How Seoul subway fares are calculated
The capital-area subway uses one distance-based fare system. With a transit card such as T-money, an adult pays ₩1,550 for the first 10 km. From 10 to 50 km, ₩100 is added for every 5 km, and beyond 50 km, ₩100 for every 8 km. A single-journey ticket costs ₩100 more than the card fare for adults and teens.
| Distance | Adult (card) | Teen (card) | Child (card) | Single ticket (adult/teen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 km | ₩1,550 | ₩900 | ₩550 | ₩1,650 |
| Up to 15 km | ₩1,650 | ₩980 | ₩600 | ₩1,750 |
| Up to 20 km | ₩1,750 | ₩1,060 | ₩650 | ₩1,850 |
| Up to 25 km | ₩1,850 | ₩1,140 | ₩700 | ₩1,950 |
| Up to 30 km | ₩1,950 | ₩1,220 | ₩750 | ₩2,050 |
Who rides free or cheaper
Children under 6 ride free (up to three per adult). Teens are 13–18, plus students aged 19–24 still in elementary to high school. Riders 65+ and people with disabilities ride free with a Korean ID card, which most tourists do not have.
Tips that save money
Use a card, not single tickets. Every adult ride is ₩100 cheaper. Tap out when you leave a bus: transfers between bus and subway within 30 minutes (60 minutes from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.) are counted as one trip, so you only pay extra for the added distance. Riding before 6:30 a.m. with a card gives a 20% early-bird discount on the base fare.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the subway in Seoul?
An adult pays ₩1,550 for up to 10 km with a T-money card. Longer rides add ₩100 per 5 km up to 50 km.
Is a single-journey ticket more expensive?
Yes. For adults and teens it costs ₩100 more than the card fare (teens pay the adult single-ticket price).
Do transfers between bus and subway cost extra?
Not if you tap your card when getting off and board the next vehicle within 30 minutes (60 minutes at night). You only pay for the extra distance.
Sources: Seoul Metro — Fare information (운임안내). Last checked: 2026-10-09