A Foreigner's Guide to Using the Subway in Seoul South Korea 2025

With 23 lines and over 760 subway stations, the subway system in Seoul can be confusing, overwhelming, and stressful if you don't know what you're doing, or if it's your first time. Having introduced my husband to his first subway ride in Seoul (he's now a pro) and even his family, I'm convinced my guide is all you need to successfully ride the subway in Seoul.

My Essential Korea Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to South Korea. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

For flights, I recommend using Hopper to compare the cheapest travel dates to South Korea.

Car rentals, although not common in Korea, are best through Discover Cars - just make sure to have a copy of your international driver's permit with you!

I always use AGODA's  easy-to-use platform for hotels in Asia.

To keep cell phone service, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required) - make sure to have NordVPN ready too while you surf random wifi connections.

For fun things to do, Klook specializes on tours in Asia, otherwise Viator also does the trick.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use when visiting a new country.

Lastly, my essential packing list when traveling.

Basic Subway Etiquette in Seoul

There are a few main things to know before you ride the subway in Seoul for the first time. The first is to make sure you have a ticket (I'll go over those steps below). Occasionally, especially during peak rush hour, there will be workers in yellow vests waiting outside the entrance/exits to the subway to make sure you're properly and responsibly using the subway. The second is that the subway system in Seoul runs from about 5:30 am to midnight - this can vary a little and typically in the early morning and late night subways will come a little less frequently.

The third thing to keep in mind is that the subway in Korea is very organized and orderly. This means staying in line at each door while waiting for the next train, and allowing people to fully get off the train before getting on. No matter how busy it gets, people in Korea don't budge in line and don't push to get on first - it's considered quite rude if you do either. The fourth thing to remember is that most people on the subway won't talk, or try to talk very quietly. Make sure to use headphones if you're listening to music, and to be aware of your voice level. The very last thing to remember before using the subway in Seoul is that in Korea people are very respectful of elders. Not only are there special seats for them, but even if you have a seat and see an elderly person standing, it's expected that you give up your seat for them if you're younger. In addition to special seats for the elderly, there are also special seats for pregnant people and you'll also find people often give up seats to young children and sometimes foreigners.

My Favorite Activities in Seoul : 
- Full Day DMZ Tour from Seoul
- Lotte World Tower at Seoul Sky
​- Afternoon Tea on the Han River

Step by Step Guide to the Seoul Subway System

Below, I've outlined my step by step approach to using the subway system in Seoul for the first time :

​1. Getting a Ticket : There are multiple ways to get a ticket, but my personal favorite is to just purchase a "Bee Card" or "Cash Bee Card" from any CU or GS25 Convenience Stores. These work like a pre-loaded debit card, but specifically for public transportation in Korea - they even work on Jeju Island! Once you get your card, at every subway station there will be machines that you can reload your card with if you get low, and machines work in English too (just change the language at the bottom of the screen). The most important thing is to keep your card on the tray until it's completely done reloading. I would recommend starting with about ₩20,000 for a week's worth of travel if you're staying in Seoul, and you can always reload if you need more.

If you don't want to get a Bee Card, you can also get a "T-Money Card" which works the same way, or purchase individual tickets from the same reloading machines in the subway. Usually, these individual tickets require a ₩500 deposit that is refunded at the end of your ride.

2. Download your Maps : The best apps I've found for public transportation in Korea is Naver. You can put in your final destination, and it'll give you all best ways to get there, whether that's walking, using the bus, or using the subway. I typically choose the "subway" button and it'll give me directions only using the subway. The app tells you when the next train is expected, how many stops are in between and the stop names, where to transfer (if required), and exactly where to get off. The app will even notify you when your stop is getting close so you don't miss it!

​3. Finding the Subway & Getting On, Then Off : Most subway stations in Seoul will have a sign marking the subway, and a large majority of them are underground. Almost all stations have 4 entrances, and if you need a handicapped entrance most stations will also have an elevator to get down to the tracks. Otherwise, there will either be stairs or escalators - on the escalators, it's expected that you stand on the right and keep the left clear for people who want to walk up or down. Once you get inside, you'll have to scan your ticket or card to get through the gates. After you scan it, the gate will beep and let you through, and on the little screen you'll also see your remaining balance if you have a reloadable card. You can then follow the signs to the platform you need, just make sure you catch the train that's going the right direction! All doors onto the subway are automatic, so they will automatically open and close. Once you make it to your stop and are ready to exit, you'll have to once again scan your card to exit the subway.

Congrats! You've just completed all steps necessary to ride the subway in Seoul! :)

Watch my Seoul Adventures here!

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Other Blog Posts you might be interested in : 
-> 25 Best Street Foods in Korea
-> Complete Guide to Lotte World
-> My Color Analysis in Korea

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