All you need to know about getting around Seoul
Subway
Subway Routes & Map
> View interactive subway map (Provides information, such as train fare, time to destination, and more / PC-compatible only)
※ Click map below to download and see it in further detail (7MB).
Seoul has an extensive network of public transportation and taxis. Consistently voted as one of the best in the world for its ease of use, cleanliness, and frequency of service, the Seoul subway system is one of the most efficient ways to travel aroundthecity. Trains run non-stop from approximately 5:30 am until midnight. All subway lines are color coded and stations display signs in Korean, English, and Chinese. To ride the subway, you must use a single or multiple journey pass. Single-journey passes can be purchased in the subway stations, and require exact fare to your destination plus a 500-won refundable deposit. Multiple journey passes called Tmoney can be purchased at most convenience stores. Transfers between subway lines are free,and Tmoney users can transfer for free between bus and subway lines. Smartphone and tablet users can download a variety of apps that give routes, times, and transfer information in English, including Seoul Subway, Metroid Korea Subway Info, and Subway Navigation by Kakao.
| Passenger | Transportation cards (KRW) | Single-use tickets (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| General (19 years & up) | 1,400 | 1,500 |
| Teenagers (13-18 years) | 800 | 1,500 |
| Children (6-12 years) | 500 | 500 |
※ Starting from October 7, 2023 (Saturday)
※ A dditional fares will be applied when using the following Seoul subway lines:
- Airport Railroad Independent Area (Cheongna International City-Incheon International Airport)
- Sinbundang Line (Sinsa-Gwanggyo)
- Yongin EverLine (Giheung-Jeondae·Everland)
- Ui-Sinseol Light Rail Transit Line (Balgok-Tapseok)
※ 10 - 50 km: KRW 100/5 km
※ After 50 km: KRW 100/8 km
※ Tmoney card users receive KRW 100 discount off adult fare per ride.
Riding the Subway
1. Subway stations are clearly marked with color coded signs written in Korean and English, and each exit is numbered.
2. You can purchase single journey tickets at ticket vending machines located within the station. A KRW 500 deposit is required, which you get back at your destination when returning the card. (Skip this step if you have purchased a Tmoney transit card).
Choose the English menu
Select “Single Journey Ticket”
Choose your destination
Select number of passengers & insert money
3. As you go through the turnstile, place your card over the Tmoney scanner.
4. Transferring lines take place within the station. Follow the signs (color coded) to your desired line.
5. After reaching your destination, place your card over the Tmoney scanner at the turnstile. If you’ve used a single-journey ticket, claim your 500 won deposit by returning the card to any “Deposit Refund Device.”
6. If you have insufficient funds on your Tmoney card or single journey ticket, you can add money by using the fare adjustment machines located near the turnstiles.
Taxis
Taxis in Seoul are an inexpensive and useful means of transportation. Abundant and inexpensive, it’s easy to flag one down on the streets, or find one of the many taxi stands located around major tourist destinations. All taxis use a meter, with slightly different base rates for regular, international, deluxe, and jumbo cabs. Most taxis accept cash, credit cards, and Tmoney for payment. Rates depend on the class of taxi, length of journey, and time of day.
Regular Taxi
Regular taxis are the cheapest and most common taxis in Seoul, and are easy to flag down in most neighborhoods. Most regular taxis are orange, but white, gray, and other colors are also common.
Deluxe Taxi
Deluxe taxis have a higher flag drop charge and the fare per distance and idle time is higher than regular taxis, but deluxe taxis do not have surcharges for late-night use. They are usually larger, more luxurious vehicles with exceptionally safe service. Deluxe taxis are black with gold stripes, and can normally be found at major hotels and tourist locations.
Jumbo Taxi
Jumbo taxis can fit up to 8 passengers and cost the same as deluxe taxis.
