket will automatically be returned to you as you pass through. Make sure to keep the ticket, as you’ll need it again when exiting the station.
Using the Turnstiles:
In the photo, you’ll notice turnstiles with green arrows, indicating the gates you should use.
- Only the gates marked with the green arrow are open for use.
- Avoid the gates with a prohibited symbol, as these are not for entry.
Wide Turnstiles for Large Items:
If you have large items like a stroller or a suitcase, you can use the wide turnstile to pass through. These gates are designed to accommodate larger items and provide more space for easier access.
To pass through, place your card or single journey ticket at the top-right part of the turnstile where the reader is located. Wait for the "beep" sound and the gate to open, then proceed through.
On the right side of the wide turnstile, you will see a red button. If your ticket is not being recognized or if there is another issue, pressing this button will call a station attendant.
4. Boarding and Exiting Tips
In the Korean subway, it is customary for passengers to wait for those getting off the train before boarding. Here’s how to board and exit smoothly:
- Wait for Passengers to Exit:
Stand to the side of the train doors and allow passengers to exit first. This helps prevent crowding and ensures everyone has a chance to get off before you board. - Exiting the Train:
Before your stop, listen for the announcement that tells you which side of the train the doors will open on.- The announcement will indicate whether the doors will open on the left or right side of the train, depending on the direction the train is heading.
- Once you know which side to expect the doors to open, be ready to exit in advance, and make sure to move to the right side in case the doors open on that side.
Once you get the hang of it, taking the Seoul subway is very simple and convenient. With the help of this guide, you'll be able to navigate the subway system with ease and travel around Seoul like a local! Enjoy your journey and feel free to explore all that the city has to offer.
Don’t forget that you can get a 500 KRW deposit refunded for your single journey ticket at the deposit refund machine located inside the subway station. After using the ticket, simply insert it into the machine to get your deposit back. Make sure to do this before leaving the station!
Next time, we'll explore the different types of transportation cards available for foreigners in Korea.
