[Experience Korea inside the metro]
The subway of Korea is remembered by tourists as a wondrous and unfamiliar culture.
Today's blogger, Matt Kelly introduces Korea's metro.
Visit his blog at http://discoveringkorea.com
*Today's Blog is produced by Arirang TV in partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization.
** Exclusively for foreign nationals
Subway systems offer a convenient way of exploring metropolitan cities in Korea. With some guidance, anyone will be able to use the metropolitan subway systems with ease. Each subway station has a name, number, and color, which represents the Subway Line. Transfer stations, where two or more Lines intersect, are marked differently – usually a larger circle – on a subway map. By looking at the subway map, you can determine your departure and arrival stations.
Subway fares slightly differ by age. (See below for Seoul Subway Fares.) All fares are exchanged for transportation cards, which are required for passing through the security gates. Single Journey Transportations Cards are most suitable for one-time, one-way trips, while Multiple Journey Transportation Cards are most suitable for long-term visitors/residents who make multiple journeys.
Lastly, many subway stations provide convenience facilities like multi-purpose self-storage locker systems and phone-charging stations, as well as a wide variety of attractions including shopping, exhibitions and performances.
Basic fare for 10km | Age 19 and older | Age 13–18 | Age 6–12 |
---|---|---|---|
Multiple Journey Transportation Cards (T-Money) |
1,050 won | 900 won | 450 won |
Single Journey Transportation Cards |
1,150 won | 1,000 won | 500 won |
Ticket Vending and Card Reload Device
Single Journey Tickets can be purchased using the Ticket Vending and Card Reload Devices located inside subway stations. The Devices are operated in Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese. Single journey cards can be used only on the subway.
Deposit Refund Device
You may receive a 500-won refund for the Single Journey Ticket deposit by returning the Ticket to a Deposit Refund Device at your final destination. Simply insert the Ticket into the Device, and collect your refund.
T-money Cards are rechargeable transportation cards, which can be used on subways, buses and taxis. They are not only convenient, especially for frequent subway riders, but also cheaper than Single Journey Tickets when making multiple journeys, since the cards offer at least 10% discount on the basic fare.
T-money Cards can be purchased for 2,500 won each using T-money Vending Devices (limited availability), and recharged with amounts ranging from 1,000 won to 90,000 won using the Ticket Vending and Card Reload Devices located inside subway stations. The Cards can also be purchased and recharged at convenience stores and vendor kiosks with the “T-money” signboard.
Moreover, the Deluxe T-money Cards offer mileage points based on the total fare paid. To find out more about T-money Cards, please review the transportation card information.
Metropolitan Pass or M-Pass is a transportation card offering limited rides (up to 20 rides per day) in the Seoul Metropolitan City area, including Seoul Subway Lines 1-9, Incheon Metro, Airport Metro Commuter (except Airport Railroad Express) and Seoul bus.
M-Passes come in five different types: 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 5-day and 7-day passes. They are valid for designated time period, and expire at midnight on the last day of validity. (e.g. 3-day M-Pass Activation: January 1, 2012 / Expiration: Midnight, January 3, 2012)
As M-Pass has the T-money function, it can be used on buses, on taxis, and at select convenience stores as long as there is usable T-money balance. Once you have used up the limited subway rides on M-Pass, you may use its T-money function to ride subways.
M-Passes are available for purchase at Seoul Travel Information Centers (I-Tour Seoul Centers) in Incheon International Airport Passenger Terminal. When buying an M-Pass, you must pay a refundable deposit of 4,500 won, and a non-refundable service charge of 500 won. Also, you will receive discount coupons for admission to popular tourist attractions. The deposit as well as any remaining T-money balance on the M-Pass is refunded when you return it to any of the I-Tour Seoul Centers.
Card Types | Prices |
---|---|
1-day pass | 10,000 won |
2-day pass | 18,000 won |
3-day pass | 25,500 won |
5-day pass | 42,500 won |
7-day pass | 59,500 won |
• M-Pass Sales Locations
Seoul Travel Information Centers (I-Tour Seoul Centers)
- Locations: Incheon International Airport Passenger Terminal (1F), Exits 5 & 10
- Inquiries: +82-32-743-3270
- Upon purchasing M-Pass, you will receive coupons for discounted admission to
N Seoul Tower,
Chongdong Theater,
Lotte World, and other tourist attractions.
• M-Pass T-money Recharge Locations
Ticket Vending and Card Reload Devices inside subway stations
• M-Pass Refunds (M-Pass must be returned to its sales location)
- 4,500-won deposit
- Remaining T-money balance
(1) Exits… Way Out
(2) Transfers
The color coding system of subway systems allows for convenient rides and transfers. For instance, if you need to transfer to Seoul Subway Line 7 from Seoul Subway Line 3, get off at Express Bus Terminal Station, and follow the arrows for Transfer to Line 7 (dark green).
(3) Subway Line Colors
(4) Subway Station Maps
Subway Station Maps displayed inside a subway station provide helpful information on its area, location and bearing. The yellow circles with numbers represent exit numbers, and the red circle shows your current loation. They also show nearby bus stops and other landmarks for easier navigation.
Many of the subway stations on Seoul Subway Lines are equipped with paid lockers. In addition to storage, these lockers provide diverse services including shipping and receiving, express delivery, and laundry.
Last Updated in April, 2012