Seoul Metro

Seoul Metro is a major urban railway operator serving Seoul and communities across the wider capital region. Its trains connect residential districts, business centers, universities, government offices, shopping areas, visitor destinations, railway terminals, and major transport interchanges.

The corporation operates Seoul Subway Lines 1 through 8 and designated sections of Line 9. Several routes continue beyond Seoul through services coordinated with other railway operators, allowing passengers to travel across a much broader metropolitan network.

Contact Information

Information	Details
Official Name	Seoul Metro
Korean Name	서울교통공사
Category	Urban Rapid Transit Operator
Owner	Seoul Metropolitan Government
Headquarters	346 Cheonho-daero, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Customer Service Center	1577 1234
International Telephone Format	+82 2 1577 1234
Lost Property Assistance	Available through station offices, the customer service center, and Seoul Metro’s official channels
Online Assistance	Available through the official website and Tota Subway application
Website	www.seoulmetro.co.kr
Principal Lines	Seoul Subway Lines 1 through 8 and designated sections of Line 9
Primary Service Area	Seoul and the wider Seoul Capital Area

Overview

Seoul Metro operates central sections of Line 1, the circular Line 2, and Lines 3 through 8. It also manages designated Line 9 infrastructure and services. Through-running arrangements connect several lines with Korail-operated routes extending into Incheon and Gyeonggi Province.

The network serves major stations and districts such as Seoul Station, City Hall, Jongno, Dongdaemun, Gangnam, Jamsil, Hongdae, Yeouido, Itaewon, and Express Bus Terminal. Interchanges connect Seoul Metro services with Korail commuter railways, airport trains, regional rail services, buses, and KTX stations.

Stations provide fare gates, ticket and card-reloading machines, passenger information, platforms, toilets, elevators, escalators, accessible routes, shops, and connections to surrounding streets. Facilities vary by station, and large interchanges may contain several levels, exits, platforms, and transfer corridors.

Stations and Passenger Facilities

Seoul Metro stations provide ticket gates, fare-card machines, passenger information displays, platforms, route maps, toilets, shops, and connections to surrounding streets and public transportation.

Many stations include elevators, escalators, tactile guidance, accessible gates, nursing rooms, lockers, customer service areas, and facilities for passengers requiring additional assistance. Available services vary according to station size and layout.

Interchanging Between Lines

Passengers can transfer between Seoul Metro lines and other metropolitan railway services at designated interchange stations. Most transfers take place within the paid area and do not require a separate base fare when the passenger follows the marked transfer route.

Large interchange stations may contain long corridors, several platform levels, and multiple exits. Travelers should follow the line color, direction, station number, and destination signs carefully.

Tickets and Fare Payment

Passengers can travel using a rechargeable transportation card or a single-journey ticket. Transportation cards are tapped at the entry and exit gates, while single-journey tickets are purchased from station vending machines.

Fares are generally calculated according to the distance traveled. Additional charges may apply when a journey extends beyond the base-distance allowance or continues onto another participating railway service.

Tmoney and Compatible Cards

Tmoney and other compatible transportation cards can be used across Seoul’s subway system and on participating buses, airport services, taxis, and regional transport networks. Cards can be purchased and reloaded through supported stations, convenience stores, and authorized channels.

Passengers should maintain enough stored value to complete the journey. The same card must be tapped correctly when entering, exiting, and transferring to receive applicable integrated-fare benefits.

Single-Journey Tickets

Single-journey tickets can be purchased for a selected destination from supported station machines. A refundable deposit may be included in the purchase price and returned through a deposit-refund machine after the journey.

Selected vending machines accept internationally issued payment cards and compatible mobile payment services. Available payment options may differ by station and machine.

Climate Card

The Climate Card provides unlimited travel on eligible Seoul subway and bus services during its validity period. Coverage does not include every railway section or transport service in the wider capital region.

Travelers should check whether their intended stations and connecting services are covered before purchasing or activating the card.

Transfers to Buses and Other Railways

Transportation-card users may receive integrated-fare benefits when transferring between eligible subway lines and buses within the permitted transfer period. Passengers must tap the same card when leaving one service and entering the next.

Transfers to KTX, intercity railways, airport express trains, and premium services may require separate tickets or additional fares. Travelers should confirm the fare rules for each connecting operator.

Operating Services

Seoul Metro trains operate daily, with first- and last-train times differing by station, line, direction, and day of the week. Service intervals vary according to passenger demand, maintenance work, special events, and operating conditions.

Some trains do not travel to the final station shown on the complete line map. Passengers should check the train destination displayed on the platform and carriage before boarding.

Passenger Rules and Safety

Passengers and baggage may be subject to safety restrictions. Dangerous goods, weapons, flammable materials, and items that may obstruct railway operations or inconvenience other passengers are prohibited.

Travelers should stand behind platform safety markings, allow passengers to exit before boarding, keep doors and aisles clear, and use priority seating appropriately. Smoking, littering, unauthorized sales, and activities that disrupt other passengers are not allowed.

Accessibility and Passenger Assistance

Many stations provide elevators, accessible gates, tactile paving, wheelchair routes, accessible toilets, and platform assistance. Facilities and transfer routes vary according to the station.

Passengers requiring assistance can speak with station personnel or use the available customer-service channels. Additional time may be needed when transferring through large or older stations.

Airport and Railway Connections

Incheon and Gimpo Airports

Passengers can connect with the Airport Railroad at Seoul Station, Gongdeok, Hongik University, Digital Media City, Magongnaru, and Gimpo International Airport. Standard and express airport services have different stopping patterns and fares.

KTX Connections

Seoul Station, Yongsan Station, Cheongnyangni Station, and other major railway terminals provide access to KTX and conventional intercity trains. These services require separate Korail tickets.

Buses and Taxis

City buses, village buses, airport buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services operate near many subway stations. Boarding and pick-up points depend on the station exit and surrounding road layout.

Before You Go

Confirm the line, station number, direction, and train destination.
Check first- and last-train times for every section of the journey.
Prepare a Tmoney card, compatible transportation card, or single-journey ticket.
Maintain enough stored value for the complete trip.
Use the same card when transferring to receive eligible fare benefits.
Allow additional walking time at large interchange stations.
Check whether a Climate Card covers the intended route.
Follow station signs, platform markings, personnel instructions, and safety announcements.