Seoul Subway  Taxi  Express Bus & Rail

Seoul Subway
The Seoul Metropolitan Subway is one of the most heavily used rapid transit systems in the world, with well over 8 million trips daily on the system's ten lines (total figures for Seoul Metro, Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation & Korean Railroad commuter lines). The system serves Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi province and northern Chungnam province and connects with the single-line Incheon Subway system. There is a connection (not a free transfer) to the Incheon International Airport Railroad (A'REX) at Gimpo Airport Station on Line 5. Over 70% of the total metro track length is underground.
The Seoul Subway is considered user friendly for non-Koreans since all directional signs are written in both Korean and English, and the voice announcement in the trains indicating the upcoming station, possible line transfer and exiting side are all said in Korean, followed by English. However Line 2 (Green Line) has additional side lines and at times passengers will be told to exit the train and board the following train instead. These broadcasts are in Korean only and therefore do lead to confusion for foreign travelers. Station signs and some maps also display traditional Chinese.

How to Use the Subway
1. Use Subway
A subway map is usually located above the ticket window (see right). Most subway maps are written in both Korean and English. The numbers next to the name of each station on the map indicate the subway fare for the destination from the present station. Simply tell the worker behind the ticket window your destination, and they will issue you the appropriate ticket. The yellow box next to the ticket window contains free subway maps that you can take and keep. Some subway stations do not provide free subway maps.
Subway fares are as below (foreign currency is not accepted at subway ticket windows, so please prepare Korean won).Seoul Subway Fares (2008)

Base fare for 12km 19 years and older 13-18 years old 7-12 years old
Transportation Card 900 Won 720 Won 450 Won
Cash 1,000 Won 1,000 Won 450 Won

- Free for children 6 years or younger.
- For total distances exceeding 10 kilometers, the charge is 100 won for each additional 5 kilometers.
- For total distances exceeding 40 kilometers, the charge is 100 won for each additional 10 kilometers.
- For journeys outside Seoul, the charge is 100 won for each additional 5 kilometers and 100 won for each additional 10 kilometers if the total trip exceeds 35 kilometers.

Description of signs in the subway
(1) Exits


(2) Transfer points
The color coding system of the subway makes for a convenient ride. If one needs to transfer to the number 7 line, all one has to do is follow the dark green line and you are there before you know it. The arrows on the signs, along with the colors, will easily guide you in the appropriate direction.


(3) The subway line colors


(4) The maps are shown inside the subway station, the exit numbers are circled and highlighted in yellow. The red circle alerts you to your current location. These maps are extremely helpful and will help you find the proper exit with ease. You can find these maps located near every stairwell.