Seoul Metropolitan Subway facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Seoul Metropolitan Subway
Seoul Metro Logo.svg Seoul Metro 2000 series train on Line 2
Info
Owner	Government of South Korea, Seoul Metropolitan Government, Incheon Metropolitan City, Bucheon City, Uijeongbu City, Yongin City
Locale	Seoul Metropolitan Area
Transit type	Rapid transit, Commuter rail
Number of lines	23
Number of stations	768
Operation
Began operation	15 August 1974; 51 years ago (1974-08-15)
Operator(s)	Seoul Metro, Korail, Incheon Transit Corporation, and private rapid transit operators
Technical
System length	1,302.2 km (809.1 mi) (all lines)
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge (all lines excluding Rubber-tyred metro lines) 1620 mm(Sillim Line), 1700 mm (U Line)
Route map

The Seoul Metropolitan Subway (Hangul: 수도권 전철) is a huge train system in South Korea. It has 23 different train lines. These lines include fast subways, smaller light rail lines, and commuter trains. The system helps people travel all around the Seoul Metropolitan Area. This includes the big city of Incheon and other nearby cities in Gyeonggi province. Some lines even go far outside Seoul, reaching places more than 100 kilometers away!

The subway network is made of many parts that work together. There's the main Seoul Metro, which runs lines 1 to 9 and some light rail lines. These serve Seoul city and its surroundings. Then there are Korail lines, which are like regional trains that go further out. The Incheon Metro lines serve Incheon city. There are also other light rail lines, like Gimpo Goldline and Yongin Everline. These connect smaller towns to the main subway system. Most of the system is run by three main companies: Seoul Metro, Korail, and Incheon Metro. Other local companies also operate some lines.

The very first subway line, Line 1, started being built in 1971. It began running trains in 1974. As of 2022, lines 1–9 alone have over 331.5 kilometers (206 miles) of track. Most of the trains were built by Hyundai Rotem, a top train maker in South Korea.

About the Seoul Subway System

The first line of the Seoul Subway started construction in 1971. The first part of the subway was built using a method called "cut and cover." This means they dug a trench, built the tunnel, and then covered it up. Early lines used technology from Japan and the United Kingdom. For example, Line 1 opened in 1974 and connected to nearby Korail train lines, similar to the Tokyo subway. Today, many Seoul subway lines are run by Korail, South Korea's national train operator.

The subway has free WiFi at all stations and on all trains. All stations have platform screen doors. These are safety doors that separate the platform from the tracks. They were all finished by 2017. In 2011, the world's first virtual store for smartphone users opened at Seolleung station. You could scan items with your phone and have them delivered.

All signs in the subway are in Korean (using Hangul), English, Japanese, and Mandarin Chinese. However, the maps on the walls are only in Korean and English. Inside the trains, there are many LCD screens. They show announcements, upcoming station names, news, stock prices, and even short cartoons. There are also recorded voice announcements for the next station, transfers, and which side to exit. At big stations, these announcements are also in Japanese and Mandarin Chinese.

Seoul Subway uses colorful LCD screens at all stations. These screens show when trains will arrive in real-time. This information is also available on smartphone apps. Most trains have digital TV screens. All trains have air conditioning and seats that can be heated in the winter. In 2014, the Seoul Subway was the first metro system to use transparent screens for ads. They put 48 of these screens in major stations on Line 2 in Gangnam District.

The Seoul Subway uses the T-money smart payment system. This system uses RFID and NFC technology for automatic payments. You can use T-money smart cards, smartphones, or credit cards. You can also transfer to other lines within the system for free.

Trains on most numbered lines and light rail lines usually drive on the right side of the track. However, trains on some named heavy-rail lines (like Shinbundang Line, Suin–Bundang Line, and AREX) drive on the left side. The trains on Line 1 and Line 4 (south of Namtaeryeong station) also drive on the left. This is because these lines are owned by the government (Korail) or connect to government-owned lines. This standard was set when much of Korea's early train network was built during Japanese rule.

Subway History

The first part of Line 1 opened on August 15, 1974. It ran from Seongbuk station to Incheon station and Suwon station. Over the years, more lines and extensions were added:

• Line 2 opened on October 10, 1980.
• Line 4 opened on April 20, 1985.
• Line 3 opened on July 12, 1985.
• The Bundang Line opened on September 1, 1994.
• Line 5 opened on November 15, 1995.
• Line 7 opened on October 11, 1996.
• Line 8 opened on November 23, 1996.
• Incheon Subway Line 1 opened on October 6, 1999.
• Seoul Subway Line 6 opened on August 7, 2000.

In 2004, the fare system changed to charge by distance, and free bus transfers were added. Many more extensions and new lines opened in the 2000s and 2010s. For example, AREX (Airport Railroad Express) opened in 2007. Line 9 opened in 2009. The Shinbundang Line opened in 2011. The Suin Line opened in 2012. The EverLine opened in 2013.

