How to travel easy in Seoul

This post has been lying in my draft pile for quite some time.

There are still things to be added, but for now here are the essentials ^^

Seoul is becoming more and more popular to visit.
So I decided to share a bit of wisdom if you so can call it.

This is a small guide of travelling around Seoul using the metro/subway/underground - whatever you wish to call it ^^

People fear Asian countries as they do not use alphabet and many do not speak English. But don't be too afraid. I'd say that Seoul has one of the most simple public transportation when it comes to railway. The major lines are called 1-9 and each station has number... Continue to read.

I hope you will like it!

I remember first time I went to Seoul, you had to line up at the station and purchase small paper single tickets. Then they realized it's time consuming and developed a new system!
Over the years the price has increased but it's understandable. Latest price update is from July 2015.

To get around in Seoul the easiest way is to use the Seoul Metro System.

It contains of 18 different lines (rapid transit, light metro, commuter rail and people mover lines).

Together they cover 1 013.4 km! 

It's also easy to navigate especially for tourists who doesn't know hangul, All stations have numbers, the first number is the Line number. then it goes from 01 to XXX. The lines that are not Line 1-9 has a letter first, eg. Airport Line has a A. Gyeonggi Line has a K and Shinbundang Line has a D.
And they are always written in both hangul and alphabet, And whenever you take the metro they always announce in both Korean and English.
If the Korean names are hard to remember, then the numbers might make it easier for you.

This also works on buses, but for foreigners, I say, be aware and SIT down or HOLD ON TIGHT if you ride one. Taking bus in Seoul is like riding a roller coaster but without a seat belt, I think I have almost fallen over and died a few times. Also, to get off a bus you have to hurry, almost like jumping off before it even stops! So get up the stop before and be prepared! ^^;;

Anyway back to the travel card...

To get around get yourself a T-money card. You can buy single tickets, but I'd say it's easier to just get the card. It can be purchased at convenient stores like 7eleven/C2U, some bus stops, kiosks. Or in a machine at the station, Note: Not the same as the one you top it up in.
The price of a T-money card varies between 2500-3000 won, The basic card is 2500 won then you also have various designs and mobile accessories, those can cost up to 9000 won. The card can also be used to pay Taxi rides or snacks in vending machines.
If you know you will go back to Seoul a lot, then why not spend a bit extra. But for a normal tourist, it's just a card.

Below you find more info how to buy tickets and prices...

Line name - Termini
1호선 Line 1 - Incheon / Sinchang / Gwangmyeong / Seodongtan - Soyosan
2호선 Line 2 - City Hall / Seongsu / Sindorim (Circle line)
3호선 Line 3 - Daehwa - Ogeum
4호선 Line 4 - Dangogae - Oido
5호선 Line 5 - Banghwa - Sangil-dong / Macheon
6호선 Line 6 - Eungam - Bonghwasan
7호선 Line 7 - Jangam - Bupyeong-gu Office
8호선 Line 8 - Amsa - Moran
9호선 Line 9 - Gaehwa - Sports Complex
공항철도 AREX - Seoul Station - Incheon International Airport
경의·중앙선 Gyeongui–Jungang Line - Munsan - Yongmun
경춘선 Gyeongchun Line - Sangbong - Chuncheon
분당선 Bundang Line - Wangsimni - Suwon
수인선 Suin Line - Oido - Incheon
신분당선 Shinbundang Line - Gangnam - Gwanggyo
인천 1호선 Incheon Line 1 - Gyeyang - International Business District
용인 경전철 EverLine - Giheung - Jeondae – Everland
의정부 경전철 U Line - Balgok - Tapseok

Different kinds of T-money

My T-money - Hello Kitty mobile charm ^^

It cost 9000won, I have had it for 8 years now.

photo cred @ owner

Seoul Subway Fares (since July 22, 2015)
Basic Fare for 10 km
T-Money (travel card)
Adults (age 19 and older) 1,250 won
Teens (age 13-18) 720 won
Children (age 7-12)450 won

Single ride
Adults (age 19 and older)1,350 won
Teens (age 13-18) 1,350 won
Children (age 7-12) 450 won


How to add money to T-Money card
1. Select your preferred language (Korean, English, Japanese, or Chinese is available).
2. Put your T-money on the electronic card reader marked with the T-money logo
3. Select the amount you want to add onto the card. (An amount from 1000 won up to 90 000 won can be added at once)
The machine takes 1000, 5000 or 10 000 won bills and 50, 100, 500 won coins. Change is given.
4. Wait for it to load and it's done!

How to buy a Single Ride card
1. Select your preferred language (Korean, English, Japanese, or Chinese is available).
Touch orange button written '1회용 교통카드 (Single Journey Ticket)' on the left side of the screen.
2. Search and select your destination. All stations are listed in alphabetical order.
3. Select the quantity of tickets.
4. Once you select the quantity, total price will show up on the left side of the screen. *For each ticket a deposit of 500 won is added (as of July 22, 2015).
You may receive the deposit refund at your final destination. There's a small booth that says Deposit Refund Device (보증금 환금기)
5. Pay for the ticket(s). The machine takes 1000, 5000 or 10 000 won bills and 50, 100, 500 won coins. Change is given.