Published Date : Feb 08, 2016 / Edited Date : Dec 14, 2020
All you need to know about getting around Seoul
Subway
Subway Routes and Map
> View interactive subway map (provides information such as the train fare, time to destination, and more, PC-compatible only)
※Click the map below to download and see it in further detail (10MB).
Seoul has an extensive network of public transportation and taxis. Consistently voted as one of the best in the world for its ease of use, cleanliness, and frequency of service, the Seoul subway system is one of the most efficient ways to travel around the city. Trains run non-stop from approximately 5:30 am until midnight. All subway lines are color coded and stations display signs in Korean, English, and Chinese. To ride the subway, you must use a single or multiple journey pass. Single-journey passes can be purchased in the subway stations, and require exact fare to your destination plus a 500-won refundable deposit. Multiple journey passes called Tmoney can be purchased at most convenience stores. Transfers between subway lines are free, and Tmoney users can transfer for free between bus and subway lines. Smartphone and tablet users can download a variety of apps that give routes, times, and transfer information in English, including Seoul Subway, Metroid Korea Subway Info, and Subway Navigation by Kakao.
Subway Fare : Passenger, Tomoney, Ticket
Passenger
Tmoney
Ticket
Regular (19 years old and up)
1,250 won
1,350 won
Youth (13-18 years old)
720 won
1,350 won
Child (6-12 years old)
450 won
450 won
※ The Airport Railroad Line and Sinbundang Line charge higher fares ※ 10 - 50 km: 100 won for every 5 km ※ After 50 km: 100 won for every 8 km ※ Tmoney card users receive a 100 won discount off the adult fare per ride.
Riding the Subway
1. Subway stations are clearly marked with color coded signs written in Korean and English, and each exit is numbered.
2. You can purchase single journey tickets at ticket vending machines located within the station. A 500 won deposit is required, which you get back at your destination when returning the card. (Skip this step if you have purchased a Tmoney transit card).
Choose the English menu
Select “Single Journey Ticket”
Choose your Destination
Select the number of passengers, then insert money into the machine
3. As you go through the turnstile, place your card over the Tmoney scanner.
4. Transferring lines take place within the station. Follow the signs (color coded) to your desired line.
5. After reaching your destination, place your card over the Tmoney scanner at the turnstile. If you’ve used a single-journey ticket, claim your 500 won deposit by returning the card to any “Deposit Refund Device.”
6. If you have insufficient funds on your Tmoney card or single journey ticket, you can add money by using the fare adjustment machines located near the turnstiles.
Taxis
Taxis in Seoul are an inexpensive and useful means of transportation. Abundant and inexpensive, it’s easy to flag one down on the streets, or find one of the many taxi stands located around major tourist destinations. All taxis use a meter, with slightly different base rates for regular, international, deluxe, and jumbo cabs. Most taxis accept cash, credit cards, and Tmoney for payment. Rates depend on the class of taxi, length of journey, and time of day.
Regular Taxi
Regular taxis are the cheapest and most common taxis in Seoul, and are easy to flag down in most neighborhoods. Most regular taxis are orange, but white, gray, and other colors are also common.
Deluxe Taxi
Deluxe taxis have a higher flag drop charge and the fare per distance and idle time is higher than regular taxis, but deluxe taxis do not have surcharges for late-night use. They are usually larger, more luxurious vehicles with exceptionally safe service. Deluxe taxis are black with gold stripes, and can normally be found at major hotels and tourist locations.
Jumbo Taxi
Jumbo taxis can fit up to 8 passengers and cost the same as deluxe taxis.
Warning
Please be cautious of the difference between Jumbo taxis, which are legal for the transportation of passengers, and call vans, which are intended for transporting passengers with freight and cargo goods and charge a much higher fare. The two may look similar, but call vans will have the words “VAN” or “CALL VAN” written on them and do not use a taximeter. All Jumbo taxis will have the words “JUMBO” written on them.