In 2014, the Gyeongui Line and Jungang Line combined to form the Gyeongui–Jungang Line. Incheon Subway Line 2 opened in 2016. The Seohae Line opened in 2018. The Gimpo Goldline opened in 2019. In 2020, the Suin Line and Bundang Line combined to form the Suin–Bundang Line. The newest addition to the Seoul Metropolitan Subway is the Sillim Line, which opened on May 24, 2022.

Subway Lines and How They Work

The Seoul Subway system has different types of lines. The numbered lines are mostly for quick travel within the Seoul Metropolitan Area. The wider commuter lines, run by Korail, go much further. They are similar to the RER system in Paris. The AREX is a special line that connects Incheon International Airport and Gimpo Airport to central Seoul. It has both express trains and trains that stop at every station.

The Seoul Metropolitan Subway usually runs every day from 5:30 AM until midnight. Some lines operated by Seoul Metro run until about 1 AM on weekdays.

System map of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway, showing current lines

Tickets and Fares

Ticket Vending and Card Reload Machine in Soraepogu Station, Incheon

T-money smart card

Magnetic-stripe ticket + Upass turnstiles on Line 4 in July 2001

The Seoul Metropolitan Subway uses a single fare system for subways and buses. This means that subways and buses in Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province are treated as one system for fares. For example, you can transfer from one subway line to another for free. However, some lines like Shinbundang Line, EverLine, and U Line charge a small extra fee. You can also transfer to many city buses for free or get discounts on express buses.

For the Shinbundang Line, the extra charges depend on how far you travel on that line. The section from Sinsa to Gangnam always costs an extra 500 won. Using the Gangnam to Jeongja section or the Jeongja to Gwanggyo section costs 1,000 won if used alone. If you use both, it's 1,400 won. The most you can be charged extra is 1,900 won if you use all three sections.

From 1974 to 1985, subway fares were based on distance. They used paper tickets called Edmondson tickets. In 1985, the system changed to zones, and magnetic-stripe paper tickets were used.

In 1996, the Seoul Subway was the first in the world to use contactless smart cards, called Upass. These cards were used until 2014, when they were replaced by the newer T-money cards.

Today, fares are based on distance. You can pay with single-use tickets or transportation cards like T-money and Cash Bee. Transportation cards can also be used on buses, taxis, and in many stores. You tap your card or phone at the entry gates. You can use NFC-enabled Android smartphones (with the T-money app) or credit/debit cards with built-in RFID.

Single-use tickets are plastic cards with RFID technology. You can get them from machines at any subway station. There's a 500 won deposit fee included, which you get back when you return the ticket. Multi-use cards are sold in convenience stores. Many credit/debit cards also have this function.

Current fares are 1,400 won for trips up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). An extra 100 won is added for every 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) after that. After 50 kilometers (31.1 miles), 100 won is added for every 8 kilometers (5.0 miles). Single-use tickets also have a 100 won extra charge on top of the fare.

Children's tickets are half-price. Senior citizens and disabled people can ride for free. They can get a free ticket with a valid ID or use a registered transportation card without paying. International travelers can use a Metropolitan Pass (MPASS). This pass allows up to 20 trips per day for 1 to 7 days.

Accidents and Incidents

On May 2, 2014, two subway trains collided on Seoul Subway Line 2 at Sangwangsimni station. This accident injured 170 people.

On March 23, 2025, a Line 2 train went off the tracks. This happened after it hit a barrier while leaving a train depot near Sindorim Station. No one was hurt in this incident.

New Subway Lines and Extensions

The Seoul Metropolitan Subway system is always growing! Here are some new lines and extensions that have opened or are planned to open soon:

Opened in 2024

• The central section of GTX A opened between Suseo station and Dongtan station in March 2024.
• Line 8 was extended to Byeollae station in August 2024. This added 3 new stations and 3.8 kilometers of track.

Opening in 2025

• The Incheon Subway Line 1 will be extended north in June 2025. It will go 6.8 kilometers further from Gyeyang station to Geomdan Lake Park station, adding 3 new stations.
• The Wirye Line, a light metro line in southeastern Seoul, will open in September 2025. It will connect Macheon station on Line 5 and have two branches. One branch will go to Bokjeong station (Line 8 and Suin-Bundang line), and the other to Namwirye station (Line 8). This line will have 12 stations and will be a tramway.

Opening in 2026

• The Seohae Line is set to extend south from Wonsi station to Seohwaseongnamyang Station by March 2026.
• The Dongbuk Line, a light metro line in northeastern Seoul, is planned to open in July 2026. It will have 14 stations between Wangsimni station and Eunhaeng Sageori station.
• The Sinansan Line will open in December 2026. It will start at Yeouido station and split into two branches.
• Hagik station will open between Songdo station and Inha University station on the Suin–Bundang Line. This new station will help with the redevelopment of the area.
• The central part of GTX A will open between Seoul Station and Suseo station (15.3 kilometers) by September 2026. This will complete the entire GTX A Line.
• Line 7 will be extended by 2 stations northwards to Goeup station in Yangju by 2026.
• Gwacheon Information Town station will open between Indeogwon station and Government Complex Gwacheon station on Line 4 in December 2026.

