Getting around Seoul

Seoul subway

Navigating Seoul is pretty much at your fingertips when you download their Seoul Metropolitan Subway app. You only need to choose your current location and destination to check the fastest line and transfers.

How to use the Seoul Subway app:

1. Select your departure station

Click the name of the station that you are starting at. You can also type it in the Search bar. A table of options will appear. Click on Depart from.

2. Select your arrival station

Find which station you would like to arrive at and click the name of the station. Again, you can also type it in the Search bar. When the table of options appears, click Arrive at.

3. Modify your search

Your app will automatically select the fastest route for you. For more information, click on the Detail Info tab on the upper right corner of your screen. From here, you can modify what time you would like to depart or arrive and your traveling times will adjust accordingly. This tab will also show which stations you will need to transfer to, how many stops are in that route, and how long your trip will take.

We highly recommend using T-money card instead of the single- entry one. Single-entry costs more and you always have to buy it whenever you need to take the train. Aside from that, you can also use T-money when paying for bus and taxi rides.

EXO T-money cards!

T-money can be reloaded at any loading machines in the stations and almost all convenience stores. We only used the machine once at the airport and for the rest, we always reload at GS25 and CU since it’s very near our hostel. As far as I remember, they only accept cash payments so be prepared. The machines also only accepts cash.

Upon arriving at the station, simply tap your T-money on this reader shown below. This also shows how much is your card’s balance.

There are lots of signs in Korean, English, and Chinese in the station. A pre-recorded voice announces each stops and there’s also LCD screens inside the train. The train lines are numbered, has it’s own name, and are color coded.

Photos credit to www.whereismimiyu.wordpress.com

You can also ride the City buses and unlike here in Manila, these buses only stopped when there are passengers going down that bus stop or waiting to get on the bus.