※ Warning
Please be cautious of the difference between Jumbo taxis, which are legal for the transportation of passengers, and call vans, which are intended for transporting passengers with freight and cargo goods and charge a much higher fare. The two may look similar,but call vans will have the words “VAN” or “CALL VAN” written on them and do not use a taximeter. All Jumbo taxis will have the words “JUMBO” written on them.
International Taxi
Specifically created for foreign tourists, drivers of these cabs are proficient in English, Chinese, or Japanese, with the language indicated on the side of the vehicle. International taxis can be reserved in advance, or flagged from the street. International taxis are black or orange with “International” written on the door. They are slightly more expensive than regular cabs, and can be chartered for blocks of 3 or more hours for a flat rate and will provide airport pickup service and trips for a flat rate.
For reservations: www.intltaxi.co.kr
Fare
| Fare | Regular (KRW) | Deluxe/Jumbo (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Base fare | 4,800/1.6 km | 7,000/3 km |
| Distance charge | 100/131 m | 200/151 m |
| Idle charge | 100/30 s | 200/36 s |
| Late-night surcharge | 22:00 - 23:00 / 02:00 - 04:00 (KST): 120/131m 23:00 - 02:00 (KST): 140/131m | 22:00 - 04:00 (KST): 240/151m |
※ International taxis charge a flat fares (KRW 70,000-95,000) from Incheon Int’l Airport to destinations around Seoul.
Tip! Prepay Abroad, the Seoul International Taxi Service for Foreign Tourists
The city of Seoul, in order to prevent foreign tourists from falling victim to fraudulent taxi fares, now offers a special prepay service (currently only available for those traveling from Hong Kong). Pay for a voucher before traveling to Seoul, and enjoy peace of mind while traveling from the airport into Seoul.Hanatour's Hong Kong location (+85-2-2735-5501) now offers vouchers for taxi rides to and from Incheon Airport and Seoul.
○ How to Purchase
- Make a reservation for a taxi and purchase a voucher during Hanatour’s Hong Kong location operating hours.
- At Incheon Airport, head to International Taxi Information Desk in the Arrivals Hall (1F) and present voucher.
- Take your pre-reserved taxi to your destination.
○ Fare
| Sections | Midsize Car (KRW) | Deluxe or Jumbo (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Section A Gangseo | 70,000 | 100,000 |
| Section B Eunpyeong, Mapo, Seodaemun, Yangcheon, Yeongdeungpo, Guro | 75,000 | 110,000 |
| Section C Jongno, Yongsan, Dongjak, Gwanak, Geumchon | 85,000 | 120,000 |
| Section D Gangbuk, Seongbuk, Dongdaemun, Seongdong, Gangnam, Seocho | 90,000 | 130,000 |
| Section E Dobong, Nowon, Jungnang, Gwangjin, Songpa, Gangdong | 95,000 | 140,000 |
* Reservations & Inquiries: Hanatour Airport Team (+82-32-502-2972)
Bus
Seoul’s public bus system is a well-developed, cheap, and convenient form of transportation. All buses are color coded: blue buses connect different districts of the city along main route, green buses connect subway stations and main blue bus routes with residential areas, smaller green maeul (local) buses travel shorter routes within a single district or neighborhood, yellow buses travel in a circulation route in the city center, and red buses connect the city with surrounding areas. However, due to the lack of English signs and information at bus stops, Seoul’s buses can be more difficult to use for first time travelers to Korea. Major stops are usually announced in English and Korean. Smartphone and tablet users can download apps for navigating the bus system in English or Korean, such as Seoul Bus.
