How to transfer to the Seoul subway: Check the next station/direction before checking the route

Please organize “destination, direction, and payment method” separately before transferring.

Before departure, save the departure station, transfer station, and arrival station in the map app, and write down the route number and direction you need to take after transferring in one line. Depending on whether your destination is right next to a transfer station or several stations later, the next station you will see on the platform sign will also vary, so it is a good idea to remember in advance the name of a station that is close to your destination.

Transferring isn't just about matching the route number. You must check at once the station you will get off at, the direction of the next train, the route you will take within the station, and whether you can continue to use the same transportation card. Especially if you have an appointment or are traveling on the last train, it is better to not just look at one recommended route in the map app, but also compare routes with different numbers of transfers and walking sections.

Fares and transfer rules should be read as actual travel conditions

Even when transferring between subways, you must check the balance of your transportation card and whether you have passed the ticket gate. Routes using transfer corridors within a station and movements out of a ticket gate may not be thought of in the same way, so be sure to check the route guidance until the end to see what it says.

The Seoul Transportation Corporation's fare guide also presents conditions such as use of transportation card, disembarkation tag, and authorized time for subway and bus transfers. Since the base fare and distance surcharge may vary depending on the route used and the type of bus, use this article as a guide to understanding the principle, and check the actual payment amount with the official information on the departure date and card usage history.

At large transfer stations, double check your directions.

When you arrive at the transfer station, first look for the next route number on the “Transfer” sign, and after getting down to the platform, check the destination and next station on the electronic display board. If there are trains on the same route arriving on both sides of the platform, it is faster and more reliable to see whether the next station sign leads in the direction of my destination rather than the destination name.

Immediately after getting off the train, rather than running with the flow of people, it is easier to get out of the way and check the line number, color, next station, and destination in order. At stations with long transfer corridors, you should not only look at the platform arrival time, but also include waiting time for the next train and walking time to the destination exit in your schedule.

Typical mistakes that ruin transfer discounts and travel time

It is dangerous to follow the path where many people are walking or to board the train only by looking at the color of the line. Especially on circular routes, branch lines, and sections where the terminal station is close, choosing the direction of the same route can greatly change the result, so check the name of the transfer station and the next direction again before getting off.

If the fare turns out to be higher than expected or you catch a train in the opposite direction, don't just rely on memory; check your card usage details, boarding/disembarking times, and current station. On days with construction, events, congestion, or train delays, your usual shortest route may not be the most convenient, so it's a good idea to save alternative transfer stations or other modes of transportation in advance.

Practical methods to apply to the day’s schedule

If this is your first time at a transfer station, rather than moving as soon as the train doors open, check the route map and ceiling sign in the center of the platform for 10 seconds. While moving, it is less confusing to confirm the direction of the next train first rather than “several exits” and to select the exit by reopening the destination address at the last arrival station.

If you need to transfer multiple times, it is safer to check only the next section after getting off each time, rather than trying to memorize everything on the first section. Since your phone's battery may be low or communication may be unstable, keep a note or capture of the departure station, transfer station, arrival station, destination address, and alternative means of transportation when the last train is close.

Pre-departure checklist

If you check the items below first, you can reduce time and fare variables in the transfer process. Actual train operation, station construction, elevator equipment status, and fares may change, so give priority to the station electronic display board and official information from the operating organization just before departure.

• Save the route number and direction to take after transferring
• Remember the name of the next station in the direction of your destination
• Check the exits of transfer and arrival stations separately.
• Check transportation card balance and mobile phone battery
• Use same-day electronic signs and station signs as the final standard.