International Taxi
Specifically created for foreign tourists, drivers of these cabs are proficient in English, Chinese, or Japanese, with the language indicated on the side of the vehicle. International taxis can be reserved in advance, or flagged from the street. International taxis are black or orange with “International” written on the door. They are slightly more expensive than regular cabs, and can be chartered for blocks of 3 or more hours for a flat rate and will provide airport pickup service and trips for a flat rate.
※International taxis charge a flat fares (65,000~90,000 won) from Incheon Int’l Airport to destinations around Seoul.
Tip! Prepay Abroad, the Seoul International Taxi Service for Foreign Tourists
The city of Seoul, in order to prevent foreign tourists from falling victim to fraudulent taxi fares, now offers a special prepay service (currently only available for those traveling from Hong Kong). Pay for a voucher before traveling to Seoul, and enjoy peace of mind while traveling from the airport into Seoul. Hanatour's Hong Kong location (+852-2735-5501) now offers vouchers for taxi rides to and from Incheon Airport and Seoul.
○ How to Purchase - Make a reservation for a taxi and purchase a voucher during Hanatour’s Hong Kong location operating hours. - At Incheon Airport, head to International Taxi Information Desk in the Arrivals Hall (1st floor) and present your voucher. - Take your pre-reserved taxi to your destination.
○ Fare
Taxi Fare : Sections, Midsize Car, Deluxe or Jumbo
Sections
Midsize Car
Deluxe or Jumbo
Section A Gangseo
65,000 won
90,000 won
Section B Eunpyeong, Mapo, Seodaemun, Yangcheon, Yeongdeungpo, Guro
70,000 won
100,000 won
Section C Jongno, Yongsan, Dongjak, Gwanak, Geumchon
80,000 won
110,000 won
Section D Gangbuk, Seongbuk, Dongdaemun, Seongdong, Gangnam, Seocho
85,000 won
120,000 won
Section E Dobong, Nowon, Jungnang, Gwangjin, Songpa, Gangdong
90,000 won
130,000 won
* Reservations and Inquiries : Hanatour Airport Team (+82-32-502-2972)
Bus
Seoul’s public bus system is a well-developed, cheap, and convenient form of transportation. All buses are color coded: blue buses connect different districts of the city along main route, green buses connect subway stations and main blue bus routes with residential areas, smaller green maeul (local) buses travel shorter routes within a single district or neighborhood, yellow buses travel in a circulation route in the city center,, and red buses connect the city with surrounding areas. However, due to the lack of English signs and information at bus stops, Seoul’s buses can be more difficult to use for first time travelers to Korea. Major stops are usually announced in English and Korean. Smartphone and tablet users can download apps for navigating the bus system in English or Korean, such as SeoulBus.
Fare
Bus Fare : Bus, Adult, Youth(13-18), Children (6-12)
Bus
Adult
Youth (13-18)
Children (6-12)
Blue, Green
1,300 won
1,300 won
450 won
Maeul (local)
1,000 won
550 won
300 won
Yellow
1,200 won
1,200 won
350 won
Red
2,400 won
2,400 won
1,200 won
※Tmoney card users receive a 100 won discount.
※Up to four transfers between buses and between bus and subways are free for Tmoney users. To transfer, make sure you scan the Tmoney card at the reader by the bus’ front or rear doors when exiting. Transfer must take place within 30 minutes (1 hour for travel between 9pm and 7am) and 10km of disembarking.
Travel Pass
TMoney
The TMoney card is a standard transit card that can be used on any public bus, subway, taxis, and even many convenient stores. After charging your card with the desired amount, funds are deducted as the card is used. TMoney cards offer a 100 won fare discount for buses and subways, and transfer discounts between buses and subways. To receive the transfer discount, scan your card when getting on and off the bus. (Note: You must scan your card when getting off the bus at your last transfer.) The transfer discount is only valid for 30 minutes between transfers.
