Korean Subway Guide: How to Use Seoul Metro (2026) Last updated: January 2026Seoul subway in 1989 had 4 lines.Four. That was it.I watched them build Line 5,легенда мультфильм 2020 6, 7, 8. The airport line. The Sinbundang Line. What started as a simple system became one of the best metro networks on Earth.Now there are 23 lines. Over 700 stations. Air conditioning, WiFi, heated seats, platform screen doors.And it costs less than $1.50 to go anywhere.35 years of riding Seoul subway. Here’s everything I know.Seoul’s subway is incredible.Clean, cheap, on-time, everywhere.Possibly the best metro system in the world.Once you understand it,you’ll never need taxis.Here’s everything you need to know.You’ll need a T-money card for the subway. Get one first — see our T-money Card Guide.Main lines (numbered):Plus: Airport Railroad (AREX), Bundang Line, Gyeongui Line, etc.What I appreciate after 35 years:The first time it impressed me:I noticed the air conditioning was perfect. The floors were clean. Nobody was pushing or yelling.I’d ridden the New York subway. The contrast was… significant.What still impresses me:The precision. When the app says 3 minutes, it’s 3 minutes. Not 5-7. Not “delayed.” Three minutes.After 35 years, I still find this remarkable.How I navigate now vs. then:The app that changed everything:Kakao Metro. Shows real-time arrivals, which car to board for fastest беляковы в отпуске 2022 смотреть онлайнбеляковы в отпуске смотреть бесплатнобеляковы в отпуске онлайнбеляков в хорошем отпускесергей беляков в отпускебеляковы в отпуске фильмбеляковы в отпуске смотретьбеляковы в отпуске transfer, which exit is closest to your destination.Before smartphones, I memorized transfer routes. Knew which car to ride for efficient exits. Old school survival.Now I just follow the app. Technology win.My tip for tourists:Download Kakao Metro before your trip. Select English. Screenshot your routes.Even if you have no data, the screenshots will guide you.Or get an eSIM and use it live. Even better.Rechargeable transit card.Works on subway, bus, taxi.Essential for any Seoul visit.Or use subway ticket machines.Most trips in Seoul: 1,500-1,800원.Using T-money is cheaper than single tickets.Transfer between subway and bus:Use Naver Map or Kakao Metro.Search destination in English.App shows which line and direction.Find entrance with number/letter.Go down stairs or escalator.Look for ticket gates.Hold T-money to blue pad.Gate opens.Walk through.Look for:Signs are in Korean AND English.Trains come every 2-5 minutes.Stand in line markings on platform.Let passengers exit first.Step on and find spot.Announcements in Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese.Watch for your station.Digital displays show next stops.Get off at your station.Follow exit signs (numbered exits).Tap out at gates.The rule that confuses foreigners:Priority seats are NOT just “preferred” seating. They’re almost sacred.I’ve seen empty priority seats while people stand nearby. Nobody sits. Even when the train is packed.My embarrassing moment:Early 1990s. Tired after work. Empty priority seat. Sat down.An elderly woman got on. Looked at me. Looked at the seat. Her expression… I still remember it.I jumped up immediately. Apologized profusely. She said nothing. Just sat down.The silent judgment of an entire train car. Educational.The unwritten rules:Koreans take this seriously. Respect it.Many stations connect multiple lines.Transfers are free (don’t exit gates).Biggest transfer stations:Important: Don’t exit the gates!Stay inside for free transfer.Some transfers are 5-10 minute walks.Express Bus Terminal = famously long.Budget extra time.Never sit in priority seats.Pink/marked seats are for:Even if empty, locals avoid them.You should too.Some trains have quiet cars.Marked with special signs.No phone calls, quiet talking.All stations and trains have WiFi.Some newer trains have USB ports.Look near seats or windows.Most stations have:Best for: 

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