How to ride the Public Transportation in Korea

Basic Prep

Step 1: Get a T-money Transportation Card (Kyotong Card 교통카드)from a vending machine or the convenience store.

• T-money cards cost around 3000-5000 won each.
• Each person would need their own individual card, especially when using the subway.

Step 2:  Go to a convenience store or Top up machine to top up

How to top up or recharge your t-money/transport card

1. Step 1: Place your t-money card  on the card slot
2. Step 2: Select your desired language
3. Step 3: Select the desired amount you want to top up
4. Step 4: Insert your money in the money slot
5. Step 5: Wait for the machine to finish topping up your card
6. Step 6: Check if the amount has beed added to your card by removing the card and placing it back on the card slot.
7. Step 7: Remove the card to finish the transaction

How to ride a bus in South Korea

1. Step 1: Check your map type your destination
2. Step 2: Go to the indicated bus stop
3. Step 3: Make sure your t-money card has enough money 
4. Step 4: Wait for your bus to arrive. The bus arrival schedule is usually indicated on an electronic sign at the bus stop
5. Step 5: When your bus arrives, board at the front end of the bus
6. Step 6: Tap your t-money card on the card reader
   Step 7: This will indicate how much money was used and how much money is left on your card
7. Step 8: The next stop will be indicated on the signs at the front of the bus
8. Step 9: When you are about to reach your stop, press the STOP button to indicate that you will be getting off at the next stop
9. Step 10: Move to the exit door located at the middle of the bus
10. Step 11: Before getting off your stop, tap your t-money card on the card reader
11. Step 12: Alight from the exit doors found in the middle of the bus. Be careful of passing motorcycles and gaps on the floor.
12. Step 13: If you need to transfer to a different bus, follow the same steps above and tap you card on the card reader. If you tap within 30 mins from your last ride, the transfer fee is automatically calculated.

How to ride the subway in Seoul (no transfers)

1. Step : Check your map type your destination
2. Step : Go to the indicated subway station
3. Step : Make sure your t-money card has enough money 
4. Step : Go to the platform that goes to your destination. Some subway stations have separate platforms for different directions, so be sure to check the signs.
5. Step : Tap your t-money card on the card reader at the right side
6. Step : Move to the platform. The fast transfer doors are usually indicated on apps like naver map or kakao map
7. Step : Stand in line, and make sure to not block the middle of the safety door as people have to get off the subway first.
8. Step : You can check for the arrival time on the electronic signs.
9. Announcements are usually made before the subway arrives
10. Step : After the passengers have gotten off, enter the train.
11. The next stations, as well as the location of the exit doors, are usually announced or indicated on the monitors.
12. Step : Once you arrive at your destination, get off the subway and move towards your exit.
13. Step : At the turnstiles or gates, tap your t-money card on the card reader at the right side 

NOTES:

• If you have a problem with your card while entering or exiting the gates, you can call the attention of the subway staff by pressing the button on one of the handicaped gates.
• If you have entered the wrong direction or have missed your stop and have to move to the opposite platform, you can also press the button at the gates and tell the subway staff.

How to transfer lines in the subways in Seoul

How to make transfers from the bus to the subway and vice versa?

Transfers are automatically made if you move from the bus or from the subway within 30 mins. Just make sure that you have tapped on and tapped off using your card.