More Info
The TMoney card can also be used to purchase items at Seoul's traditional markets. - The TMoney card can be used until 2018 at traditional markets such as Mangwon Market, Tongin Market, Gildong Market, Jeongneung Market, Shinwon Market, Yeongcheon Market, Donam Market, Dongbu Market, Ttukdo Market, Yongmun Market, and Huam Market. - There is a 1,000 won discount on purchases of at least 10,000 won for visitors who make a purchase at a traditional market within 1 hour of using the TMoney card on public transportation.
Where to Buy
TMoney cards can be purchased and charged at most convenience stores, subway stations, and tourist information centers. Cards can be purchased for 3,000 won and charged with any amount. TMoney cards have no expiration date and any unused balance will remain on your card until used. If you wish to receive a refund for balances less than 20,000 won at convenience stores for a small fee. For balances greater than 20,000 won, refunds must be made at the TMoney headquarters (1st fl. TMoney Town, Seoul City Tower Building, Namdaemun-ro 5-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul). The price of the card cannot be refunded.
TMoney Mpass
The TMoney Mpass is a transit card specifically designed for international visitors that require the use of public transportation multiple times a day. The card can be used up to 20 times a day for most subways and public buses. Just like regular TMoney cards, the Mpass can also be charged with additional funds to use at convenience stores, taxis, and more.
Where to Buy
The TMoney Mpass can be purchased at the tourist information centers located in front of gates 5 and 10 on the 1st floor of Incheon Int’l Airport, the Airport Railroad (AREX) Information Desk (B1 Incheon Int'l Airport), the Myeong-dong Tourist Information Center, and Seoul Station Tmoney Town. The Mpass is good for one month from the date of purchase, and will only be activated upon use. The card expires at midnight of the last day.
Purblic transport card 'T-money''s price and value
Card Type
1-Day Pass
2-Day Pass
3-Day Pass
5-Day Pass
7-Day Pass
Price
15,000 won
23,000 won
30,500 won
47,500 won
64,500 won
Price After 5 pm
12,000 won
20,000 won
27,500 won
44,500 won
61,500 won
※ Discounted prices available after 17:00
Refund Location
Incheon Int'l Airport (Terminal 1) Tourist Information Center
Myeong-dong Tourist Information Center
Seoul Station Tmoney Town
※ No refunds available in Airport Railroad (AREX) Information Desk . (Pass available for purchase only.)
Tour Bus Parking Guide
To better accommodate the growing number of tour buses, the city of Seoul is working continually to provide parking spaces in the heart of Seoul. The following lists are locations where tour buses can park in Seoul. The lists have been divided into parking garages/attached parking lots, off-street parking facilities, street parking spaces (tour buses only), street parking time limits, and temporary parking.
Parking Garages/Attached Parking Lots
Parking Garages/Attached Parking Lots
No.
Name
Location
Parking Rates
Note
1
Gyeongbokgung Palace
1-91 Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu
First 2 hrs: 4,000 won (500 won every 15 min. thereafter)
2
Donghwa Duty Free Shop
Gwanghwamun Building, 211 Sejong-ro,
Jongno-gu
Free
3
National Museum of Contemporary Art
165 Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu
3,000 won per hour
4
Lotte Department Store
1 Sogong-dong, Jung-gu
First 30 min: 3,000 won (1,000 won every 10 min. thereafter)
5
JW Mariott Dongdaemun
289-3 Jongno 6ga, Jongno-gu
5,000 won per hour
15 large
buses, 15
medium
buses
6
Jau Center
201-6 Jangchung- dong 2ga, Jung-gu
1,500 won per 10 min.
7
Hyatt Hotel
747-7 Hannam- dong, Yongsan-gu
First 30 min: 3,000 won (1,000 won every 10 min. thereafter)
8
War Memorial of Korea
8 Yongsan-dong 1ga, Yongsan-gu
First 30 min free. Up to 2 hrs 10,000 won (1,000 won every 10 min. thereafter)
9
National Museum of Korea
168-6 Yongsan- dong 6ga, Yongsan-gu
First 30 min free. Up to 2 hrs 4,000 won (1,000 won every 30 min. thereafter)
10
Seodaemun Independence Park
101 Hyunjeo-dong, Seodaemun-gu
900 won per 10 min.