Fare
| Bus | Category | With Transportation Card | With Cash | Early Bird Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue bus (Trunk bus) Green Bus (Branch Bus) | Adult (KRW) | 1,500 | 1,500 | 1,200 |
| Teenagers(KRW) | 900 | 1,000 | 720 | |
| Children(KRW) | 550 | 550 | 440 | |
| Yellow bus (Circulation bus) Short-distance Bus | Adult (KRW) | 1,400 | 1,400 | 1,120 |
| Teenagers(KRW) | 800 | 800 | 640 | |
| Children(KRW) | 500 | 500 | 400 | |
| Red Bus (Rapid Bus) | Adult (KRW) | 3,000 | 3,000 | 2,400 |
| Teenagers(KRW) | 1,700 | 1,800 | 1,360 | |
| Children(KRW) | 1,500 | 1,500 | 1,200 | |
| Town Bus | Adult (KRW) | 1,200 | 1,200 | 960 |
| Teenagers(KRW) | 600 | 600 | 480 | |
| Children(KRW) | 400 | 400 | 320 | |
| Late-night Bus | Adult (KRW) | 2,500 | 2,500 | |
| Teenagers(KRW) | 1,600 | 1,800 | ||
| Children(KRW) | 1,400 | 1,400 |
※Tmoney card users receive a KRW 100 discount.
※Up to four transfers between buses and between bus and subways are free for Tmoney users. To transfer, make sure you scan the Tmoney card at the reader by the bus’ front or rear doors when exiting. Transfer must take place within 30 minutes (1 hour for travel between 21:00 and 07:00 the next day) and 10 km of disembarking.
<Bus Discounts and Benefits>
- Free ride: Up to 3 infants under 6 years old can travel for free when accompanied by a guardian (guardian pays the regular fare).
- Starting from January 1, 2023, distinguished foreign veterans will transition from using reduced fares to the regular fare system, with a separate subsidy method provided by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.
- Children and Youth Discounts: Available after purchasing a transportation card and registering as a child or youth
※Card Registration Guide - Usage Information - T-money (tmoney.co.kr)
- Children's Discount: Between the ages 6 and 13 (or elementary school students)
- Youth Discount: Between the ages of 13 and 18 (or youths aged over 18 but under 24 who are enrolled in middle or high school as per the Elementary and Secondary Education Act).
- Early Bird Discount: When using a transportation card and boarding for the first time after 6:30 AM, all adults, youths, and children receive a 20% discount.
Cashless bus Information
Seoul will expand its cashless bus service starting Wed, Mar.1. 2023
Scan the QR code to check which buses are cashless, and ride with a transportation card.
Where to Recharge Transportation Cards
-
Convenience stores
-
Vendor stalls
-
Tmoney Pay App
-
Subway Station
-
Bank ATMs
Travel Pass
TMoney
The TMoney card is a standard transit card that can be used on any public bus, subway, taxis, and even many convenient stores. After charging your card with the desired amount, funds are deducted as the card is used. TMoney cards offer a KRW 100 won fare discount for buses and subways, and transfer discounts between buses and subways. To receive the transfer discount, scan your card when getting on and off the bus. (Note: You must scan your card when getting off the bus at your last transfer.) The transfer discount is only valid for 30 minutes between transfers.
Additional Info
The TMoney card can also be used to purchase items at Seoul's traditional markets.
* The TMoney card can be used at traditional markets, such as Sinwon Market, Gildong Market, Jeongneung Market, Namseong Market, Jangwi Market, Dongbu Market, Namguro Market, Yeongcheon Market, Macheon Market, Seongnae Market, Ttukdo Market, Donam Market, and Huam Market.
* There is a KRW 1,000 discount on purchases of at least 10,000 wonfor visitors whomake a purchase at a traditionalmarket within 1 hour of using the TMoney card on public transportation.
Where to Buy
TMoney cards can be purchased and charged at most convenience stores, subway stations, and tourist information centers. Cards can be purchased for KRW 3,000 and charged with any amount. TMoney cards have no expiration date and any unused balance will remain on your card until used. If you wish to receive a refund for balances less than KRW 20,000 at convenience stores for a small fee. For balances greater than KRW 20,000, refunds must be made at the TMoney headquarters (1F, TMoney Town, SeoulCity TowerBuilding, Namdaemun-ro 5-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul). The price of the card cannot be refunded.
