Subway, Seoul

The subways in Seoul are clean, and very comfortable, except in rush hour, when it gets packed (as in every metropolitan city). The best thing are the exits have numbers, so if you are meeting someone at that subway station, you can specify the exit and your meeting point.

Most of the subways also have tvs for your entertainment.

Subway Line-1 is relatively new line in Seoul Subway. It runs from Onsu, southwest part of Seoul, to Jangam, northeast part of Seoul. Line-7 runs along south bank of Han River. A feature of this line is that it stops at uptown stations such as Banpo, Nonhyeon and Cheongdam. You can get to Express Bus Terminal, Grand Children’s Park, TTukseom Resort and Mt. Dobong by Line-7.

Seouls Subway system is massive, fast, efficient and cheap.... you take a ticket from either a machine or the ticket couner. If you are visiting seoul it's probably better to just tell the ticket man what station you are going to and he will give you the appropriate ticket. You have to put that ticket through the slot and collect it again before you get on the train. and you have to do the same when you get off the train... only it won't come back to you. If the alarm sounds then you can just jump over or under the barrier.. depending on whether there are any people around. Often a staff member will come over very shortly and help you out...

The fastest and cheapest way around Seoul is the subway and they also extend well past the boundries of the city. But they can pack they in so if you don't like tight enclosed spaces you may want to avoid.

We made the mistake of purchasing the T moeny card for use in subway travel. The card, which can be purchased at the subway station, is supposed to give you discounts for subway rides.

However, what they do not tell you is that any stored value in the card that is not used cannot be refunded at the subway station, but at designated convenience stores. When we purchased the card, which comes in denomination of 1,500 and 2,500 won, the subway staff proceeded to input a stored value of 8,000 won, which we were unable to fully utilised, and yet cannot get a refund.

So my advice to you is to pay cash when travelling on the subway, and forget about the T-money card.

I must say that I am very happy with the subway system that they have. The trains are clean, fast, afforable and the coverage is extensive (from places in Seoul to the outskirt of Seoul).

Make sure that you get a copy of the "Korea Rainbow" guidebook. It shows you very clearly what are the places of interest around seoul and its outskirts, which train stop brings you closest to them and even which exit you shd take when you arrive at the station.

Korea subway lines are differentiated by the colour and number. Transfer stations are indicated clearly. It is really very user friendly.

Subway is the best way to get around Seoul. Most of places of interests are within zone 1 (fare 700 won, around 60 cents) , but the fare structure is going to change in July 2004. Try to avoid rush hours as it's very crowded.

If you've ever lost anything in Seoul there is one place you can go: http://www.lost114.com/ There are items, kids and animals that people have lost or found here...in true Korean fashion it's all online, of course.

The Seoul Metropolitan Subway Corporation has their own site too. There are 6 different locations depending on which line you figured you lost it on, but basically all of it is centralized online at http://www.seoulsubway.co.kr/english_subway/lost/lost3_1.jsp (Notice the English isn't 100%, but you'll be able to figure it out.)

Good luck!