What if I lose my T-money card?

Buy a new one. The credit on lost cards can't be recovered, but cards are cheap and available at every station and most convenience stores.

Do subway announcements happen in English?

Yes, all major announcements are in Korean followed by English. Station names are announced in both languages and most signs have English translations.

How late does the subway run?

Last trains typically leave around midnight, first trains start around 5:30am. Check your specific line as times vary slightly. Night buses run when subways are closed.

Can I use my phone's tap-to-pay instead of T-money?

Some phones with NFC work, but T-money cards are more reliable and work on buses too. Tourist passes also require physical cards.

How to Use Seoul's Subway System

Download Citymapper or Subway Korea app, buy a T-money card at any station, and tap in/out at the card readers. The system runs 5:30am-midnight with announcements in Korean and English. Most signs have English translations and the color-coded lines make navigation straightforward.

Download a subway app before you go. Get Citymapper (best for tourists) or Subway Korea app. Both work offline and show real-time arrivals. Citymapper is more intuitive but Subway Korea has more detailed Korean station info.
Buy a T-money card at any station. Find the card vending machines near station entrances. Buy a T-money card for 2,500 won plus however much you want to load (start with 10,000 won). The machines have English options. You can also buy these at convenience stores.
Learn the basic tap system. Tap your card on the blue reader when entering, tap again when exiting. If you forget to tap out, you'll be charged the maximum fare (about 2,150 won instead of the normal 1,370 won base fare).
Navigate using colors and numbers. Each line has a color and number (Line 1 is dark blue, Line 2 is green, etc.). Stations are numbered sequentially (like 201, 202, 203 on Line 2). Follow the colored signs and platform numbers.
Check the direction before boarding. Platforms show the final destination in Korean and English. Make sure you're going toward the right end station. If you board the wrong direction, just get off at the next stop and cross to the other platform.
Transfer efficiently. Follow transfer signs (환승) which show line colors and numbers. Stay right on escalators. During rush hour (7-9am, 6-8pm), expect crowds and wait for 2-3 trains if needed.

What if I lose my T-money card?: Buy a new one. The credit on lost cards can't be recovered, but cards are cheap and available at every station and most convenience stores.
Do subway announcements happen in English?: Yes, all major announcements are in Korean followed by English. Station names are announced in both languages and most signs have English translations.
How late does the subway run?: Last trains typically leave around midnight, first trains start around 5:30am. Check your specific line as times vary slightly. Night buses run when subways are closed.
Can I use my phone's tap-to-pay instead of T-money?: Some phones with NFC work, but T-money cards are more reliable and work on buses too. Tourist passes also require physical cards.