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← Visitor essentials

Getting around Seoul

Seoul's subway is fast, clean and labeled in English. A T-money card and a Korean map app are all you need.

In Korean
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💡 Quick tips
  • Buy and top up a T-money card at convenience stores or subway machines (top-ups are usually cash).
  • Use Naver Map or KakaoMap — Google Maps has limited directions in Korea.
  • Tap your card when you get off the bus too, so transfers are discounted.

Subway

The Seoul subway reaches almost everywhere you will need to go. Lines are numbered and color-coded, and station names and announcements are in Korean and English. Trains are frequent from early morning until around midnight.

T-money card

A rechargeable transit card that works on subways, buses and many taxis across the country. Buy one at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) or station machines, and top it up there as well.

Map apps

Because of local map data rules, Google Maps gives only limited walking and driving directions in Korea. Install Naver Map or KakaoMap — both have English menus and show the exact subway exit to use.

Taxis

Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced. You can hail one on the street or use a ride-hailing app such as Kakao T (check whether your foreign card is accepted). Most drivers speak little English, so show the destination in Korean.

Walking

Seoul is very walkable and safe. Some districts are hilly — comfortable shoes help.