Guide to Riding the Seoul Subway(Subway Line 9 Express Stops and Platform Layout)
Some lines of the Seoul subway system feature an express train system. typically the subway stop at every station, so the concept of trains may feel unfamiliar to some. In seoul, especially on Line 9. the express train system can be confusing for first-time users. Since express trains only stop at designated major stations, missing your stop could mean taking a significantly longer route to reach your destination.
If you've ever taken an express train for the first time, you might have been caught off guard by its unexpected stop patterns. This guide will provide detailed instructions and tips for using the express trains on Seoul Subway Line 9, helping first-time visitors to Seoul or travelers coming from other regions confidently navigate the subway system.
In a previous post, I covered the basic steps for using the subway. If you're curious about the general guidelines for subway use, I recommend reading that post first- it will be helpful.
2024.11.11 - [Travel Tip] - Guide to Riding the Seoul Subway (How to Buy Tickets, Use the Turnstiles, and Find the Platform)
Guide to Riding the Seoul Subway (How to Buy Tickets, Use the Turnstiles, and Find the Platform)
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
wander-rokorea.tistory.com
| 1. What Is the Seoul Subway Line 9 Express Train System? 2. How to Use the Seoul Subway Line 9 Express Train 2-1) Tickets & Fares 2-2) Line 9 Express Train Stops 3. Platform Layout at Line 9 Stations 3-1) When the Express and Regular Train Boarding Areas Are the Same 3-2) When the Express and Regular Train Boarding Areas Are Different 4. Conclusion |
1. What Is the Seoul Subway Line 9 Express train System?
Seoul has a very high population density, resulting in significant subway congestion during rush hours or in specific areas. Additionally, the Seoul subway system is not limited to serving the city alone; it extends into parts of Gyeonggi Province, allowing commuters from nearby regions to travel to Seoul for work.
To address these challenges—improving accessibility from surrounding areas to the city center and offering diverse train service patterns—the express train system was introduced on Line 9. This system helps reduce travel times by offering faster options that only stop at major stations.
1-1) Differences Between Express and Regular Trains
a. Stops: Regular trains stop at all stations along Line 9, while express trains only stop at select major stations (16 stations in total).
b. Speed: Express trains travel faster than regular trains. With fewer stops, they significantly reduce overall travel time.
Train Intervals
| Express train | 6-12min |
| Regular train | 10-15min |
In terms of train intervals, express trains might feel like they have shorter intervals because they are scheduled between regular trains. Additionally, regular trains may pause briefly at certain stations to allow express trains to pass first, which can make the wait for regular trains feel longer.
2. How to Use the Seoul Subway Line 9 Express Train
2-1) Tickets & Fares
There is no separate ticket for the express train. You can use the same transportation card or one-time ticket as you would for regular trains. The fare system for the express train is the same as the existing subway fare structure.
However, if you need to transfer to Line 9, you must tap your ticket at a separate transfer gate. No additional fare will be charged during this transfer (except for passengers using the Airport Railroad, who will incur an additional fee).
You should tag your card at the transfer gate as described above. However, at transfer stations with multiple lines, be careful not to confuse the transfer gate with other gates. The transfer gate will be clearly marked with signs indicating it as a transfer gate.
2-2) Line 9 Express Train Stops
The express train stops at only 16 out of the 38 stations where the regular train stops. These express train stations are mainly located at transfer points and stations with high demand. The express train stops are as follows:
Gimpo Airport - Magoknaru - Gayang - Yeomchang - Dangsan - Yeouido - Noryangjin - Dongjak - Express Bus Terminal - Sinnonhyeon - Seonjeongneung - Bongeunsa - Sports Complex - Seokchon - Olympic Park - National Veterans Hospital
Since express trains skip some stations along the way, it’s possible to miss your intended stop if you accidentally board an express train. Make sure to check whether the express train stops at the station you want to get off at and choose between the express or regular train accordingly.
For example, if you are traveling from Dangsan Station to Heukseok Station, you have two options:
a. Take the regular train from Dangsan to Heukseok directly.
b. Take the express train from Dangsan and transfer to the regular train at Noryangjin to reach Heukseok.
These are the two possible routes.
Among these stations, a few have uniquely designed platform layouts. Let’s take a closer look at these in the sections below.
3. Platform Layout at Line 9 Stations
At most express train stations on Line 9, passengers can board both express and regular trains from the same platform. However, at some stations, the express and regular train platforms are separated, facing each other.
If you're unaware of this platform layout, you might end up waiting for the wrong train when transferring between an express and a regular train. To help you better understand, let’s briefly explain the platform structures commonly used: island platforms, side platforms, and double-island platforms.
a. Island Platform
Structure: The platform is located in the center, with tracks on either side. Both directions can be accessed from a single platform.
b. Double-Island Platform
Structure: This layout consists of two island platforms placed side by side, with tracks running on either side of each platform.
c. Side Platform
Structure: This layout features two platforms facing each other, with the tracks running between them.
3-1) When Express and Regular Train Boarding Areas Are the Same
When boarding a Line 9 express train, there are scenarios where express and regular trains use separate tracks and scenarios where they alternate on the same track. In cases where express and regular trains alternate on the same track, this typically happens at stations with either an island platform layout (with tracks on both sides) or a side platform layout.
In this case, the boarding areas usually display the express train route in red at the top and the regular train route below it.
The display boards, as shown above, indicate which train is approaching or currently at a station. For example, a red train labeled EXP signifies that an express train is currently traveling between Noryangjin and Saetgang stations. Meanwhile, a green train indicates that a regular train is currently stopped at Saetgang Station.
By checking this display, passengers can easily distinguish between the arriving trains and board the correct one based on their travel plans.
3-2) When Express and Regular Train Boarding Areas Are Different
When the boarding areas for Line 9 express and regular trains are separate, this typically occurs in stations with island platform or double-island platform layouts. On the express track, only express trains arrive and depart. On the regular track, only regular trains arrive and depart.
As shown in the image above, there are signs on the platform indicating the separation between the express and regular train boarding areas.
On some platforms, there are two boarding gates facing the same direction, as shown in the image above. One gate is for the regular train, and the other is for the express train, with clear signs indicating which train type each gate serves.
For those unfamiliar with the express train system, seeing two trains heading in the same direction might cause confusion. This layout is typically found at stations with high traffic or many express train users, such as Sinnonhyeon Station, Dongjak Station, Gayang Station, and Magoknaru Station.
Please refer to the information above to ensure you find the correct boarding area for either the express or regular train.
4. In Conclusion
The Line 9 express train is an incredibly useful system for passengers looking to travel quickly. It is an essential part of the daily commute for Seoul residents. However, for those from other regions or foreign tourists who are not familiar with this system, it can seem confusing, which is why I decided to write this post.
In fact, the express train system is not unique to Line 9. It is also applied on certain sections of Line 1, Line 4, and the Suin-Bundang Line, connecting Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. This system operates only during specific times, such as rush hours. Since this post is aimed at visitors unfamiliar with the express train system, I focused only on Line 9. Once you understand the express train system on Line 9, using the express system on other lines will become much easier.
If you're new to using express trains or are a tourist, refer to this post for a smooth and quick journey. If you're aware of special platform layouts at stations like Sinnonhyeon Station, you’ll find it even more convenient to travel around Seoul. Just remember, during rush hours, the trains can get quite crowded, so keep that in mind.
Guide to Riding the Seoul Subway (How to Buy Tickets, Use the Turnstiles, and Find the Platform)
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
wander-rokorea.tistory.com
