Living in Korea or visiting Seoul for the first time? Mastering the subway is the easiest way to travel like a local. With over 20 lines connecting every corner of the city, the Seoul Metro is fast, affordable, and foreigner-friendly, especially with the latest 2025 updates like the Climate Card and Apple Pay support.
Whether you’re a student, digital nomad, or just here for a short stay, this guide covers everything you need: how to get a T-Money card, how fares work, insider tips, and even the little cultural details (like the music you’ll hear before the train arrives).
Why the Seoul Subway is the Best Way to Travel
Affordable: Base fares start at ₩1,500 with small increases for longer distances.
Efficient: Trains come every 2–5 minutes during rush hour.
Foreign-Friendly: Apps, maps, and payment options are now English-supported.
The Seoul Climate Card (Unlimited Rides)
In 2025, Seoul expanded the Climate Card system to make public transport even more affordable and eco-friendly. The card allows unlimited rides on subways, city buses, and Seoul Bike rentals.
💳 Climate Card Options & Rates (2025)
The initial card costs around ₩3,000, but has the ability to be loaded based on how long you’ll be using it.
1-Day Pass: ₩5,000, great for tourists who want to explore freely in a single day
7-Day Pass (1 Week): ₩20,000, ideal for short stays or business trips
30-Day Pass (1 Month): ₩65,000, the best value for commuters, students, and long-term visitors
📍 Where to Get It
Subway station ticket machines, convinces stores like (CU and GS25) and other customer service centers
Online via the Seoul Public Transportation app
Linked to your T-money card for easy use
👉 Looking for housing near Seoul’s subway lines? Enkostay offers furnished and foreigner-friendly rentals just minutes from major stations. Perfect for students, digital nomads, and long-term visitors.
T-Money & Apple Pay: How to Pay in 2025
T-Money Card: Buy one at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Emart24) or subway stations for around ₩2,500–₩4,000. Recharge at kiosks or stores.
Apple Pay / Samsung Pay: Since 2025, you can now tap your phone or watch directly instead of carrying a separate card. Just add T-Money to your digital wallet.
What to Expect Underground
Announcements: All train arrivals and stops are announced in Korean, and English, many have captions in Korean, English, and Japanese in some cases.
Station Screens: Real-time monitors show how many minutes until the next train, which carriages are crowded, and where elevators are located.
Tips & Tricks for Riding the Subway
Arrival Music: Each station plays a short melody before the train arrives, and here’s the cool part: there are usually two different tones depending on the train’s direction. You’ll also notice different tones for last trains of the night.
If you’re not sure which platform to wait on, listen closely, the sound can help you figure it out. If you are ever confused as to which train to get on, there are maps posted that point to the side that you’d need to get on.
Subway Etiquette: Stay quiet, avoid calls, and always let passengers exit before boarding.
Escalators: Stand to the right in Seoul, walk on the left.
Seats: Priority seats (for elderly, disabled, or pregnant riders) are never to be taken, even if the car is full.
Peak Times: Rush hour is 7:30–9:30 AM and 6–8 PM. Expect packed trains.
❓ FAQ
1. How much is the subway fare in Korea in 2025?
Base fare is ₩1,550, with an extra ₩100-₩200 for every 5 km traveled.
2. What is the Climate Card in Seoul?
A ₩65,000 monthly pass for unlimited use of subways, buses, and bikes.
3. Can foreigners use Apple Pay or Samsung Pay?
Yes. Both now work with T-Money, making payments simple with your phone or watch.
4. Where can I buy a T-Money card or Climate Cards?
At any convenience store or subway vending machine.
5. What etiquette should I know for the subway?
Keep noise low, give up seats to those who need them, and always wait for passengers to exit first.
Final Thought
Korea’s subway system is one of the most foreigner-friendly in the world, once you learn the basics. With a T-Money card or Climate Card, simple apps like Kakao Maps and Naver Maps, and a little awareness of subway customs, you’ll be commuting like a local in no time.
Whether you’re heading to class, working remotely, or exploring Seoul’s nightlife, the subway will always be your most reliable travel companion.
