There's one thing that travelers often notice when using the Korean subway: the fast-paced culture of Koreans! People who are moving really quickly are said to use the subway in the smartest and most efficient way possible. Hey, need a hand getting around Seoul's busy streets? Seoul's subway might seem complicated at first, but once you figure it out, it'll become your go-to way of getting around the city. With just a few of the tips we've got for you here, you too can move around smartly like a Seoulite and experience the real Seoul! I'll share some secrets to make using the Seoul subway even more comfortable by focusing on methods locals love to use. 

《 Practical Tips for Using the Subway 》

 ① Get a T-Money card.

▸  Use a T-money Card for Seoul's public transportation.

▸  Where to buy:

Convenience store chains: You can find it at CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, and Emart24 (it's sold at most locations nationwide).

Subway Stations: Customer service centers and vending machines are located inside most subway stations.

Airports: You can find convenience stores and tourist information desks in the transportation centers at Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport.

Other Locations: There are souvenir shops and tourist information centers around.

💵Price: The card costs 2,500 to 4,000 KRW and you'll need to load the transportation funds separately.

💌Here's a pro tip: find collaboration design cards featuring BTS, Kakao Friends, Seoul Land, and more. They make great souvenirs. At Hongik University Station, you can use a machine to create a T-money card with your own photo.

② Top-up

Convenience stores: Just hand over your card and say how much you want to add.

Subway station automatic top-up machines: You can top it off with cash or card, just remember that some machines only take cash.

The most you can add to your account at once is 90,000 won.

💌 Just a heads-up: If your balance dips below 1,000 won, you won't be able to pass through the gates. It's best to keep at least 5,000 won on your card at all times.

③ Here's a quick guide on how to use T-Money.

Subway: Just touch the chip on the back of your card to the turnstile, and you'll hear a beep when you're through.

Take the bus: Just tap on the terminal when you board and when you get off. This will get you the discount transfer fare.

Taxi: Go ahead and request a card payment, and then just tap on the terminal.

Other: When you're at the convenience store checkout, just say, "Please charge it to my T-money."

💌 Here's a friendly suggestion: try using transfers! If you switch between the subway and bus within 30 minutes, you'll pay less. This happens automatically when you use the same card.