Off-street Parking facilities
Off-street Parking facilities
No.
Name
Location
Parking Rates
Note
1
Seoul Station
Seobu
122-15 Bongnae- dong, Jung-gu
2,000 won per hour for first 2 hrs (350 won per 5 min. thereafter)
16 seater and over
2
Jeokseondong
Parking Facility
150 Jeokseondong, Jongno-gu
2,000 won per hour for first 2 hrs (350 won per 5 min. thereafter)
3
Gwanghwamun
Citizens Square
76-14 Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu
2,000 won per hour for first 2 hrs (350 won per 5 min. thereafter)
4
Namsan
Hanok Village
83-1 Pildong 2ga, Jung-gu
(the general area)
3,000 won per hour for first 2 hrs (500 won per 5 min. thereafter)
1 large bus, 3
medium buses
5
Hannam-dong
658-46 Hannam- dong,
Yongsan-gu
3,000 won per hour for first 2 hrs
(1,000 won per 10 min. thereafter)
6
Sinchon Station
(Gyeongui Line)
121-9 Daehyun- dong,
Seodaemun-gu
6,000 won per hour for first 2 hrs
(1,000 won per hour thereafter)
7
Mapo Flood
Reservoir
36-1 Mapo-dong, Mapo-gu
(the general area)
Medium Bus: 500 won per 5 min.
Large Bus: 700 won per 5 min.
24 hours
Street parking spaces (tour buses only)
Street parking spaces (tour buses only)
No.
Name
Location
Parking Rates
Note
1
Dongsulla-gil
112-10 Inui-dong, Jongno-gu (the general area)
Free
16 seater and over
2
Tapgol Park
38-1 Jongno 2ga, Jongno-gu (the general area)
Free
36 seater and over
3
Sopa-ro Namsan Park
205-107 Namchang-dong, Jung-gu (the general area)
Free
16 seater and over
4
Sopa-ro, in front of TBS
4-7 Yejang-dong, Jung-gu (the general area)
Free
16 seater and over
5
Sopa-ro Cable Cars
1-15 San, Hoehyeon-dong 1ga, Jung-gu (the general area)
Free
36 seater and over
6
Sowol-ro Namsan Park
463 Namdaemun- ro 5(o)-ga, Jung-gu (the general area)
Free
16 seater and over
7
Entrance to Namdaemun
282-10 Namchang- dong, Jung-gu (the general area)
Free
16 seater and over
8
Entrance to Namdaemun Market
51-4 Namchang- dong, Jung-gu (the general area)
Free
16 seater and over
9
Joongang Ilbo
84-2 Sunhwa-dong, Jung-gu (the general area)
Free
16 seater and over
10
DDP (east side)
1-1 Euljiro 7-ga, Jung-gu (the general area)
Free
36 seater and over
11
DDP (north side)
222-3 Sindang- dong, Jung-gu
Free
36 seater and over
12
Jangchungdan-ro
San9-19, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu (the general area)
Free
16 seater and over
13
Blue House
1-7 Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu (the general area)
Free
Regulated
by security services
Street parking with a time limit (parking is not allowed outside of the indicated hours)
Street parking with a time limit (parking is not allowed outside of the indicated hours)
No.
