🚇 How to Use Korean Subways (Including Apps and Signage)
🚉 Mastering the Korean Subway: A Local's Guide for Foreigners
The Korean subway system is a world-class masterpiece of efficiency and cleanliness. Teacher Hoon teaches you how to navigate the lines, use the best apps, and speak like a local commuter.
Your Lifeline in the City (EEAT Tip)
Navigating cities like Seoul (서울) or Busan (부산) is impossible without the subway. As a local teacher, my Top Tip is to always look for the Color Codes—each line has a unique color and number. Let's look at how to master the transit experience from ticket to exit.
📑 Tap to view Table of Contents
📱 1. Pro-Level Navigation Apps
Forget Google Maps—it doesn't work well for transit in Korea. Download these instead:
- ✅ Kakao Metro: Perfect for real-time arrival info and English support.
- ✅ Naver Map: Shows the exact car number for the fastest transfers!
- ✅ Subway Korea: Great offline map for Seoul, Busan, and Daegu.
🚏 2. Decoding Subway Signs
| Korean Term | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 출구 | chul-gu | Exit |
| 환승 | hwan-seung | Transfer (Changing lines) |
| 타는 곳 | ta-neun got | Platform (Where to board) |
| 이번 역은... | ibeon yeog-eun | This station is... |
🗣 3. Essential Commuting Phrases
- 🚇 지하철 어디서 타요? (Where do I board the subway?)
- 🚇 이 열차는 어디로 가요? (Where does this train go?)
- 🚇 카드 충전해주세요. (Please recharge my card.)
- 🚇 잠시만요! (Excuse me / Passing through!)
💰 4. 2025 Fare Guide (Est.)
Korea offers one of the most affordable transit systems globally. Always use a T-money card for a discount!
- 💳 Base Fare: ₩1,400 (approx. $1.00 USD)
- ➕ Distance Surcharge: ₩100–₩500 (approx. $0.07–$0.35)
- 🎟 Single-use Ticket: ~₩1,500 (Requires ₩500 deposit refund at the machine!)
💡 Teacher Hoon's Expert Transit Tip
In Korea, FREE transfers work between subways and buses within 30 minutes. Also, look out for 급행 (Gup-haeng)—these are Express Trains that skip smaller stations. Make sure your stop isn't a small one if you board an express!
Want to Practice "Travel Korean" Roleplay?
Don't let the turnstile intimidate you! Book a 1:1 session with Hoon on italki. We'll roleplay asking for directions and reading subway maps so you can travel like a local with zero anxiety.
🚀 Master Travel Korean with Hoon
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