How to Use Seoul Subway: Tmoney, Transfers, AREX

The Seoul subway map can look like a circuit board at first glance: dozens of colored lines, station numbers, and transfer knots spreading beyond Seoul into Gyeonggi-do and Incheon. The relief comes quickly. Signs are shown in Korean, English and Chinese, each line has its own color, and station codes give you a backup when names start to blur.

The short answer: buy a Tmoney card unless you are taking only one subway ride, tap in and out every time, transfer inside stations before the exit gates, and use a route app for the correct direction and exit. From Incheon Airport, use AREX: the all-stop train is cheaper and useful for transfers, while the express train runs nonstop to Seoul Station.

The short answer: your first ride in Seoul

For most visitors, a Tmoney transportation card is the simplest way to ride. You can buy and charge one at convenience stores with the Tmoney logo, including GS25, CU, 7-Eleven and Ministop, or at ticket vending and card-reload devices inside Seoul metropolitan subway stations. Visit Seoul lists the card price as KRW 3,000, separate from the balance you load.

Once you have the card, the basic rhythm is easy: tap at the entry gate, ride, transfer inside paid areas when needed, then tap again at the exit gate. If you continue by bus, tap when boarding and getting off the bus too; that is what protects your transfer discount.

Single-journey tickets are fine for a one-off subway ride. They require the fare plus a KRW 500 refundable deposit, cannot be used on buses, and can be refunded at a station Deposit Refund Machine after the trip.

Step-by-step: how to use the Seoul subway

1. Choose a Tmoney card or single ticket. Use Tmoney or Cashbee if you will ride more than once or combine subway and buses. Use a single-journey ticket only for a subway-only trip.

2. Plan the route before entering. The Seoul Subway app, offered by Seoul Metropolitan Government for international tourists, shows routes, station directions, nearby attractions, passenger density by train car, and exit and restroom locations. Visit Seoul also recommends English-capable apps such as Seoul Subway and Kakao Subway; Kakao Map and Naver Map help when your trip mixes subway, bus and walking.

3. Match the line color and station code. Seoul station codes have three digits: the first digit identifies the line, and the last two identify the station. Myeong-dong is 424, meaning Line 4, station 24.

4. Tap in at the gate. Present your Tmoney card or single-use ticket, wait for approval, and walk through. Keep the card handy because you need it to exit.

5. Check the direction. Use your app and the station signs before going to the platform. If you are transferring later, note the line color and number, not just the station name.

6. Transfer before exiting. In transfer stations, different subway lines are connected by internal paths. Follow the signs to your next line instead of leaving through a turnstile.

7. Tap out at the end. This completes the fare calculation. With a transportation card, it also matters for bus and subway transfer discounts.

8. Use the right numbered exit. Seoul stations can be large, and route apps may recommend a specific exit. Following the exit number can save backtracking at street level.

Seoul redesigned its metro map for the first time in 40 years after the network grew from 4 lines and 106 stations in the 1980s to 23 lines and 624 stations in 2023. The newer design uses “traffic light” transfer-station patterns so riders can follow the arrangement of connected line colors when changing trains.

Tmoney, Cashbee and single tickets compared

Tmoney and Cashbee cards work on public buses and subways in several Korean metropolitan areas and locations. Tmoney can also be used as a payment method at affiliated stores, and Seoul notes that transport cards may be sold as plain cards, key chains or accessories.

Option	Best for	Where to get it	Key notes
Tmoney card	Most visitor trips using subway and buses	Convenience stores with Tmoney logo, subway machines, tourist information centers	Visit Seoul lists the card price as KRW 3,000; no expiration date; unused balance stays on the card
Cashbee card	Riders who find a Cashbee seller first	Convenience stores with Cashbee logo	Works on buses and subways in several Korean areas
Single-journey ticket	One subway-only ride	Subway station vending machines	Fare plus KRW 500 refundable deposit; not valid on buses
AREX express ticket	Nonstop airport train to Seoul Station	Express Train Ticket Booths at Seoul Station B2F and Incheon Airport T1/T2 B1F Transport Center	Separate airport rail ticket with reserved seating

For a single ticket, the Visit Seoul vending-machine sequence is: select English, choose the minimum fare or destination, pick the destination, select passenger number, and pay.

Fares, surcharges and transfer discounts

As of the Seoul Metropolitan Government fare table updated June 28, 2025, the Seoul subway adult base fare is KRW 1,550 by card and KRW 1,650 by single-ride or cash ticket. Teen base fare is KRW 900 by card and KRW 1,650 by single-ride or cash ticket. Child base fare is KRW 550 by either method.

Distance can add to the fare. Visit Seoul lists surcharges of KRW 100 per 5 km between 10 km and 50 km, then KRW 100 per 8 km beyond 50 km. Additional fares apply on some routes, including the Airport Railroad independent area between Cheongna International City and Incheon International Airport, the Sinbundang Line, Yongin EverLine and Ui-Sinseol LRT.