TMoney Mpass
The TMoney Mpass is a transit card specifically designed for international visitors that require the use of public transportation multiple times a day. The card can be used up to 20 times a day for most subways and public buses. Just like regular TMoney cards,the Mpass can also be charged with additional funds to use at convenience stores, taxis, and more.
Where to Buy
The TMoney Mpass can be purchased at the Seoul Station Tmoney Town. The Mpass is good for one month from the date of purchase, and will only be activated upon use. The card expires at midnight of the last day.
| Card Type | 1-Day Pass | 2-Day Pass | 3-Day Pass | 5-Day Pass | 7-Day Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (KRW) | 15,000 | 23,000 | 30,500 | 47,500 | 64,500 |
| Price After 17:00 (KRW) | 12,000 | 20,000 | 27,500 | 44,500 | 61,500 |
※ Discounted prices available after 17:00
Refund Location
Seoul Station Tmoney Town
Tour Bus Parking Guide
To better accommodate the growing number of tour buses, the city of Seoul is working continually to provide parking spaces in the heart of Seoul. The following lists are locations where tour buses can park in Seoul. The lists have been divided into parking garages/attached parking lots, off-street parking facilities, street parking spaces (tour buses only), street parking time limits, and temporary parking.
Parking Garages & Attached Parking Lots
| No. | Name | Location | Parking Rates (KRW) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gyeongbokgung Palace | 1-91, Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu | First 2 hrs.: 5,000 (800 every 10 mins. after) | |
| 2 | Donghwa Duty Free Shop | Gwanghwamun Jongno-gu | 2,000 every 30 mins. & 4,000 every hour | |
| 3 | National Museum | 165 Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu | First hour: 2,000 (500 every 15 mins. after) | |
| 4 | Lotte Department Store | 1, Sogong-dong, Jung-gu | First 30 mins.: 3,000 (1,000 every 10 mins. after) | |
| 5 | JW Mariott Dongdaemun | 289-3, Jongno 6ga, Jongno-gu | First 30 mins.: 3,000 (1,000 every 15 mins. after) | 15 large buses, 15 medium buses |
| 6 | Jau Center | 201-6, Jangchung- dong 2ga, Jung-gu | 1,000 every 10 mins. | |
| 7 | Hyatt Hotel | 747-7 Hannam- dong, Yongsan-gu | 6,000 every 30 mins. | |
| 8 | War Memorial of Korea | 8, Yongsan-dong 1ga, Yongsan-gu | Free for less than 2 hrs. /3,000 for 2 hrs. (1,000 every 30 mins. after) | |
| 9 | National Museum of Korea | 168-6, Yongsan- dong 6ga, Yongsan-gu | Free for less than 1 hr. /2,000 for 1 hour (500 every 30 mins. after) | |
| 10 | Seodaemun Independence Park | 101, Hyunjeo-dong, Seodaemun-gu | 450 every 5 mins. |
Off-street Parking Facilities
| No. | Name | Location | Parking Rates (KRW) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seoul Station Seobu | 122-15, Bongnae- dong, Jung-gu | First 30 mins.: 2,000 (500 every 10 mins. after) | 16 seater and over |
| 2 | Jeokseondong Parking Facility | 150, Jeokseondong, Jongno-gu | First hour: 6,000 (500 every 5 mins. after) | |
| 3 | Namsan Hanok Village | Vicinity of 83-1, Pildong 2ga, | First hour: 3,000 (500every 5 mins. after) | 1 large bus, 3 medium buses |
| 4 | Hannam-dong | 658-46, Hannam- Yongsan-gu | 250 every 5 mins. | |
| 5 | Sinchon Station (Gyeongui Line) | 121-9, Daehyun- Seodaemun-gu | 350 every 5 mins. | |
| 6 | Mapo Flood Reservoir | Vicinity of 36-1, Mapo-dong, | 250 every 5 mins. | 24 hours |
