π Subway Survival in Korea: How to Ride Like a Local (and What Not to Do)
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| A digital illustration showing a crowded Seoul subway train, with passengers demonstrating good etiquette: backpacks worn on the front, empty pink seats reserved for pregnant women, and clearly marked priority seating for elderly and disabled riders |
Whether you're staying a few days or a few months in Seoul, you will ride the subway. It's the easiest, fastest, and most affordable way to get around the city. But more importantly, it's where you'll see Korean culture in action—quiet, efficient, and deeply considerate.
So before you hop on Line 2 or squeeze onto a rush-hour train, here are the essential things you need to know to ride the Seoul Metro like a local—and avoid those silent side-eyes from fellow passengers.
πΈ 1. Know Your Seats: Pink, Silver, and the Rest
Pink Seat (μμ°λΆ λ°°λ €μ)
You'll notice a single pink-colored seat at the end of many subway cars.
Reserved for pregnant women, even if no one is currently sitting there.
Locals avoid sitting here out of respect—even when the train is crowded.
Tip: Even if no one is using it, don't take the pink seat unless you're pregnant.
Silver Seats (λ Έμ½μμ)
Located at each end of every car.
Reserved for elderly, disabled, and pregnant passengers.
These are not just suggestions. Able-bodied people never sit here.
Regular Seats
Everything else is fair game. But note that most riders avoid sitting next to people when there are other empty rows—personal space matters.
π 2. Backpacks, Manners, and Silent Rules
Backpacks in Korea are serious business. Why? Because the subways are tightly packed, and a swinging backpack can bump into others easily.
What to do:
Wear your backpack on the front.
Or place it on the floor between your feet.
It's a small action, but Koreans will instantly recognize it as a sign of respect and awareness.
Other Unspoken Rules:
No talking on the phone (texts and silent scrolling are okay).
Keep your volume down, even when chatting with a friend.
Don’t eat (a small bottle of water is fine).
Headphones only (and please keep the sound low).
Don’t stare. Seriously, just don’t.
π 3. What to Say When You Can’t Get Off the Train
It happens: you're trapped between a sea of people and the door is closing. Here's what Koreans say to get through:
λ΄λ¦΄κ»μ! (Naerilkkeyo!) = "I'm getting off."
Say it politely but clearly.
Repeat if necessary, or gently tap a shoulder and say it again.
Extra Useful Phrase:
μ‘°μ©νν΄μ£ΌμΈμ (“Choyonghi-hae juseyo”) = "Excuse me / Please be considerate."
People will move once they hear these words.
π§ 4. Train Times, Transfers, and Apps You Need
First trains: Around 5:30am
Last trains: Around midnight (varies by line)
Use the Subway Korea app or Naver Map for real-time schedules and transfer options.
Tip: Some transfers (especially Line 9) require long walks. Budget 5–10 minutes.
Cost:
Base fare: ₩2,150 with a T-money card.
Transfers between subway lines are free, but bus-to-subway requires tapping again.
π§ 5. What Locals Think of Subway Behavior
To Koreans, the subway is not just transportation. It's a space for calm, quick movement and unspoken social harmony. Here's what might get you noticed (in a bad way):
Talking loudly or making phone calls.
Taking up more than one seat.
Not giving up your seat for someone elderly or injured.
Eating smelly food.
Standing too close when the train isn't full.
But on the flip side, small acts of politeness go a long way.
A bow of the head when passing through a crowd.
Offering your seat to someone who needs it more.
Moving quickly in and out to let others pass.
π Cultural Differences: What Foreigners Often Notice
| Culture Point | Korea | USA/UK/Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Talking on the subway | Generally silent | Common |
| Personal space | Highly respected | Varies widely |
| Priority seating | Strictly observed | Often ignored |
| Backpack etiquette | Wear in front / set on floor | Often worn on back |
| Phone use | Silent scrolling only | Streaming, calls |
π Quick Recap: DOs & DON'Ts
✅ DO:
Wear your backpack on the front
Give up seats for elderly, injured, or pregnant
Use polite phrases like “Naerilkkeyo”
Stay quiet and keep to yourself
❌ DON’T:
Talk loudly or eat
Sit in pink/silver seats if you don’t qualify
Push or shove—even during rush hour
π Related Articles
Did this guide help you understand the Seoul subway better? Leave a comment or share this with a fellow traveler heading to Korea! π
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