5 Essential Tips for Navigating the Seoul Subway System Like a Pro

As someone who has experienced various train systems around the world (Chicago, New York City, and Paris), here are my five tips for navigating the Seoul Subway System:

1. Naver Maps is Your Best Friend!

In my experience, Naver Maps is more foreigner-friendly than Kakao Maps, as it provides directions in both English and Korean. If you’re comfortable with Korean, that’s great, but even if you’re not, the English version works just fine. Naver Maps will recommend the best routes and provide live updates on train and bus arrival times.

2. Look Up!

Once you enter the train station and tap in, you might be confused about which side of the platform to wait on. Check your map to see the next stop, and you’ll usually find a route map near the stairs or columns. This will show you which platform to use. Sometimes, trains run on both sides of the platform, so be aware. Above each door of the train, you'll see three stops listed: the middle stop is where you are, and the other two are the previous and next stops, with an arrow pointing to the next stop. To check the time of the next train, look for screens above that display the train's location and estimated arrival. You’ll also hear a jingle when the train is approaching.

3. Look Down!

Now that you're on the right train, check the map inside the train. You'll see numbers like "2-3" or "4-3," which indicate the recommended doors to enter and exit for quicker access to your destination. If you're in a rush, though, just get on any door and find a spot. Remember to let others off first before boarding.

4. When Inside the Train

When choosing a seat, avoid sitting in the pink seats, which are reserved for pregnant women. These seats are often used by elderly passengers or those with injuries. There's also a yellow section reserved for the elderly and injured. If you're standing, try to position your backpack in front of you so you don't accidentally bump into someone. To check which stop you’re at, look for screens inside the train that show the current stop, the next stop, and which side the doors will open on. These signs are often displayed in English, Japanese, and Chinese, so you won’t have trouble understanding them.

5. Time to Get Off!

When it's time to get off, move quickly with the flow of the crowd. If there's an escalator, stand on the right side to let others pass on the left. And don't forget to tap out your card when exiting! Finally, to get to your destination quickly, check the station map once more to find the exit closest to where you're going.

That's it! These are my main tips for using the Seoul subway. Enjoy your time exploring the city!