Subway, Seoul

One of the biggest improvements that came out of the recent world cup was the revamp and modernization of the Seoul metro system. It is clean and expeditious so you really don?t have any excuse for not using this reliable service. Don?t waste your money on taxis. Just get an English version map of the subway and learn how to use it. It?s usually on time and reliable.

In a city of over 12 million people, the traffic is horrible. My advise is to learn the subway system and use it often. I use it to and from work every day. It's easy, safe and well designed. The directions, messages and announcements are in Korean and English, so there is no problem. On your first trip, stop at the ticket booth and ask for a map in English. I use a multi-ticket (10,000 won)which gives me about 1 week or more of trips.

About every popular destination in Seoul has a train stop so get a stored price ticket and zip anywhere through town.
Don't worry about the language bit. Every arrival will be announced in English and Korean. Signs are also written in English and Korean.
Also, if you are carrying a huge backpack like me, friendly , English-speaking Koreans will look out for you....
Some of my best interactions with the locals took place in the Korean tube. Yes, apart from being shoved in the peak hours and stumbling about like a spongy mad cow, I've learnt a thing or two about Korean culture here.
Most of the locals take the public transport here as it is cheaper to driving their own car. So, it's not surprising to see a well-dressed, businessman taking the tube and speaking to you in perfect American English. Secondly, most of them even know where tiny Singapore is, thanks to our Korean ChannelNewsAsia anchor, Susan Chung.
Take the Korean subway if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, also it is far easier to use, compared to the Tokyo tube.
As mentioned, do get a stored priced ticket if you intend to use the subway more than once. Not only does it save you time, you'll be spared of the indignity of coin-counting behind a cursing Korean queue. I paid 5,000won for a tiny orange ticket and it lasted me quite a while.
Oh yes, and grab one of those subway maps from the airport or visit the website to print out one for yourself. The yin-yang signs denote the inter-change stations.

The subway in Seoul seems very big and it is but it is very user friendly. Everything is in Korean & English. Subway is very cheap as well... about 700 Won. And you can walso walk. I think the best option to see the real Seoul is to walk. Even if you're lost that how you can find out different place and not just touristic place.

Somewhat similar to the Tokyo subway
system, just as efficient but at half Tokyo`s cost.

It is so easy to get around Seoul via the subway..most stops are only 700 won, a real bargain compared to Tokyo (at 160 yen) and NYC at $2).

For getting to the city from the airport, there are taxis, a fast subway service and several bus services including the frequent City Express and Airport Express. But but at peak times It would be to use the subway to avoid traffic delays.

Most economical method of travel in Seoul is by subway. During my travel (July 2003) the most expensive one-way subway fare was 800 won (Korean dollar) which translates into less than US 80 cents. Some pointers for those of you who are new to subways. If the subway line is end to end then the direction of travel is indicated by the destination at each end of the line. For those lines that travel in a circle (I'm sure you;ll figure this out) then the direction of travel is indicated by the next major exchange (where two or more subway lines intersect). Subways are clean and are used be majority of the city population so it is relatively safe.

The subway is great in Seoul. The trains are frequent, usually clean and it's easy to navigate your way around the subway system. You'll do a lot of stair climbing nadyou won't get a view, but you also won't get stuck in traffic.

Subway maps are available just about everywhere.