Getting around Seoul by subway

Use Naver Map or Kakao Map, not Google

Google Maps works for public transport in Korea but has very limited walking and driving directions. Naver Map and Kakao Map both have English modes, show which exit to use, and give accurate walking routes. Every station page here links straight to both.

Inner loop and outer loop

Line 2 is a loop. The inner loop (내선순환) runs clockwise and the outer loop (외선순환) runs anticlockwise. You don't need to remember which is which: platform signs show the next station name, so pick the platform heading towards the next stop on your route. Our travel-time tables tell you which one to use.

Watch out for the branches

Two short branches leave the loop: one from Seongsu to Sinseol-dong and one from Sindorim to Kkachisan. Branch trains are separate shuttles, so you may need to change at Seongsu or Sindorim.

Paying

Buy a rechargeable T-money card at any convenience store or station machine and top up with cash. Seoul also sells short-term unlimited transport passes for visitors; check current options at station service centres. Tap in and tap out, including on buses, to get transfer discounts.

Hours

Trains run from roughly 5:30am until around midnight. Last trains vary by station and direction, so check the timetable board if you're out late.

From the airport

The AREX airport railroad runs from Incheon Airport to Hongik Univ. (Hongdae) and on to Seoul Station. Hongik Univ. is the easiest place to join Line 2.