Ready to explore Seoul like a pro? The city’s subway system is your magic carpet to futuristic skyscrapers, ancient palaces, sizzling street food, and K-culture hotspots. Here’s everything you need to know:
🚇 1. Mastering the Basics: T-Money Card
[Image: A T-money card with subway gates in background]
What it is: Your all-in-one transit pass (subway, buses, taxis).
How to get it:
- Buy at airport convenience stores (CU/GS25), subway stations (₩2,500~₩4,000).
- Reload cash at machines (English option available).
Pro Tip: Get a Korea Tour Card (T-money + discounts at 200+ attractions).
🗺️ 2. Navigating Like a Local
[Image: Digital subway map with major stations highlighted]
Key Apps:
- Naver Map (English-friendly) – Real-time routes, exit numbers.
- Subway Korea – Offline maps, transfer guides.
Survival Rules: - Stand right on escalators (left for walking).
- Avoid rush hours (7:30–9:30 AM, 6–8 PM).
- Pink seats = priority for elderly/pregnant.
🌟 3. Must-Ride Lines & Unmissable Stops
Line 2 (Green Loop): The “Circle Line” – hits EVERY major area!
- Hongdae (Station 239): Street art, indie bands, shopping.
- Gangnam (Station 220): K-pop vibes, COEX Mall, BTS bus stop!
- Jamsil (Station 216): Lotte World Tower + Olympic Park.
Line 4 (Light Blue): History meets modernity.
- Dongdaemun (Station 421): 24-hour shopping malls, DDP design plaza.
- Myeongdong (Station 424): Skincare heaven, street food galore.
Gyeongui-Jungang Line (Mint): Scenic escape!
- Gyeongbokgung (Station 327): Royal palace guard-changing ceremony (9AM/2PM).
- Icheon (Mint Line end): Hot springs & pottery villages.
🍜 4. Eat Like a King Underground
[Image: Korean street food inside a subway station]
Seoul’s stations double as food paradises:
- Gwangjang Market (Line 1 Jongno-5-ga): Bindae-tteok (mung bean pancakes), mayak gimbap.
- Express Bus Terminal (Line 3/7/9): “Goto Mall” – 600+ shops, $3 tteokbokki!
Snack Rule: No eating/drinking on trains (okay on platforms).
🆘 5. Foreigner-Friendly Hacks
- WiFi Everywhere: Free subway station WiFi (connect to “SEOUL_SURFACE”).
- Lost & Found: Report lost items at station offices (use translation apps).
- Emergencies: Dial 02-120 from any phone (Seoul Global Center).
Bonus: Stations have heated floors in winter! ❄️🔥
💡 Final Tips:
> “Download Kakao T (taxi app) for ‘subway fails’. Buy a Discover Seoul Pass for unlimited rides + palace entries. And yes – trains stop running around midnight!”
[Image: Night view of Seoul with subway train passing]
Seoul’s subway isn’t just transport—it’s your key to unlocking the soul of Korea. Ready, set, explore! ✨🚇
#SeoulTravel #KoreaSubway #TmoneyCard #SeoulFoodie #BudgetTravelKorea
👉 Got questions? Ask below! We answer all! 👇