Quick Facts
- Opened
- 15 August 1974
- Operators
- Seoul Metro, Korail, Seoul Metro 9 Corp.
- Stations
- 331
- Lines
- 9 core lines + AREX + suburban extensions
- Daily riders
- ~7.5 million
- Network
- ~340 km
- Airport
- Incheon Airport via AREX (43–58 min)
- Payment
- T-Money card, Cashbee, bank card, Apple Pay
The Seoul Metropolitan Subway is one of the world's most comprehensive and technologically advanced metro systems. Opened on 15 August 1974, it operates 331 stations across 9 core lines (plus numerous suburban rail extensions) and serves a metropolitan area of 25 million people.
The system is operated by multiple entities: Seoul Metro (Lines 1–8), Korail (Line 1 suburban sections, Airport Railroad AREX), Seoul Metro 9 Corporation (Line 9), and others. Despite multiple operators, the integrated T-Money card and consistent signage make it seamless to navigate.
Seoul's metro is technologically distinguished — Line 9 runs with fully automated driverless trains, multiple lines have free Wi-Fi throughout including tunnels, and the entire system has near-perfect English signage. Platform screen doors are universal. USB charging ports are available on many newer trains.
The fare system is integrated and distance-based. A standard T-Money trip costs ₩1,400 for the first 10 km (₩100 discount vs single ticket), with ₩100 increments per additional 5 km. The T-Money card also works on all city buses and the Incheon Airport AREX.
Incheon International Airport (ICN) is served by the AREX (Airport Railroad Express) — the All-Stop train (₩4,950, 58 minutes to Seoul Station) or the fast Express Train (₩9,500, 43 minutes direct to Seoul Station). Both connect to the metro network.
How to Pay
Payment methods: T-Money card · Cashbee card · Contactless bank card (Visa/Mastercard) · Apple Pay · Samsung Pay · Single-use QR ticket.
💡 The T-Money card (₩4,000 deposit + loaded credit) gives a ₩100 discount per trip vs single tickets. It also works on all city buses, and bus-metro transfers within 30 minutes cost only ₩100–₩300 additional rather than full fare.
Peak hours: No peak fare surcharge — flat distance-based fares at all times — fares are higher during these times. Travel off-peak where possible to save money.
Seoul Metro Lines
Key Stations on the Seoul Metro
Ticket Prices
Payment methods: T-Money card, Cashbee card, Contactless bank card (Visa/Mastercard), Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Single-use QR ticket.
💡 The T-Money card (₩4,000 deposit + loaded credit) gives a ₩100 discount per trip vs single tickets. It also works on all city buses, and bus-metro transfers within 30 minutes cost only ₩100–₩300 additional rather than full fare.
| Journey | Off-Peak (KRW) | Peak (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Base fare (0–10 km, T-Money) | ₩1,400 | ₩1,400 |
| Base fare (0–10 km, single) | ₩1,500 | ₩1,500 |
| 10–50 km (per 5 km add) | +₩100 | +₩100 |
| AREX All-Stop (to Seoul Station) | ₩4,950 | ₩4,950 |
| AREX Express (to Seoul Station) | ₩9,500 | ₩9,500 |
| Korea Tourist Pass (1-day) | ₩15,000 | ₩15,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the T-Money card?
T-Money is South Korea's national rechargeable transit IC card. Buy for ₩4,000–₩6,000 (card + minimal balance) at any convenience store (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) or subway ticket machine. Works on metro, city buses, some taxis, and even some convenience store payments. Top up at convenience stores or machines.
How do I get from Incheon Airport to Seoul?
AREX All-Stop train: ₩4,950, 58 minutes to Seoul Station — most convenient for tourists. AREX Express: ₩9,500, 43 minutes direct to Seoul Station. From Seoul Station connect to Lines 1 and 4. City Airport Limousine Bus also serves many hotels (₩18,000–₩25,000, 70–90 min depending on traffic).
Can I use Apple Pay or contactless bank card in Seoul?
Yes — Apple Pay launched in South Korea in March 2023 and is widely accepted at metro turnstiles and transit readers. Contactless Visa and Mastercard also work at all Seoul Metro gates. Samsung Pay (with T-Money function) is also popular among locals.
Is the Seoul Metro available in English?
Yes — Seoul Metro has excellent English support. All station signs show Korean (Hangul) and English (Romanized). In-train announcements are in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese. The KakaoMetro and Naver Maps apps both have full English metro route planning.
Does the Seoul Metro run at night?
No — most lines close around 01:00 and reopen at 05:30. Night buses (N-buses) cover major routes after metro hours. Taxis are widely available at night. Unlike Tokyo or New York, there is no all-night metro service.
Which line goes to Myeongdong (shopping)?
Line 4 (sky blue) stops at Myeongdong station — directly under the shopping district. Exit 5 or 6 leads into the main Myeongdong pedestrian street. Also accessible via Euljiro 1-ga on Lines 2 and 5.
How do I get to Gyeongbokgung Palace?
Line 3 stops at Gyeongbokgung station — take Exit 5 for the main palace entrance. The station name literally means "Gyeongbokgung Palace" making it impossible to miss. Line 3 also serves Insadong (Anguk station) and the Bukchon Hanok Village area.
What is the Korea Tourist Pass?
The Korea Tourist Pass (₩15,000/day, ₩23,000/2-day, ₩30,000/3-day) gives unlimited rides on the Seoul Metro, buses, and AREX All-Stop service. Sold at Incheon Airport AREX counter and major tourist stations. The AREX Express is not included — pay separately.
Source: Seoul Metro & Korail and Wikipedia. Always verify fares with the official operator.