Card users also get a 20% early-morning discount on the first ride before 6:30 a.m. Because official pages can update at different speeds, confirm current fares on the Seoul Metropolitan Government subway fare page before relying on exact numbers.

Seoul’s integrated fare system allows up to 5 free transfers, with the highest base fare among the modes used applied first. Transfers generally need to happen within 30 minutes of getting off the previous ride, or within 60 minutes between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.

The discount does not apply when re-entering the same subway station after exiting, according to VisitKorea’s Tmoney/Cashbee guidance. Seoul also has a 15-minute turnstile re-entry system on listed sections, including all of Lines 2, 5, 8, 9, Ui-Sinseol and Sillim Line, and selected sections of Lines 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7. Treat that as a backup, not a habit.

Apps that make Seoul subway easier

The official Seoul Subway app is more than a static map. Seoul says it can recognize a rider’s location on a platform, point them in the right direction, alert them if they take the wrong train at a transfer station, and show congestion by car. It is available through Google Play and the App Store.

Kakao Map and Naver Map are better for mixed journeys because they provide shortest-route information, public-transport recommendations and live bus tracking, according to Seoul Metropolitan Government. Install at least one before you land, and save your accommodation address in both English and Korean if available.

For sightseeing days, reduce cross-city zigzags by grouping nearby stops. Our Seoul travel guide breaks the city into useful areas, and this 4 days in Seoul itinerary helps connect palaces, markets, food and views without wasting rides.

Getting from Incheon Airport to Seoul by train

AREX connects Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport with destinations in Seoul, and passengers can transfer from AREX to other subway lines. At Incheon Airport Terminal 1, the airport railroad access route goes from the first-floor arrivals level down to B1 and into the Transportation Center; the airport guide says the “Airport Railroad” signs use yellow lettering.

AREX option	Route	Time to Seoul Station	Official guide fare and frequency	Best for
All-stop/local	Incheon Airport to Seoul with intermediate stops	59 min from Terminal 1; 66 min from Terminal 2, with some trains 2–6 min longer	KRW 4,150–4,750 one way; every 5–10 min from about 5:30 a.m. to 12 a.m., varying by station	Lower fare and transfers before Seoul Station
Express	Nonstop Incheon Airport to Seoul Station	43 min from Terminal 1; 51 min from Terminal 2	KRW 13,000 one way; every 20–40 min	Fastest nonstop ride to Seoul Station

The all-stop train is useful if you are connecting at stations such as Gimpo International Airport for Lines 5 and 9, Hongik Univ. for Line 2, Gongdeok for Lines 5 and 6, or Seoul Station for Lines 1 and 4 and KTX. Officially listed transfer stations also include Geomam for Incheon Metro 2 and Gyeyang for Incheon Metro 1.

The express train is the direct option. AREX lists reserved seating, cabin-crew service, free Wi-Fi, and a restroom in car 4 that can be used by wheelchair users. Check current AREX fares, intervals and last trains before travel, especially for late-night arrivals.

Late-night limits and subway etiquette

Seoul subway operating time is approximately 5:30 a.m. to midnight, but it varies by station, line, direction, weekday or weekend, and operator. Do not build a late plan around “midnight” as a universal last train. Check the exact last train for your station and direction.

If the subway has wound down, Seoul’s late-night N buses operate from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. based on last departure time. For late airport arrivals, you may need a bus, taxi or hotel-arranged transfer; check current options before flying.

Etiquette is visible inside the carriage. Leave priority seats open, and remember that pink seats are reserved for pregnant women, including women in early pregnancy who may not visibly look pregnant. Visit Seoul also advises wearing bulky backpacks in front or putting them down, avoiding spillable drinks and strong-smelling food, and letting passengers get off before boarding.

Mistakes to avoid on Seoul subway

• Buying a single ticket for a bus connection. Single-journey subway tickets cannot be used on buses.
• Forgetting to tap off a bus. Transfer discounts depend on tapping when getting off, not only when boarding.
• Exiting during a subway transfer. Most subway transfers happen inside the paid area.
• Assuming all airport trains cost the same. AREX all-stop and express trains have different fares, times and ticketing.
• Trusting the general operating hours. Last trains vary by station, direction and date.
• Using reserved seats casually. Leave priority and pregnancy seats open.

Quick checklist before you ride

• Buy Tmoney or Cashbee if you will use buses or ride more than once.
• Load a modest balance.
• Install Seoul Subway, Kakao Map or Naver Map.
• Check your line color, station code and direction.
• Tap in and tap out every time.
• Transfer inside the station unless signs or your app say otherwise.
• Check exact last-train times for late plans.
• Choose AREX all-stop for lower cost and transfers, or AREX express for a nonstop ride to Seoul Station.