The subway drinking game is a group game in which players choose one line and take turns saying the next station name. Once the starting station and direction are set, one person says the start and the next says the following station. Missing a name or changing the order stops the turn. Time limits and forfeits differ by group, so agree on them before starting.
Decide three things before the first round
First decide the line, starting station and direction. Calling out only “Line 2!” can leave people imagining different parts of the map; on a loop line, an answer is ambiguous without a starting point.
Also decide whether players take turns clockwise or otherwise. Train direction and player-turn direction are separate: “Start at City Hall toward Chungjeongno; turns go to the right” is clear for everyone.
Each person says one station and continues the chain
The first player says the start, then the next player says the station that actually follows it on the line. In this site’s Seoul Line 2 order, City Hall is followed by Chungjeongno, then Ahyeon, then Ewha Womans University; do not skip intermediate stations.
Saying several names in advance or repeating one already said makes the next turn unclear. Keep a shared reference map available so an uncertain answer can be checked on the spot.
Time limits and forfeits belong to the group
There is no single official limit or correction rule. Beginners can allow a generous time limit and one pass; what matters is applying the agreed rule equally to every player.
The game also works without alcohol: points, applause or choosing the next starting station are enough. If alcohol is involved, offer non-drinking options and respect each person’s pace and safe trip home.
How to settle a disputed station
First recheck the line and direction currently in play. A transfer station appearing on several lines is not enough; it must be the station immediately after the previous player’s answer.
For a line with branches, decide before starting whether you follow the main line or a branch. Use one agreed reference consistently for that round.
Practise alone with the K Subway web game
Before the gathering, open the web typing game and choose Seoul Line 2 or a line in another city. Typing the displayed station names in order helps you see the flow and unfamiliar intermediate stops.
The web game displays the current station name and requires typing. It does not listen to spoken answers or test recall without clues. Afterward, hide the screen and say neighbouring stations to a friend, or write the next three names, to turn this into spoken practice.
Begin with a short segment
A very long line can leave new players behind. End a round after five correctly connected stations, then change the starting station for the next round.
When an answer is uncertain, check the agreed map and restart instead of extending the argument. Slow early rounds teach the rules and make later rounds more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
May players say stations in any order?
No. This version fixes a starting station and direction, then has players say one station at a time in real line order.
Do you have to drink alcohol?
No. Points or the right to choose the next start work as alcohol-free forfeits.
Does the K Subway web game judge spoken answers?
No. It displays station names for typing; players themselves judge the spoken game.
Rules and practice screen
Time limits and forfeits vary by group. These sources cover the spoken station-order game and the web game used to learn station order.