How to Use the Korean Subway and Etiquette

Here are some tips for foreigners to consider when using the subway in Korea. Please check in advance from ticket purchase to usage etiqu...

Here are some tips for foreigners to consider when using the subway in Korea. Please check in advance from ticket purchase to usage etiquette, transfer, and refund information for convenient use.

How to use the Korean Subway:

1. How to Purchase Subway Tickets
To use the subway, you need a transportation card, which can be either a reusable transportation card or a rechargeable transportation card. To purchase a reusable transportation card, you can use cash at the automatic vending machines inside each subway station.

If you want to purchase a (rechargeable) T-Money transportation card, you can buy it at a Korean convenience store and charge it at the same time. You can also add more money to your card at the transportation card charging machine inside the subway station. If you want to purchase a T-Money card immediately after landing at Incheon International Airport, look for a nearby convenience store. T-Money cards can be used for buses, subways, and taxis. For more detailed information on how to use T-Money cards, please refer to the official guidelines: https://pay.tmoney.co.kr

(Please select the desired guide language and press the leftmost ‘destination selection’ button)

(Please press the final destination station button)

(Insert cash)

(A: Where the card comes out, B & C: Where you receive change)

2. How to Check the Subway Route
When looking at the subway map, you can also check the station information in English. Even for subways in the same direction, there may be express/normal trains, and some trains may not go all the way to the final station, so it is recommended to check in advance which train goes to your destination.

(The red line indicates the express train route.)

3. How to Transfer
Subway transfers can be made directly within the subway station. Tap your card at the transfer gate and follow the color of the transfer line to move to the next platform. When transferring, check the subway map again and confirm the direction of the train.

4. Boarding and Subway Etiquette
It is recommended to give priority to people who have seating priority when sitting down. There are seats designated for the disabled/elderly and pink seats for pregnant women, so it is recommended to be aware of these and board accordingly.

5. Getting a Deposit Refund
To get a refund of the deposit for a single-use transportation card, you need to tap the card at the exit and use the deposit refund machine.

You can also get a refund for the remaining balance on your T-money transportation card. For more information on how to use the T-money card, please refer to the official guide:
https://pay.tmoney.co.kr

Korean Subway Tips
Download the Korean Subway map mobile app in advance. You can easily check station information, estimated travel time, and more in English using the mobile app.

The subway map inside the train provides a lot of information such as your current location, which station to transfer to, which side the doors open, and whether the restroom is inside or outside the fare gate.

App recommendation: Smarter Subway
- Android: Smarter Subway App.
- IOS: Smarter Subway App.

Using Public Restrooms
Stations marked with a restroom symbol are equipped with restrooms that can be accessed without leaving the station. Even at stations without restrooms inside the gates, you can press the help button and ask the station attendant to open the gate for you, saying "I need to use the restroom." Using restrooms in the subway is free of charge.

Knowing the local transportation system is important to enjoy your journey abroad. Korean subway is a popular transportation option for foreign tourists due to its fast service and safety.

If you are planning to visit Korea, save or share this content with your friends. With the tips we have provided, you can use the Korean subway more conveniently!

For foreigners who are interested in Korea or have questions, Gyeonggi Province publishes various blog articles on different topics every week. Check out the Gyeonggi Province blog for more information on Korea! https://www.gyeonggido-korea.com