Quick Start: What to Expect
Seoul runs an integrated subway+bus fare system. As of June 28, 2025, the adult subway base fare (with a transit card) is ₩1,550, and typical city buses (Blue/Green) are about ₩1,500. If your first tap is before 06:30, you get a 20% early-bird discount (card only). Transfers are free up to 4 times within 30 minutes (or 60 minutes 21:00–07:00) on a single card.
Most lines operate roughly 05:30–midnight. For navigation, Naver Map and Kakao Map work best; Google Maps remains limited in Korea due to a government delay on exporting local map data (Aug 2025).
Payment Options: Cards & Passes
Tmoney (and compatible) cards
Buy / top up at station machines, convenience stores, or info desks. Tmoney typically costs ₩3,000–₩5,000 and supports transfer discounts; single-journey subway tickets are usually ₩100 more than card fares.
Climate Card (unlimited)
Great for heavy users: short-term passes for visitors—1/2/3/5/7 days (e.g., ₩5,000 for 1-day, ₩20,000 for 7-day)—and 30-day options. Coverage focuses on Seoul’s subways and city/village/night buses; check inclusion notes (e.g., bikes). Purchase via mobile (Android 12+) or physical card (for iOS/digitally vulnerable users).
Single-journey subway tickets
Add a ₩500 refundable deposit; get it back at a “Deposit Refund Device” at your destination. Single tickets are subway-only (not valid on buses).
Fares, Discounts & Transfers (2025)
Subway (adult, card)
Fare hike and early-bird policy confirmed by official and major outlets.
Bus (adult, card)
Official tourism pages list the current card fares and late-night fares.
Transfer rules (card required)
Up to 4 transfers within 30 min (or 60 min at night). Always tap out on buses to keep your discount.
How to Ride the Subway
Get a card / ticket
Buy or top up Tmoney at stations, convenience stores or service desks. Single-journey tickets include a ₩500 deposit refundable at your destination.
Board, transfer, exit
Tap in → follow line colors & codes → transfer inside gates → tap out. Early-bird discount applies automatically if your first tap is before 06:30.
Refund the deposit
Use the Deposit Refund Device outside the gates to get your ₩500 back (coins).
How to Ride the Bus
Boarding
Check arrivals on the stop display/app → board via the front door and tap in. The color system helps: Blue (trunk), Green (branch), Yellow (circulation), Red (rapid).
Exiting & transfers
Press the stop button → tap out when alighting → next ride within 30/60 minutes keeps your transfer discount.
Late-night options
For after-midnight arrivals, use city N-buses (e.g., ₩2,500) or dedicated airport night buses such as N6000/N6002/N6701; check current stops/fares on the airport site.
Apps, Maps & Station Codes
Which apps?
Naver Map and Kakao Map offer strong transit routing. Google Maps is still limited pending the government’s review of map data exports.
Reading signs & codes
Lines use colors & numbers (e.g., Line 2 green). Station names are in Korean/English and exits are numbered—follow exit numbers to reach the right corner of a large intersection.
Airport Arrival: First Card & First Ride
Where to buy
At Incheon T1/T2, get transit cards or bus tickets at counters/kiosks/shops; for late-night arrivals, see the airport’s N-bus pages with routes and boarding points.
First ride tips
Use AREX (all-stop or express) to the city or the N6000/N6002/N6701 night buses after midnight. Confirm fare and stop numbers beforehand.
Accessibility & Troubleshooting
Accessibility
Elevators/ramps are clearly marked (varies by station). With large luggage, try the front or rear cars to avoid crowding.