Korea Tour : Korea Subway Systems

Hi?

I am Eddie Kwon, a Korea tour interpreter and guide.

Today, I would like to give tips about subway systems in Korea.

In fact, Korea boasts of very clean, modern and automated subway systems and you may go to any places within the cities by them cheaply and conveniently.

 

Subways serve as a convenient means, probably the most favored public transportation by both Koreans and visitors from aboard. It connects you from one point to another with less hassle than often seen on the open roads and thus, making it easy for tourists to get around as well!

 

Subways are currently being operated around five major cities including  Seoul Metropolitan Areas, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Daejeon.

 

Seoul Metropolitan Subway Systems

Seoul Metropolitan Areas rank the top in terms of its size and number where it centers the city from Line 1 to 9 and additional lines branching out into the metropolitan area. Also, each subway station has a name, number, and a color representing the subway line, and with just a little guidance, anyone can use the metropolitan subway systems with ease

Besides, there are information desks where you may ask any questions about the systems.

Seoul Metropolitan Subway Systems

Seoul Metropolitan Subway Fares 

Adults (age 19 and older) 1,250 won 1,350 won

Teens (age 13-18) 720 won 1,350 won

Children (age 7-12) 450 won 450 won

-Total distances exceeding 10 km: 100 won for every 5km between 10 to 50km / 100 won for every 8km when exceeding a total of 50km.

-Children age of 6 and younger: Free of charge.

* Fare systems differ for every region; please refer to information below (as of August 10, 2016).

* Subway fares of other cities are similar.

 

Purchasing Transportation Cards

 

In order to use subways, the first step to take is purchasing a right card depending on your needs. Passengers can either buy a Single Journey Ticket or get rechargeable cards like T-money, Cashbee or M-Pass for multiple uses.

 

Deposit Refunds

 

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.

                                   Card Charger     Deposit Refund Machine 

Subway Lockers

 

Many of the subway stations in Seoul are equipped with paid lockers. In addition, the user’s guide of these lockers are offered in multiple languages. The fees for using the locker may vary depending on the term of use and operator of each conveninet facility.

 

Term of use: Basic storage time 2-4 hours

Fees: Based on basic storage time, Small lockers 1,000-2,000 won / Medium lockers 1,500-3,000 won / Large lockers 2,000-4,000 won (additional fees applicable when basic storage time is exceeded)

Payment: Though it vary by lockers, there are many lockers that do not accept cash for payment. Therefore, payment can be made via transportation card (T-Money or Cashbee) or a credit card.