1. How to use subway?
You can go anywhere with public transportation in the City ares. Especially in Seoul.
If you need to check the subway map in English, check the website below. It might be helpful.
* Seoul Metro Subway Map
http://dmzap1.seoulmetro.co.kr/station/eng/linemap.action
You can check the shortest route, fastest way and minimum transfer. Simply click the stations.
* Busan Subway Map
http://www.humetro.busan.kr/english/03/01_01.php
* Daegu Subway Map
http://www.dtro.or.kr/open_content/en/user_guide/line_map/
* Gwangju
http://www.gwangjusubway.co.kr/engsubway/info_subway/subway_lineinfo.jsp
* Daejeon
http://www.djet.co.kr/home/sub01_01.do#b
Seoul Subway Fares(from visitkorea homepage)
Basic fare for 10km | Age 19 and older | Age 13–18 | Age 6–12 |
---|---|---|---|
Multiple Journey Transportation Cards (T-Money) | 1,050 won | 900 won | 450 won |
Single Journey Transportation Cards | 1,150 won | 1,000 won | 500 won |
- - Children 6 and younger: Free
- - Total distances exceeding 10km (within Seoul): 100 won for each additional 5km
- - Total distances exceeding 40km (within Seoul): 100 won for each additional 10km
- - Total distances exceeding 30km (outside Seoul): 100 won for each additional 5km
It is very specifically described how you can use the subway and how to buy a ticket.
When you take a subway, I strongly recommend buying a T-Money card.
2. T-Money Card
There are many types of T-Money card in Korea.
You can buy it in every subway station or the convenient stores(GS25, CU, Seven Eleven, Mini Stop). It is 3,000 won.
If you have an Alien registration number and are under 18, you can get a discounted fare every time when you use it. Check it out.
The reason why I recommend this card is that you can get a discount for Performance, Sightseeing and so on. Simply use The Seoul City Pass Plus when you pay. A Booklet will be following.
Category | Member Stores | Discount Rate | Note |
---|---|---|---|
Performance | (Chongdong Theater, Korean Musical 'Miso') | 10% off | |
(Dance Musical, 'Sachoom') | 20% off | ||
Sightseeing | (Lotte World) | 10% off | |
(N Seoul Tower) | 10% off | ||
서비스 Service | (Myungdong Chunjiyeun) | 15% off | |
(Myungdong Hanjeungmak) | (Basic course 30% off) | ||
(Myungdong Mud) | (Basic course 20% off) | ||
음식점 Restaurant | (Myungdong Haemultang Uhmunijip) | 10% off |
※ Member stores and the rate of discount are subject to change without previous notice.
It is a rechargeable transportation card. You can recharge it in the convenient stores or on the vending machine in subway station.
The average recharge amouunt is 10,000 won or 20,000 won.
You can get a refund for the remaining balance in the card. Visit convenient stores(GS 25, CU, Mini stops, Seven eleven, Buy the Way) and tell the cashier to refund it. 500 won is a deduction for a commission.
* Tip
When you take a bus in Seoul, you can pay for other people. For example, when you take a bus with your 2 friends, you can say to the bus driver that "3 persons, please" then the driver will control the card box that is charged for 3 persons.
But, it is not acceptable for subway.
3. Multiple Journey, Transfer to the Bus or other lines of subway.
Transferring is the best public transportation system in Korea. Using T-money card, you can transfer from subway to bus, bus to bus, bus to subway, subway to subway.
You don't have to pay every time you get on the transportation. But to use this transferring, you have to place the card to the sensor box when you boarding or getting off.
After getting off the transportation, it can be applied again only when you use transportation within 1 hour. After a time limitation of transfer, you will be charged normal fares.
More specific information for using T-Money, visit here.
Enjoy Korea.
It's brilliant.