What to Do If You Miss the Last Subway in Korea (Foreigner Survival Guide)
Missing the last subway in Korea can be stressful for foreigners, but there are safe, affordable alternatives like night buses, taxis, and emergency accommodation options.
Who This Guide Is For This guide is for travelers and foreign residents who stayed out late, misread subway times, or were delayed by transfers and suddenly found themselves after the last train.
Step 1: Confirm Subway Service Has Ended
- Last trains usually run between 11:30 PM and 12:30 AM
- Use Naver Map or KakaoMap to confirm real-time status
- Station gates may still be open, but trains are finished
Option 1: Use a Night Bus (Owl Bus)
Major cities like Seoul operate late-night buses marked with an “N” (e.g., N26, N37). They run from around midnight to 5 AM on main routes.
Option 2: Take a Taxi (What Foreigners Should Know)
- Night surcharge applies after midnight
- International taxis support English but cost more
- Kakao T app reduces refusal risk
Common Problems & Solutions
- Taxi refuses destination: Use Kakao T app instead of street hailing
- No night bus nearby: Move toward major roads or city centers
- Too expensive: Consider staying overnight nearby
If You Are Completely Stuck
Some 24-hour cafés, jjimjilbangs, and capsule hotels are safe temporary options until morning.
Related guide: late-night transportation in Korea
Official night bus info: https://topis.seoul.go.kr
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