Everything about using public transportation in South Korea

Jaehyeon
1 May 2024
Views 1978


Here's everything you need to know to take public transportation in South Korea like a local!



1. Google Maps is not used in Korea!

2. Apps to download to find way in Korea

    - Naver Maps

    - Subway Korea

3. Tips for using the Seoul subway

    - Some lines have long intervals between trains, so be sure to check in advance!

    - Be careful if you take the subway in the Gangnam area between 6pm and 7pm!

    - You can re-board the Seoul Subway within 15 minutes

4. Types of subway tickets: single-use tickets vs. multi-use transport cards

    - What is a single-use ticket for the Korean subway?

    - The reason why I recommend to get a transport card as soon as possible

    - How to top up your transport card

5. Wrapping Up: Transport + Payments with NAMANE CARD




1. Google Maps is not used in Korea!


Before I get into the map apps that are useful in South Korea, I want to explain why using Google Maps isn't very helpful.

Google Maps is not useful in South Korea,

because it is not possible to release map data outside of South Korea for military security reasons


So if you turn on Google Maps in South Korea, you will be able to see simple terrain and your current location, 

but you will not be able to see:

- How to get to your destination by car

- Location of alleyways


Also, because Seoul has so many subway lines, they are usually color-coded. 

Google Maps does not reflect the color of the subway lines, which can make it difficult to find your way around.


Moreover, Koreans rarely use Google Maps in Korea,

Google Maps often doesn't have the latest information on stores.

I recommend using other apps rather than Google Maps to get accurate information. 



2. Apps to download to find way in Korea


So what apps should you use in Korea to get to your destination accurately?

We recommend using map apps made by Korean companies.

They provide much more accurate information than Google Maps and are much easier to read!


- Naver Maps


The most famous of these is Naver Map, created by South Korea's largest IT company, Naver!

In addition to Korean, it supports English, Japanese, Chinese, and more.

Best of all, it's used by almost all Koreans, so you can read reviews from locals who have been there!


- Subway Korea


Most of Seoul is accessible by subway, so I'm sure you'll be taking the subway a lot during your trip. 

This app, Subway Korea, makes subway directions so much easier!

It's so convenient to see the subway map intuitively.


For example, if you need to go from Gangnam to Gyeongbokgung Palace,

it tells me which station you need to transfer to and the fastest way to get there.

It even shows me the color of the subway lines!



3. Tips for using the Seoul subway


- Some lines have long intervals between trains, so be sure to check in advance!

Seoul's subway trains are usually 5-10 minutes apart, so you won't have to wait long to catch the next train.

However, you should be aware that some lines can have waits of close to 20 minutes if it's not rush hour. 


For example, this is the timetable of Hongik Univ. Station Line 2 and Gyeongui-Jungang Line,

which passes through Hongdae, one of the famous tourist destinations.

Despite the same station and the same time of day, there is a big difference in the frequency of the trains, right?


Lines with names in Korean rather than numbers, such as Gyeongui-Jungang Line and Suinbundang Line, 

usually have longer intervals between trains, so it would be better to refer to them before planning your trip. 



- Be careful if you take the subway in the Gangnam area between 6pm and 7pm!

Source - https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20231227000559


Seoul, especially Gangnam, is an area with a high concentration of companies.

During rush hour, the subway is crowded everywhere, but you need to be careful if you take the subway near Gangnam.

This is because there are so many people that the trains can't fit everyone on board and you'll have to wait for the next train.

So, let me give you a tip: plan your trip considering rush hour so that you can get to your destination before or after rush hour!



- You can re-board the Seoul Subway within 15 minutes

We've all been on the wrong subway train at the wrong time, or needed to use the restroom in a hurry.

It would have been inconvenient to leave the subway gate and re-enter the subway to pay the fare twice.


To solve this inconvenience, starting in July 2023, 

the Seoul Metropolitan Government has created a policy that 

if you return to the same station within 15 minutes

it will be treated as a transfer and you won't have to pay an additional fare!


I think I'll be able to use the subway without worrying about it from now on! :D



4. Types of subway tickets: single-use tickets vs. multi-use transport cards

- What is a single-use ticket for the Korean subway?

Source - https://news.seoul.go.kr/traffic/archives/1763


If you don't have a transit card, you can use cash to purchase a single-use ticket at a metro station.  

Simply select your destination and insert the appropriate amount of cash into the vending machine at the subway station. 

Don't worry, the machine also support foreign languages like English, Japanese, and Chinese!


- The reason why I recommend to get a transport card as soon as possible

But if you're not going to use public transportation more than once during your trip, 

I think it's much better to get a multi-use transportation card. 


It's 100 KRW cheaper to ride the subway than paying with cash, 

and you get a discount on transfers, even if you're switching public transportation

The discount applies to transfers from subway to bus, not just subway to subway. 


You can also take the card home with you and use it on your next trip, so it's a great souvenir in itself. 



- How to top up your transport card

Transportation cards are sold at almost all convenience stores


Since your newly purchased transportation card has no balance, 

you'll need to recharge it separately, which is usually done either: 

1) at a convenience store or 2) at a subway ticket vending machine.

(You can only use KRW, so make sure you have some cash on hand!)


1) Here's how to recharge at a convenience store

1️⃣ Go to your nearest convenience store.

2️⃣ Show the clerk your T-money and say "Please charge me ____ won. (____ won chung-jeon-hae-juseyo)"

3️⃣ Give the cash to the clerk.


2) Here's how to top up at a subway ticket vending machine

1️⃣ Find a ticket vending machine inside a subway station.

2️⃣ Select your preferred language. English, Japanese, and Chinese are supported.


3️⃣ Press the 'Reload transportation(transit) card' button

4️⃣ Place your card on the machine and you will see the current balance.



5️⃣ Tap the amount you want to top up and Insert cash.



6️⃣ You'll see the top-up status on the screen!



5. Wrapping Up: Transport + Payments with NAMANE CARD

Korea is one of the countries with the most developed public transportation system, so traveling is not difficult.


Moreover if you use NAMANE CARD, which combines the functions of both a transportation card and a debit card

it will make your traveling easier!


You can use the NAMANE App to check your balance and transfer funds.

Also, unlike transportation cards that can only be reloaded with cash, 

NAMANE CARD can be reloaded with credit cards at kiosks or using the app on your phone, which is convenient!


Plus, it comes with a one-of-a-kind design made from your favorite photos.

Have a great time traveling in Korea with NAMANE CARD :D


You can find more diverse travel information about Korea on the NAMANE Card blog! 🔽