Subway Guide in Seoul_서울지하철 타는방법

Seoul Subway Guide

The Seoul subway is one of the biggest and most complex subway systems in the world. Each line has a number and a color, so it’s easy to find your way. I’ll explain how to ride the subway in Seoul and give you some tips about each line and how to transfer between them!

At the bottom, I’ve included some links to apps that you can download on your phone. These apps will help you get to your destination more easily.

So, let's take the Seoul subway and enjoy your trip

Go Go!

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How to Ride the Subway

1. Get a T-money Card: You need to buy a T-money card and put money on it. This card makes it really easy to use the subway. You just tap the card to get on and off the train.
2. Choose Your Destination: Look at the subway map to decide which lines you need to take to get where you want to go. You can also use apps like the Seoul Subway app or Naver Map to help you.
3. Enter and Exit: When you enter the subway station, tap your T-money card on the card reader. Do the same when you leave the station.
4. Transfer: If you need to switch lines, just follow the signs to the new line. In Seoul, switching lines is easy and won’t cost you any extra money.

 

Unique Features and Transfer Tips by Line

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Line 1 (Dark Blue)

• Features: This is the oldest subway line in Seoul. It connects big train stations like Seoul Station and Yongsan Station. It also goes out to areas outside the city.
• Transfer Tip: Line 1 connects with many other lines, so it’s easy to move around. If you’re going far, try taking the express train to save time.

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Line 2 (Green, Circle Line)

• Features: This line goes around the city center in a big circle. It passes through important areas like Gangnam, Euljiro, and Hongdae. It’s busy all day long.
• Transfer Tip: Since it’s a circle line, you’ll end up back at the same place no matter which direction you go. Just make sure you know whether to go clockwise (towards Seongsu) or counterclockwise (towards Sindorim).

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Line 3 (Orange)

• Features: This line goes from Gangnam in the south to the north, passing by famous places like Gyeongbokgung Palace and shopping areas like Apgujeong and the Express Bus Terminal.
• Transfer Tip: At the Express Bus Terminal Station, you can switch to Line 7 or Line 9, which helps you get to many different places.

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Line 4 (Light Blue)

• Features: This line goes from north to south, connecting places like Myeongdong and Dongdaemun, which are popular for shopping.
• Transfer Tip: You can switch to Lines 2 and 5 at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station. This is helpful if you want to explore more shopping areas.

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Line 5 (Purple)

• Features: This line starts at Gimpo Airport and goes across the city from east to west. It also goes to the Gangdong area.
• Transfer Tip: If you’re coming from the airport, you can transfer here. Be careful during rush hour because it gets very crowded, especially around Yeouido and Gwanghwamun.

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Line 6 (Brown)

• Features: This line mostly connects the northern part of Seoul. It passes by popular spots like World Cup Stadium and Itaewon.
• Transfer Tip: There are not many stations where you can transfer from Line 6 to other main lines, so plan your trip carefully. Itaewon Station is popular with foreigners, and signs are in English too.

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Line 7 (Dark Green)

• Features: This line runs from the northeast to the southwest of Seoul, connecting to places like Gangnam, Bucheon, and Incheon.
• Transfer Tip: You can transfer to Line 3 at Express Bus Terminal Station or Line 2 at Konkuk University Station. The line can get very crowded during rush hour, especially in Gangnam.

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Line 8 (Pink)

• Features: This line connects Namhansanseong and Jamsil, passing through the Gangdong and Songpa areas.
• Transfer Tip: At Jamsil Station, you can switch to Line 2. Jamsil is close to Lotte World and Lotte Tower, which are great places to visit.

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Line 9 (Gold)

• Features: This line connects Gimpo Airport to the Gangnam area quickly. It has an express train option.
• Transfer Tip: The express train only stops at certain stations, so it saves you time. This is especially helpful when transferring at Yeouido or Sinnonhyeon Stations.

Transfer Tips

• Save Time on Transfers: The transfer corridors in Seoul can be long and confusing. Check the station maps ahead of time or use a subway app to find the quickest route.
• Avoid Rush Hour: The subway can be very crowded during rush hour. Lines 2 and 9 are especially busy, so try to avoid them at those times if you can.

This guide will help your friend use the Seoul subway more easily!