Seoul

๐ŸŽซ

Ticketing

Travel in Seoul often requires tickets or travel cards such as the T-money card, which is used across transport modes.

Sections

1. Overview of Public Transportation in Seoul

Seoulโ€™s public transportation system is extensive, reliable, and affordable. It includes:

  • Subway: A vast network of 23 lines (including metropolitan lines connecting nearby cities).
  • Buses: Color-coded buses (blue, green, red, and yellow) that serve different purposes and areas.
  • Taxis: Widely available but more expensive than public transport.
  • Intercity Trains: For travel outside Seoul, such as KTX (high-speed rail).

The subway and bus systems are integrated, allowing seamless transfers with a single ticketing system.

2. Ticketing Options

Seoul offers several ticketing options for public transportation:

a. Tmoney Card (Recommended)

  • What is it? A rechargeable smart card used for subways, buses, taxis, and even some convenience stores.
  • Benefits:
    • Convenience: No need to buy single-use tickets for each trip.
    • Discounts: Transfer discounts between buses and subways.
    • Usability: Works across most cities in South Korea, not just Seoul.
  • Cost:
    • Card purchase: KRW 2,500โ€“4,000 (non-refundable).
    • Recharge: Minimum KRW 1,000; no maximum limit.
    • Subway fares: Start at KRW 1,250 for adults (up to 10 km) and increase based on distance.
    • Bus fares: Start at KRW 1,200 for adults (local buses).
  • Where to Buy:
    • Convenience stores (e.g., GS25, CU, 7-Eleven).
    • Subway station ticket machines.
  • How to Recharge:
    • At convenience stores.
    • At subway station ticket machines.
    • Via mobile apps (if you have a Korean bank account).

b. Single-Use Subway Tickets

  • What is it? A one-time use ticket for subway rides.
  • Cost:
    • Base fare: KRW 1,350 (includes a KRW 500 deposit, refundable after use).
  • Where to Buy:
    • Ticket vending machines at subway stations.
  • How to Use:
    • Tap the ticket at the turnstile to enter and exit.
    • Refund the KRW 500 deposit at a refund machine after exiting.

c. Mpass (Metropolitan Pass)

  • What is it? A prepaid transportation card designed for tourists.
  • Benefits:
    • Unlimited rides on subways and buses within Seoul and the metropolitan area.
    • Available for 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 days.
  • Cost:
    • 1-day pass: KRW 15,000.
    • 7-day pass: KRW 64,500.
  • Where to Buy:
    • Tourist information centers.
    • Select subway stations (e.g., Incheon Airport, Seoul Station).
  • Considerations:
    • Not valid for airport express trains (AREX) or intercity buses.

d. Korea Tour Card

  • What is it? A Tmoney card with added benefits for tourists.
  • Benefits:
    • Same functionality as a Tmoney card.
    • Discounts at tourist attractions, shops, and restaurants.
  • Cost:
    • Card purchase: KRW 4,000.
  • Where to Buy:
    • Convenience stores.
    • Tourist information centers.

3. Costs and Fares

  • Subway:
    • Base fare: KRW 1,250 (Tmoney) or KRW 1,350 (single-use ticket).
    • Additional fare: KRW 100 per 5 km after the first 10 km.
  • Bus:
    • Local buses: KRW 1,200 (Tmoney) or KRW 1,300 (cash).
    • Express buses: KRW 2,400โ€“2,800.
  • Transfers:
    • Free transfers between subways and buses (up to 4 transfers) within 30 minutes of tapping out (1 hour during late-night hours).

4. Purchasing Procedures

  • Tmoney Card:
    1. Visit a convenience store or subway station.
    2. Purchase the card and load it with credit.
    3. Tap the card on the reader when entering and exiting the subway or bus.
  • Single-Use Tickets:
    1. Use a ticket vending machine at the subway station.
    2. Select your destination and pay the fare.
    3. Collect the ticket and use it to enter the subway.
  • Mpass:
    1. Visit a tourist information center or designated subway station.
    2. Purchase the pass for the desired number of days.
    3. Use it like a Tmoney card.

5. Important Local Considerations and Tips

  • Language Support:
    • Subway ticket machines and maps are available in multiple languages (English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean).
    • Announcements on subways and buses are also made in English.
  • Peak Hours:
    • Avoid traveling during rush hours (7:00โ€“9:00 AM and 6:00โ€“8:00 PM) if possible, as trains and buses can be very crowded.
  • Subway Etiquette:
    • Stand on the right side of escalators to allow others to pass on the left.
    • Offer priority seats to the elderly, pregnant women, or people with disabilities.
  • Bus Boarding:
    • Enter through the front door and exit through the rear door.
    • Tap your Tmoney card when boarding and alighting to ensure proper fare calculation.
  • Lost Tmoney Card:
    • Unfortunately, lost Tmoney cards cannot be refunded unless registered online (requires a Korean phone number).
  • AREX (Airport Railroad Express):
    • For travel between Incheon Airport and Seoul, you can use a Tmoney card or purchase a separate AREX ticket.
  • Mobile Apps:
    • Download apps like "KakaoMap" or "Naver Map" for real-time navigation and public transport schedules.

6. Additional Resources

  • Tourist Information Centers:
    • Located at major subway stations and tourist spots, offering assistance in multiple languages.
  • Seoul Public Transport Hotline:
    • Dial 120 for help with public transportation queries (English support available).

By using the Tmoney card or Mpass, youโ€™ll find navigating Seoulโ€™s public transportation system to be both cost-effective and convenient. Enjoy your time in Seoul!