In addition to being famous for its vibrant K-pop culture and impressive dramas, South Korea is also home to stunning landscapes that attract tourists from all over the world. To make your trip to South Korea as convenient as possible, don't forget to plan your transportation. Among the options, the subway is an extremely economical and popular means of public transportation.

Let's explore how to travel by subway in South Korea through the following article with Vietjet!

South Korea is famous for its Joseon Dynasty history and cultural highlights such as Hanbok, kimchi, and Soju.

1. Introduction to South Korea's Subway System and Map

South Korea boasts one of the most modern subway systems in the world, bustling with 22 lines that traverse various provinces and cities across the country. With a total railway length of up to 2,000 km, the subway in South Korea accommodates more than 8 million passengers daily.

The South Korean subway map connects major cities such as Seoul, Daegu, and Busan. Therefore, it is the most reasonable choice for tourists who want to visit multiple locations during their trip to the Land of Kimchi.

Read more: How to get around Seoul? What is the cheapest means of transportation?

2. Payment Methods for Using the Subway in South Korea

In South Korea, people typically use various prepaid cards to pay for public utilities, shopping services at grocery stores, or convenience stores, etc.

2.1 Using Cash to Ride the Subway in South Korea

Cash is the traditional transaction method. You can use Korean Won to buy subway tickets directly at the ticket counters in the station. However, this method can be a bit more complicated since it involves multiple steps and takes more time.

2.2 Using T-money Card to Pay for Subway Rides in South Korea

T-money is a versatile transaction card commonly used in South Korea, especially in Seoul and Busan. You can purchase this card and preload it with money at convenience stores or at card vending machines inside subway stations.

T-money and Cashbee cards can be used to pay for all public transportation in South Korea.

The price of each card is 2,500 Won (about 46,000 VND) for a plain card or 4,000 Won (about 73,000 VND) for a card with a printed design. You need to preload money onto the card before use, with a minimum amount of 1,250 Won (about 23,000 VND).

Using the T-money card for the subway in South Korea is very simple. Each time you board or exit the train, you just need to tap the card on the reader at the station gates to enter or exit. Remember to perform these two steps every time you use the T-money card for the subway!

The advantage of using the T-money card to pay for subway rides in South Korea is that the fare is cheaper compared to buying a ticket directly. Additionally, for travelers who need to transfer multiple times, you will receive a 100 Won discount for each transfer (bus, subway) within 30 minutes.

2.3 Cashbee Card

The Cashbee card is similar to the T-money card and is commonly used in the Busan area. You can purchase this card at certain convenience stores like GS25 and Story Way for 2,500 Won (about 46,000 VND). When paying for subway rides in South Korea with this card, you need to preload money onto it.

Similarly, when you combine multiple transfers within 30 minutes, you will receive a 100 Won discount for each subsequent use of public transportation. You can flexibly use it on buses, trains, and subways.

3. Subway Fare in South Korea

The subway in South Korea is a relatively inexpensive public transportation option, with fares calculated based on the travel distance and age group. Each ticket typically costs between 450 and 1,500 Won (approximately 8,000 to 28,000 VND).

Ticket prices vary according to age and distance you travel.

The fare varies based on age and the distance traveled. Here are the reference fares for subway trips in Seoul and Busan (prices are based on payment with a T-money card and may differ if purchased directly at the counter):

• Adults (ages 19 and above): 1,250 - 1,500 Won (23,000 - 27,000 VND)

• Teens (ages 13 - 18): 720 - 1,200 Won (13,000 - 22,000 VND)

• Children (ages 7 - 12): 450 - 750 Won (8,000 - 14,000 VND)

Please note that if you travel on a subway route longer than 40 km within Seoul or 30 km outside Seoul, you will need to pay an additional 100 Won for every subsequent 10 km. Additionally, children under 6 years old can ride the subway for free when accompanied by an adult, with a maximum of 4 children per adult.

See more: How much money does it take to travel to Korea?

4. Guide to Riding the Subway in South Korea

When South Koreans want to take the subway, they often use mobile apps to look up the South Korean subway map and find the trains they need to take.

4.1 Looking Up the South Korean Subway Map and Finding Trains Using Mobile Apps

The two most popular apps for locals to navigate the South Korean subway are Kakao Metro and Naver Map. You can learn about and download these apps from your phone's app store.

• Kakao Metro: This app helps you find the nearest train station and the train you want to take. It provides details such as station numbers, train schedules, real-time train status, and fare information for each trip. Additionally, it allows you to look up the South Korean subway map and find the most optimal route for your journey.

• Naver Map: This is a multifunctional map application. Naver Map provides information on travel times, subway trains, subway stations, and the South Korean subway map. Beyond just a mapping app, Naver Map also integrates the ability to search for bus stops, other public transportation options, landmarks, tourist attractions, and even dining locations.

4.2 How to Read the Subway Map in South Korea

For those taking the subway in South Korea for the first time, it can be overwhelming due to the numerous signs, colors, and symbols for stations and train lines. Therefore, it's important for travelers to stay calm and focus on finding the correct train number for their journey.

When boarding the train, respect the local subway culture to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.

After looking up the map on your mobile app, pay attention to the train symbols and your train number. Simultaneously, compare the information on your phone with the signs outside to easily match and find the correct station.

A unique feature of the South Korean subway system is that each train line is color-coded. For example, Line 1 is light blue, Line 2 is green, Line 3 is orange, and Line 4 is blue. Additionally, to be more certain, find and verify the name of your destination station to ensure you are on the correct train line.

4.3 South Korean Subway: How to Ride and View the Subway Map

• If you use multifunctional payment cards like T-money or Cashbee, each time you enter or exit the ticket gates, simply tap your card on the designated area. The fare will be automatically deducted from the card.

• If you haven't purchased or do not wish to use a multifunctional payment card, you can buy a single-use standard ticket from the automatic vending machines available around the station. On the machine screen, simply enter or select your destination station, and the machine will display the fare. After payment, you will receive a chip-embedded card. Use it similarly to a T-money or Cashbee card by tapping it at the ticket gates when entering and exiting the station. Remember to return this card after exiting the subway, or you will be fined 500 Won.

See more: Korean visa types and latest stay period 2024

Here are some tips and experiences for riding the subway in South Korea that you can refer to for your upcoming trip. With this modern mode of transportation, your journey to explore the Land of Kimchi will be convenient and economical. Furthermore, if you  hunt for plane tickets 2-3 months in advance when going to Korea with Vietjet, your trip will be much more economical. In addition, you can also visit Vietjet every Friday to hunt for 0 VND tickets to Korea HERE.

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