Opening in 2027

• Changneung station will open on the GTX A Line between Daegok station and Yeonsinnae station.
• Hoecheonjungang station will open on Line 1 between Deokgye station and Deokjeong station.
• Buseong station will open on Line 1 between Jiksan station and Dujeong station.
• Line 7 will be extended from Seongnam station to Cheongna Int'l Business Complex station in 2027. This new extension will have 6 stations and be 6.8 kilometers long.

Opening in 2028

• Line 9 will be extended 4 stations eastwards from VHS Medical Center station to Saemteo Park station by 2028.
• Samseong station will open on GTX-A between Seoul station and Suseo station in April 2028.
• GTX-C will open in 2028. It will run between Deokjeong station in the North and Suwon Station and Sangnoksu Station to the South. This line will be 85.9 kilometers long with 14 stations.

Opening in 2029 or Later

• Line 7 will be extended from Cheongna Int'l Business Complex station to Cheongna International City station in 2029.
• Line 7 will be extended from Goeup Station to Pocheon station in 2030.
• The Dongtan-Indeogwon Line will open between Dongtan Station and Indeogwon Station by 2029.
• The Gyeonggang Line will be extended west from Pangyo station to Wolgot station by December 2029.
• The Shinbundang Line will be extended south from Gwanggyo Jungang station to Homaesil station in 2029.
• The Line 1 branch to Seodongtan Station will be extended to Dongtan Station by 2029.
• GTX-B will open in 2030. It will run between Incheon National University Station in the West and Maseok Station in the South.

Approved for Construction

These lines are approved but have not started building yet. They are expected to begin construction in the next few years.

• The Daejang-Hongdae Line will be a medium-sized line between Hongik University Station and Daejang Station. It is scheduled to begin construction in 2024.
• The Wirye–Sinsa Line, a light metro line in southeastern Seoul, will open between Sinsa station and Wirye.
• Line 9 will be extended further east with 6 new stations, from Ogeum station to Hanam City Hall station.
• The Shinbundang Line will be extended north from Sinsa station to Yongsan station.
• The Seobu Line is a new light metro line. It will be 18 kilometers long and go through 16 stations.
• Myeonmok Line is a light metro in northeastern Seoul running between Cheongnyangni station and Sinnae station.
• Dongtan Metro is a set of 2 tramway lines, Dongtan Line 1 and Dongtan Line 2. Construction will begin in early 2025.
• The Ui LRT will have a new Northern branch, starting from Solbat Park Station, and reaching Banghak Station on Line 1.
• Line 3 will be extended to the East with 8 new stations.

Planned Lines

The Seoul Metropolitan government has plans for more subway expansions in the future.

• Gangbukhoengdan Line, a new line running north of Seoul between Cheongnyangni station and Mok-dong station.
• Ui LRT will open a branch line from Solbat Park station to Banghak station on Line 1.
• Myeonmok Line is a light metro in northeastern Seoul running between Cheongnyangni station and Sinnae station.
• Nangok Line is a branch of the light metro Sillim Line in southwestern Seoul.
• Mok-dong Line is a light metro in southwestern Seoul running between Sinwol-dong and Dangsan station on line 2.
• Line 4 will start running express services between Danggogae station and Namtaeryeong station.
• Line 5 will start running shuttle services connecting Gubeundari station and Dunchon-dong station.
• The Sillim Line will be connected to Seobu Line with a track between Seoul National University station (Line 2) and Gwanaksan(Seoul National Univ.).

Incheon City Plans

The Incheon Metropolitan government is also planning new metro lines.

• Incheon Subway line 3 is planned to be a semi-circular subway line for Incheon.

Partial Network Map

Images for kids

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  The platform at Hoehyeon Station on Seoul Subway Line 4 in Jung-gu, Seoul

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  Seoul Metro Class 2000 series 10-car EMU set 2x13 leaving Hanyang University Station on the Seoul Metro Line 2 in Seongdong-gu, Seoul

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  A sign of Bongeunsa Station on Seoul Subway Line 9

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  The platform at Hwarangdae Station on Seoul Subway Line 6 in Nowon-gu, Seoul

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  Seoul Metro Line 2 Inner Circle Line train arriving at Guro Digital Complex (2-14 new)

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  The no.3 entrance to Sinchon Station on the Seoul Metro Line 2 in Mapo-gu, Seoul

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  Seoul Metro Line 2 LCD

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  Space for wheelchair stroller carrier (inside the train)

See also

In Spanish: Metro de Seúl para niños