A Filipino's Guide to the Seoul Subway (How to Use T-money & Naver Maps)

At first glance, the Seoul subway map looks like a complicated bowl of colorful sotanghon . It can be intimidating! But I'll tell you a ...

At first glance, the Seoul subway map looks like a complicated bowl of colorful sotanghon. It can be intimidating! But I'll tell you a secret: it's the best, cleanest, and most efficient way to explore the city.

Think of it as our LRT/MRT, but on a massive scale and it always arrives on time.

As a Filipino who has navigated these lines for years, I can assure you that you can master it. You just need two essential tools: a T-money card and the Naver Maps app. This guide will show you how to use both like a pro.

Part 1: The T-money Card (Your "Beep Card" for Korea)

The T-money card is your all-in-one, reloadable card. It's your "Beep card," but you can use it for subways, buses, taxis, and even to pay at convenience stores (like GS25, CU, 7-Eleven).

Where to Buy Your T-money Card

• At Incheon Airport: This is the easiest. Buy one at any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) right in the arrivals hall.

• At Subway Stations: You can buy a card from the "Ticket Vending and Card Reload" machines.

• Cost: The card itself costs around ₩3,000 - ₩4,000 (about ₱130 - ₱180) and comes with no load.

How to Load (Reload) Your T-money Card

You can only load your card using cash (Korean Won).

1. At a Subway Machine:

   • Find the "Ticket Vending and Card Reload" machine.

   • Tap the "English" button.

   • Select the "Reloading the transit card" button (it has a T-money logo).

   • Place your T-money card on the charging pad.

   • Select the amount you want to add (e.g., ₩10,000).

   • Insert your cash (bills).

   • Wait a few seconds. The machine will confirm the new balance.

2. At a Convenience Store:

   • This is the easiest way. Just hand your card and your cash (e.g., a ₩10,000 bill) to the cashier.

   • You can say "Chung-je-hae juseyo" (Please charge) or simply say "T-money" and point. They'll understand.

How to Use the T-money Card (Tap In, Tap Out!)

This is the most important part.

• Tap to ENTER: When you go through the subway gantry, tap your card on the sensor (it says "T-money"). The screen will show the fare deducted and your remaining balance.

• Tap to EXIT: When you reach your destination, you must tap your card again at the exit gantry.

• Why? The fare is based on distance. If you don't tap out, the system can't tell where you got off and may charge you the maximum fare on your next trip.

• Transfers: When you tap out (subway) and tap in (bus) within 30 minutes, your transfer is free or heavily discounted! This only works if you tap out.

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Part 2: Naver Maps (Your "Google Maps" for Korea)

CRITICAL ADVICE: Google Maps does NOT work in South Korea for walking or transit directions.

Due to national security laws, Google cannot access full mapping data. It will not give you subway routes or walking paths. You MUST download a Korean app.

Your best choice is Naver Maps. It is the most English-friendly and accurate.

Why You Need Naver Maps

• It gives you the fastest subway route.

• It tells you which line and color to follow (e.g., "Line 4, Light Blue").

• It tells you the direction (e.g., "Bound for Myeongdong").

• It tells you the exit number (e.g., "Take Exit 3"). This is vital, as big stations can have over 10 exits.

How to Use Naver Maps for a Subway Trip

1. Make sure your app language is set to English.

2. In the search bar, type your destination (e.g., "Gyeongbokgung Palace").

3. Tap the "Transit" (bus/subway) icon.

4. It will show you the best route. For example, it will say:

   • Walk 3 min to Myeongdong Station.

   • Take Line 4 (Light Blue) towards Danggogae.

   • Go 2 stops to Chungmuro Station.

   • Transfer to Line 3 (Orange).

   • Go 4 stops to Gyeongbokgung Station.

   • Take Exit 5.

Follow these instructions exactly, and you will never get lost.

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Part 3: Pro-Tips for Pinoys

• Follow the Colors: The whole subway system is color-coded. If you're transferring to Line 2, just follow the Green signs.

• Look for the "Bound For" Sign: When you get to the platform, there will be two directions. The signs will show the final station on that line. Naver Maps will tell you which one to look for.

• Etiquette is Key:

  • Keep quiet. Talking loudly on the train is considered rude.

  • Line up. People queue at the doors. Let people get OFF the train before you get on.

  • Priority Seats: Do NOT sit in the special red or pink seats, even if they're empty. These are strictly for the elderly, pregnant, or disabled.

• Rush Hour: Like in Manila, it gets very crowded from 7:30-9:30 AM and 5:30-7:30 PM.

You're all set. The Seoul subway is your key to the city. With your T-money card in your wallet and Naver Maps on your phone, you're ready to explore.

• ➡️ Just Arrived? How to Get from Incheon Airport to Seoul

• ➡️ Back to the Main Guide: The Ultimate 2026 Korea Travel Guide for Filipinos

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