How to Ride Seoul’s Subways Like a Local: T-money, Etiquette, and Rush-Hour Hacks

[mediK / HEALTH IN NEWS] South Korea’s subway system is a marvel of precision, cleanliness, and efficiency—one of the world’s best urban transit networks. From Seoul’s sprawling web to the interconnected lines in Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju, the trains are an indispensable lifeline for travelers. Yet for foreigners, everything from buying a fare card to observing unspoken etiquette can feel daunting. This guide distills insider tips so you can ride like a Seoulite.

1. Getting Your Transport Card

The workhorse is the T-money card.

You can pick one up at any convenience store, subway station, or Incheon International Airport for 2,500 to 4,000 won. It works on subways, buses, taxis, and even some cafés and corner shops. A heads-up: you can only top it up with cash—foreign credit cards won’t do. Recharge at station kiosks labeled “Card Recharge” or at any convenience store.

Refunds are straightforward. If the balance is 20,000 won or less, head to a convenience store; up to 50,000 won, visit a station customer center. For anything larger (up to 500,000 won), the T-money Town office near Seoul Station processes fee-free refunds.

The rival Cashbee card offers similar functions, but T-money wins for nationwide compatibility and availability.

2. Subway Etiquette: Quiet and Considerate

Korean subway culture boils down to order and mutual respect.

About 30 percent of seats are priority. Yellow ones are reserved for the elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and passengers with small children; pink seats are exclusively for expectant mothers. There’s no legal
penalty for sitting there if you don’t qualify, but expect pointed stares.


Boarding rule: let people off first. Line up behind the yellow platform safety line, wait until the doors clear, then step on. Never wedge yourself in as doors close—it’s dangerous and frowned upon.

On escalators, stand on the right, leave the left lane open for walkers. (A growing safety campaign now urges standing on both sides, but the old habit persists.)

Inside the train, keep voices low. Speaker-phone calls, blaring music, and eating are major faux pas. Carry backpacks in front, never on seats.

3. Practical Tips for Travelers

① Essential Apps

Skip Google Maps; Naver Map and Kakao Map are far more accurate in Korea.

• Naver Map (English-friendly) shows exit numbers, elevator locations, and even station layouts.

• Kakao Metro displays real-time train positions and line-by-line transfer details.

② No Card? No Problem

Single-journey tickets are sold at multilingual kiosks inside stations. Pay a 500-won deposit, return the ticket to a refund machine after your trip, and get the deposit back instantly.

③ Transfer Discounts

With T-money or Cashbee, switch lines or buses within 30 minutes (one hour after 9 p.m.) and the system automatically applies a discount. Tap out when you exit; otherwise the next leg counts as a new fare.

④ Dodging Rush Hour

On weekdays, avoid 7:30–9 a.m. and 6–8 p.m. Lines 2 and 9, plus stations like Gangnam, Seoul Station, and Express Bus Terminal, turn into sardine cans. In crowded cars, edge toward the doors before your stop. A polite “Nellilgaeyo” (“I’m getting off”) parts the crowd.

⑤ Luggage and Elevators

Coin lockers are plentiful; reserve via the T-Locker app. Wheel large suitcases through the wide gate meant for wheelchairs. Elevators are standard in newer stations; older ones have stair lifts.

⑥ Restrooms and Wi-Fi

Station restrooms are free, spotless, and usually outside the gates—use them even if you’re not riding. Free Wi-Fi exists but can be spotty; tourists are better off with a prepaid SIM or eSIM from the airport.

⑦ Lost and Found

Report losses immediately at the station office. Check online via the LOST112 website or individual line lost-property centers. For urgent help, press the emergency call button on platforms. The 1330 tourist hotline offers English assistance 24/7.

Ride with confidence—Korea’s subways reward the prepared traveler with speed, comfort, and a glimpse of everyday courtesy in action.

Oh Ha Eun medi·K TEAM press@themedik.kr

Copyright © 2020 mediK. All rights reserved.