Letter from Seoul 39
Seoul by subway
When it comes to vibrant cities of the world, Seoul should be in the Top 10 of every traveler’s list of “must-see” destinations.
Seoul's population is estimated to be around 9.6 million, while New York City's population is about 8.8 million. This means Seoul's population is roughly 800,000 greater than New York City's.
Seoul is a world-class city that offers a vibrant culture in terms of food and fashion, music and cinema, and cutting edge technology. There are 16 universities in the city which helps account for a highly educated population.
For any upcoming trip, here are some ...
Fast facts about the Seoul Metro Subway system
The Seoul Metro Subway is a vast and efficient network known for its cleanliness, affordability, and ease of use. It's one of the world's busiest and most modern subway systems, with extensive coverage throughout the city and beyond.
In 1996, the Seoul Metro Subway became the first subway system in the world to roll out contactless smart cards for fare validation. These cards can be easily purchased in convenient stores like GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, found in every subway station. Cards may also be found at all Incheon International Airport arrival halls. The cost is slightly less than $2.
The busiest subway station in Seoul is Jamsil Station on Line 2. It has surpassed Gangnam Station, which previously held the top spot for many years. In 2024, Jamsil Station saw an average of 155,229 passengers daily, while Gangnam Station had 151,607 passengers.
Some of the basics for tourists:
Trains are fast and frequent - usually every 3–5 minutes;
Cars are air-conditioned, clean, and usually quiet.
Priority seating is marked for elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities - don't sit there unless it applies to you;
Eating and loud phone calls are considered rude.
Station announcements are always in Korean and English, with an increasing number in Chinese and Japanese;
People line up politely at the platform doors. Wait for others to get off before boarding.