Name
Location
Parking Rates
Note
1
Itaewon-ro
The intersection in front of Cheil Worldwide and the intersection by Leeum Museum, Yongsan-gu
Free
07:00~21:00
2
Changuimun-ro
15-57 Cheongun- dong, Jongno-gu (the general area)
Free
10:00~19:00
(36 seater and over)
3
Changgyeonggung-ro 1
2-86 Waryong- dong, Jongno-gu (the general area)
Free
09:00~19:00
(36 seater and over)
4
Saemunan-ro 2-gil
106-9 Sinmun-ro 2ga, Jongno-gu (the general area)
Free
09:00~21:00
(36 seater and over)
5
In front of the DDP
U:US building
204-92 Sindang- dong, Jung-gu (the general area)
Free
10:00~17:00
(36 seater and over)
6
Sajik-ro
20 Naeja-dong, Jongno-gu (the general area)
Free
10:00~16:00
(36 seater and over)
131 Naeja-dong, Jongno-gu (the general area)
Free
240 Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu (the general area)
Free
10:00~19:00
(36 seater and over)
7
Seongsan-ro
117-1 Seongsan- dong, Mapo-gu
Free
09:00~20:00
8
Moraenae-ro
Across the street from Songlim Restaurant and Mun Yeong-hwan OBGYN, Seodaemun-gu
Free
09:00~20:00
Across the street from Yang Peng Restaurant and Gonjiam Restaurant, Seodaemun-gu
Free
9
Susaek-ro
26 Susaek-ro, Seodaemun-gu (the general area)
Free
07:00~17:00
Temporary Parking
Temporary Parking
No.
Name
Location
Parking Rates
Notice
1
Entrance to Itaewon
57-6 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu
Free
5 minute parking
For street parking with a time limit, a fine will be applied if a tour bus is parked outside the designated time limit.
You can confirm the location of a parking lot and how many spaces are available through the app "Seoul Parking Information." (Download the app -> open the app -> search "themes" -> tour buses -> maps -> NAVI)
예약 전 안내사항
장기 폭염 예상 기간 프로그램 운영 중단: 7.23. ~ 8.11.
예약은 관광일 기준 최소 3일 전 까지 가능합니다.
3인 미만은 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
기존 등록된 예약 중 그룹별 정원을 초과하지 않는 예약에 한하여 1일 전 17시 까지 추가 예약 가능합니다.
다음달 예약은 전달 15일 이 후부터 가능합니다.
발열 또는 호흡기 증상(열, 기침, 가래, 근육통, 코막힘, 인후통 등)이 있는 경우 프로그램 참여를 삼가하여 주시기 바랍니다.
보호자가 동반하지 않는 만 14세 미만의 아동 관광객의 경우 현장에서 취소됩니다.
기상특보(폭염, 태풍, 호우, 미세먼지 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다.(발효 즉시 취소처리) ※예약 당일 기상특보를 상시 확인 바랍니다.
해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 서울도보해설관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
본 코스는 보행약자(거동이 불편한 고령자, 장애인, 유모차 이용자 등)를 위한 코스입니다.
보호자를 동반하지 않을 시 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 보행약자 1명당 보호자 최소 1인 이상 동반 ※ 전동보장구(전동휠체어, 전동스쿠터 등) 사용자의 경우 보호자 1인당 보행약자 최대 4인까지 동반 가능
희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.(최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
미세먼지 비상저감조치 발령 및 기타 기상악화(폭염, 태풍, 폭우 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (관광일 전날 기준)
Reservations must be made at least three days prior to the tour date.
Additional reservations, one or two days before the tour starts, are only allowed for the tour that is already fixed.
In the case of group tour, more than 10people, please contact us by e-mail.
Reservations for the following month are available from the 15th of the current month.
Please refrain from participating in any tour programs should you be experiencing any symptoms, including fever, coughing, congestion, muscle pain, stuffy nose, and/or sore throat.
Reservations for tourists 14 years & under without an accompanying adult or guardian shall be canceled on site.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
The Seoul Guided Walking Tour administration office and tour guide affiliates are not responsible for any accidents that happen to occur during the tour program.
Reservation shall be made at least 1 week before the tour day.
The course is for tourists with mobility problems (Senior, people with disability, stroller user).
You may not use the course without an assistant (or companion) ※ At least one assistant shall accompany a tourist with mobility problem ※ In case of electric assisting device users (electric wheelchair, electric scooter users), one assistant may accompany up to 4 tourists with mobility problem
Reservation may be canceled when a guide is unavailable on the desired date and course.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office (02-6925-0777) will contact you to confirm reservation. (At least 5 days~1 month before tour day) Reservation may be canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office cannot reach you for more than 3 times.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office and Seoul culture and tourism guide are not liable for the safety accidents during the Seoul Guided Walking Tour.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)