Street Parking Spaces (* Tour buses only)
| No. | Name | Location | Parking Rates (KRW) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dongsulla-gil | Vicinity of 112-10, Inui-dong, Jongno-gu | Free | 16 seater and over |
| 2 | Tapgol Park | Vicinity of 38-1, Jongno 2ga, Jongno-gu | Free | 36 seater and over |
| 3 | Sopa-ro Namsan Park | Vicinity of 205-107, Namchang-dong, Jung-gu | Free | 16 seater and over |
| 4 | Sopa-ro, in front of TBS | Vicinity of 4-7, Yejang-dong, Jung-gu | Free | 16 seater and over |
| 5 | Sopa-ro Cable Cars | Vicinity of 1-15 San, Hoehyeon-dong 1ga, Jung-gu | Free | 36 seater and over |
| 6 | Sowol-ro Namsan Park | Vicinity of 463, Namdaemun- ro 5(o)-ga, Jung-gu | Free | 16 seater and over |
| 7 | Entrance to Namdaemun | Vicinity of 282-10, Namchang- dong, Jung-gu | Free | 16 seater and over |
| 8 | Entrance to Namdaemun Market | Vicinity of 51-4, Namchang- dong, Jung-gu | Free | 16 seater and over |
| 9 | Joongang Ilbo | Vicinity of 84-2, Sunhwa-dong, Jung-gu | Free | 16 seater and over |
| 10 | DDP (east side) | Vicinity of 1-1, Euljiro 7-ga, Jung-gu | Free | 36 seater and over |
| 11 | DDP (North side) | 222-3, Sindang- dong, Jung-gu | Free | 36 seater and over |
| 12 | Jangchungdan-ro | Vicinity of San9-19, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu | Free | 16 seater and over |
| 13 | Blue House | Vicinity of 1-7, Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu | Free | Regulated by security services |
Street Parking w/ Time Limit (* Parking prohibited outside indicated hours)
| No. | Name | Location | Parking Rates (KRW) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Itaewon-ro | Intersection in front of Cheil Worldwide & the intersection by LeeumMuseum, Yongsan-gu | Free | 07:00 - 21:00 |
| 2 | Changuimun-ro | 15-57, Cheongun- dong, Jongno-gu (General area) | Free | 10:00 - 19:00 (36 seater and over) |
| 3 | Changgyeonggung-ro 1 | 2-86, Waryong- dong, Jongno-gu (General area) | Free | 09:00 - 19:00 (36 seater and over) |
| 4 | Saemunan-ro 2-gil | 106-9 Sinmun-ro 2ga, Jongno-gu (General area) | Free | 09:00 - 21:00 (36 seater and over) |
| 5 | In front of the DDP U:US building | 204-92, Sindang- dong, Jung-gu (the general area) | Free | 10:00 - 17:00 (36 seater and over) |
| 6 | Sajik-ro | 20, Naeja-dong, Jongno-gu (General area) | Free | 10:00 - 16:00 (36 seater and over) |
| 131, Naeja-dong, Jongno-gu (General area) | Free | |||
| 240, Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu (General area) | Free | 10:00 - 19:00 (36 seater and over) | ||
| 7 | Seongsan-ro | 117-1, Seongsan- dong, Mapo-gu | Free | 09:00 - 20:00 |
| 8 | Moraenae-ro | Across the street from Songlim Restaurant and Mun Yeong-hwan OBGYN, Seodaemun-gu | Free | 09:00 - 20:00 |
| Across the street from Yang Peng Restaurant and Gonjiam Restaurant, Seodaemun-gu | Free | |||
| 9 | Susaek-ro | 26, Susaek-ro, Seodaemun-gu (the general area) | Free | 07:00 - 17:00 |
Temporary Parking
| No. | Name | Location | Parking Rates (KRW) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entrance to Itaewon | 57-6 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu | Free | 5-min parking |
For street parking with a time limit, tour buses parked outside designated time limit will be fined.
Parking lot location can be confirmed, as well as the number of spaces available, via the app " Seoul Parking Information. "
(Download app → Open app → Search " themes " → Tour buses → Maps → NAVI)
