Subway

Click here for an excellent interactive subway map

History: The subway system is efficient, clean and safe but can be very crowded at peak times. Trains run at three to seven minute intervals. The cars are heated in the winter and air-conditioned in the summer. During Phase I of the subway construction project (1974-1985), Lines 1-4 were established and 115 stations operated. During Phase II, Lines 5-8 comprising 148 stations and 146 km were established and soon after, eight subway lines and a surface line of the Korean National Railroad (KNR) began serving Seoulites and visitors, linking the farthest parts of Seoul and its major satellite cities within two hours of one another.

Routing: A color-coded system, as well as a numerical system are used for routing. All station entrances, platforms and destinations are color-coded and clearly marked in English. Large subway maps are posted at each station and in each subway car. Although many ex-pats refer to each line by color (i.e. orange line or blue line), locals go by the numbers (orange = line 3, while blue may be line 3 or line 1). Each station has a number code (Seoul Station is 426 meaning line 4 stop 26).

Fares: Fares are based on the distance traveled and are determined by zones. A map showing the subway lines and cost per stop from the starting point of the station in which you are standing can be found on the wall near the ticket sellers booth and/or the ticket vending machines. The base price for zone 1 in 2005 is W900 (discounted to W800 for those using a smart card called T-money). It is possible to travel on one-time only tickets that can be purchased from either a ticket seller or vending machine.

Schedule: In general, subway trains operate at intervals of two and a half to three minutes during the morning and evening rush hours and at intervals of four to six minutes during the non-rush hours. Depending on the line, trains begin running between 5:40 and 6:00 to stop between 22:30 and 23:00.

Getting on and off: Purchase a magnetized yellow ticket at a vending machine or ticket window at any subway stop. Validate the ticket by inserting it and picking it up as you go through the turnstile; make sure you keep it unbent or uncrumpled for use at the destination turnstile that will retain one-way tickets. Stand in line for boarding and board quickly. Stops are announced in Korean and English; markings on the subway map inside each car generally indicate which side the doors open for exiting at each station.

Using the system: If at all possible, avoid rush hours when subways are extremely crowded. Be prepared to stand and be jostled during these times. It is proper to give up a seat for an elderly person. At the ends of each car, there are seats reserved for the elderly, the disabled and pregnant women; be careful not to sit in these special seats. Also, someone seated may offer (non-verbally) to hold you bags while you stand, although this is less and less common. The subways stop running shortly after midnight- Vending machines selling drinks are available for the convenience of travelers.

Information: Information is English is available on www.seoulmetro.co.kr For further information, English Language Tourist Information Desks are available at the following stations.

Station Telephone number

• Line 1 City Hall 752-8155
• Line 2 Euljiro 1 ga 778-9335
• Line 2 Jamshil 412-7877
• Une3Anguk 734-2659
• Line 4 Haehwa 743-7732
• Line 5 Gwanghwamun 735-5678