🚇 Seoul Transportation Guide

The T-money card is Seoul's universal transportation card. Think of it as your key to the city's public transport system.

Where to Buy

• Convenience Stores: GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Ministop (most common)
• Subway Station Kiosks: Available at major stations
• Incheon Airport: Arrivals hall, convenience stores
• Online: Can be purchased in advance via Klook or Trazy

Cost & Loading

• Card Cost: ₩2,500-4,000 ($2-3) - one-time purchase
• Minimum Load: ₩1,000 ($0.75)
• Recommended: ₩20,000-30,000 ($15-23) for 3-5 days
• Maximum Balance: ₩500,000

What You Can Use It For

• Subway (all lines)
• Buses (city and express buses)
• Taxis (limited - ask driver first)
• Convenience stores (GS25, CU, etc.)
• Vending machines
• Some parking meters

Seoul's subway system is one of the world's best - clean, efficient, and extensive. With 22 lines covering the entire metropolitan area, you can reach almost anywhere.

Fares

• Basic Fare: ₩1,250-2,150 ($1-1.70) depending on distance
• With T-money: ₩100 discount per ride
• Transfer: Free within 30 minutes (bus-subway transfers included)
• Children: 50% discount (ages 6-12)
• Seniors: Free (65+)

Operating Hours

• First Train: 5:30 AM (varies by line)
• Last Train: 11:30 PM - 12:30 AM (varies by line)
• Peak Hours: 7-9 AM, 6-8 PM (very crowded)
• Frequency: 2-5 minutes during peak, 5-10 minutes off-peak

Key Lines for Tourists

Incheon Airport is about 50km from central Seoul. Here are your best options:

1. AREX Express Train (Recommended)

• Cost: ₩9,500 ($7.50)
• Duration: 43 minutes non-stop to Seoul Station
• Frequency: Every 30-40 minutes
• Comfort: Reserved seats, luggage space, WiFi
• Best For: First-time visitors, heavy luggage

2. AREX All-Stop Train (Budget Option)

• Cost: ₩4,150 ($3.20) with T-money
• Duration: 58-65 minutes (12 stops)
• Frequency: Every 6-12 minutes
• Stops: Hongdae, Digital Media City, Gimpo Airport
• Best For: Budget travelers, staying near Hongdae

3. Airport Limousine Bus

• Cost: ₩15,000-16,000 ($12-13)
• Duration: 60-90 minutes (depends on traffic)
• Routes: Direct to major hotels and areas
• Best For: Staying at hotels, heavy luggage

4. Taxi

• Cost: ₩60,000-80,000 ($47-63) to central Seoul
• Duration: 50-70 minutes (depends on traffic)
• Types: Regular (gray), Deluxe (black), International (orange)
• Best For: Late arrivals, groups of 3-4

Seoul's bus system complements the subway perfectly. Buses are color-coded by type:

Types of Taxis

• Regular Taxi (Gray): Base fare ₩4,800 ($3.80), ₩100 per 132m
• Deluxe Taxi (Black): Base fare ₩6,500 ($5.10), more comfortable
• International Taxi (Orange): English-speaking drivers, ₩20,000 base

How to Use

• Hail on the street (red "빈차" sign means available)
• Use Kakao T app (Korean Uber) - recommended!
• Call 1330 for English taxi service
• Most taxis accept credit cards and T-money