🚇 Subway Tips for First-Timers in Korea (Super Easy Guide)

Korea’s subway system is one of the most convenient in the world — but if it’s your first time, here’s everything you need to know to ride like a local!

🎫 1. Get a Transportation Card (T-money)

• You can’t buy single tickets at the gate.
• Get a T-money card at the airport, subway station, or convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven).
• Just tap when you enter and exit the gate.

 

📍 2. How to Read Subway Maps

• Subway lines are color-coded.
• Each station has a number + name. Example: Hongdae = 239 (Line 2, station 39).
• Transfer stations are marked with multiple colors.

🚦 3. Which Direction Should You Take?

• Check the final station name on the platform signs.
• For example, Line 2 → To City Hall vs. To Hongdae (Line 2 is a circle line).
• Google Maps works, but Naver Map or Kakao Map are even better in Korea.

⏱️ 4. Train Frequency

• Every 3–5 minutes during peak hours.
• 5–10 minutes during off-peak.
• First trains start around 5:30 AM, last trains around 12:00 AM (midnight).
• Check the last train time for your station and direction!

🚫 5. Beware of Last Train!

• If you miss the last subway, you’ll need to take a taxi.
• Last train times depend on the station and direction, so check in advance using apps.

🚻 6. Facilities Inside Stations

• Restrooms are always available (and free!).
• Elevators & escalators for luggage or strollers.
• Lockers in major stations.
• Convenience stores, cafes, ATMs are commonly inside.

🚈 7. Subway Etiquette

• Priority seats are for elderly, pregnant, disabled, or those with kids (don’t sit unless you qualify).
• Keep quiet — phone calls are not common.
• Stand on the right side of escalators (Busan → left side).
• Let people exit first before boarding.

 

🔁 8. Transfer Between Subway Lines

• Follow the colored line on the floor to your transfer line.
• Some transfers are a long walk (5–10 minutes) — like Express Bus Terminal or Dongdaemun History & Culture Park.

💡 9. Free Transfers to Bus

• Tap out at the subway gate, then tap on the bus.
• Transfer discount applies within 30 minutes (or 1 hour at night).

🗺️ 10. Apps You Must Have

• Naver Map — best for navigation.
• Kakao Map — also excellent.
• Kakao Metro — subway-only, very detailed.
• Papago — translation app (better than Google Translate in Korea).

✅ In Summary

• Get a T-money card → tap in/out.
• Check the last train time for your direction.
• Use Naver Map or Kakao Map for navigation.
• Follow subway etiquette.
• Transfers are easy — just follow floor signs.

👉 Coming Next:

• How to Read Bus Routes & Ride Like a Local in Korea 🚍

Stay tuned! 😊