Seoul subway fares are calculated based on rail distance rather than the number of stations passed. Starting from the 10 km base fare, additional distance surcharges are applied incrementally for 10–50 km and beyond 50 km. This guide explains how to read the distance fare table and understand expected fares when searching routes.

Fare calculation starts with distance, not station count

Even if a trip spans only a few stations, the actual rail distance may exceed 10 km, and transfers follow integrated distance rules. Assuming a short station count always equals base fare can lead to surprises.

The practical approach is to check estimated fares in transit apps, then consult the official distance rules to see why extra charges were added. The fare table serves as a reference for understanding distance increments.

Adult card rules: 5 km and 8 km surcharge brackets

The adult base card fare is 1,550 KRW within 10 km. Between 10 km and 50 km, 100 KRW is added every 5 km. Beyond 50 km, 100 KRW is added every 8 km.

According to Seoul Metro tables, the adult card fare is 1,550 KRW up to 10 km, 1,650 KRW up to 15 km, and 1,750 KRW up to 20 km. These thresholds make it easy to see where increments occur.

Youth and child surcharge increments

Youth cards have a base fare of 900 KRW, adding 80 KRW every 5 km (10–50 km) and 80 KRW every 8 km (beyond 50 km). Child cards have a base fare of 550 KRW, adding 50 KRW per 5 km and 8 km interval.

For example, up to 15 km, youth fares become 980 KRW and child fares 600 KRW. Remember that registered cards must be used to receive these age-based increments.

Journeys exceeding 50 km

For long-distance travel, the 5 km bracket applies for the first 10–50 km, followed by 8 km brackets beyond 50 km. Trips extending outside the Seoul metropolitan boundary may include separate regional distance rules.

Long-distance regional transit involves multiple operators and routes. Check live route details and official operator tables for exact cross-boundary fares.

Single-journey card distance fares

Adult single-journey cards cost 100 KRW more than card fares across all distance brackets (e.g., 1,650 KRW up to 10 km, 1,750 KRW up to 15 km, 1,850 KRW up to 20 km).

Youth single tickets use adult single rates, while child single tickets match child card rates. Check ticket machine selections carefully when purchasing single tickets.

4 steps to calculate distance fares

Follow these four steps to break down your route fare into base, surcharge, and transfer components.

  • Search your complete route including departure, transfer, and destination stations
  • Select whether you will use a reusable card or single-journey ticket
  • Check applicable base and surcharge rates for your age group
  • Verify regional rail or bus transfer conditions with map apps on travel day

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Seoul subway fare increase after 10 km?

For adult transportation cards, 100 KRW is added every 5 km between 10–50 km, and 100 KRW every 8 km beyond 50 km.

Are Seoul subway fares based on the number of stations?

No. Fares are calculated based on cumulative rail distance, not the number of stations.

Does this table cover long-distance trips outside Seoul?

It covers standard metropolitan rail rules. Trips extending into outer regional networks may involve additional distance formulas.

Distance Fare Reference Source

Base fares and 5 km / 8 km surcharge tables are compiled from official Seoul Metro fare regulations.