Seoul Subway Fare Increase: Check New Fares from June 28, 2025!
Seoul Subway Fare Increase: Check New Fares from June 28, 2025!
Are you currently exploring Seoul, or planning a trip here soon? Then pay close attention to this! If you're someone who carefully plans your travel budget, there's a small change you shouldn't miss: the upcoming Seoul subway fare increase.
"Is ₩150 (about $0.11) really a big deal?" Maybe not on its own. But if you ride the subway multiple times a day throughout your trip, these small differences can add up to unexpected costs. To help you travel smart in Seoul, let's check the new subway fares taking effect from June 28, 2025, and plan your budget accordingly!
New Fares Starting June 28, 2025 (First Train)
The Seoul Metropolitan Government decided to increase fares due to rising public transport operating costs.
※ Exchange Rate as of June 23, 2025: 1 USD = ₩1390 KRW
This fare change applies not only to Seoul subway lines but also to all metropolitan railways, including those in Incheon, Gyeonggi Province, and Korail.
The Early Bird Discount fares will also be adjusted. If you're an early riser planning to start your day trips early, be sure to check these:
Understanding the Early Bird Discount
The Early Bird Discount offers a reduced fare for passengers who board the subway early in the morning.
- When it Applies: This discount applies when you first tap into the subway from the first train's departure time until 6:30 AM.
- Discount Rate: You get a 20% discount on the basic fare. (For example, the old adult fare of ₩1,400 (about $1.01) would be discounted to ₩1,120 (about $0.81)).
- Eligibility: It's available on all metropolitan railway lines when you pay with a transportation card (T-money, Cashbee, etc.). It does not apply to cash payments, single-use tickets, or regular passes.
- Transfers: If your first subway ride is before 6:30 AM, the discounted fare will continue to apply even if you transfer to another subway line afterward. However, if the subway is a transfer from another mode of transport (e.g., bus to subway), the early bird discount does not apply.
- For Adults, the Early Bird fare changes from ₩1,120 (about $0.81) to ₩1,240 (about $0.89).
- For Youth, it changes from ₩640 (about $0.46) to ₩720 (about $0.52).
- For Children, it changes from ₩400 (about $0.29) to ₩440 (about $0.32).
For example, if you ride the subway four times a day, you might spend an extra ₩600 (about $0.43) per day. Over a five-day trip, that could add up to ₩3,000 (about $2.16) more than you expected.
Smart Travel: Using Subway Passes to Save Money
By checking the updated subway fares and including them in your Seoul travel plans, you can enjoy a more fulfilling trip. Especially if you plan to use the subway frequently, considering these subway pass options can be a smart way to save on transportation costs.
1. Metropolitan M-Pass: Best for Extensive Public Transport Use!
- Overview: This is a special transportation pass for foreign tourists, allowing unlimited travel on Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi subway lines, Seoul city buses, and the Incheon Airport Railroad.
- Usage Limit: You can use public transport up to 20 times per day. If you exceed 20 rides, you'll need to pay extra.
- Types & Prices:
- 1-Day Pass: ₩15,000 (about $10.79) (or ₩12,000 (about $8.63) if bought after 5 PM)
- 2-Day Pass: ₩23,000 (about $16.55) (or ₩20,000 (about $14.39) after 5 PM)
- 3-Day Pass: ₩30,500 (about $21.94) (or ₩27,500 (about $19.78) after 5 PM)
- 5-Day Pass: ₩47,500 (about $34.17) (or ₩44,500 (about $32.01) after 5 PM)
- 7-Day Pass: ₩64,500 (about $46.40) (or ₩61,500 (about $44.24) after 5 PM)
- All passes include a ₩5,000 (about $3.60) card rental deposit. When you return the card, you'll get ₩4,500 (about $3.24) back (minus a ₩500 fee).
- Purchase & Return: You can buy and return the M-Pass at Incheon Airport, Seoul Station (Tmoney Town), and major subway stations. Any remaining T-money balance on the card will also be refunded upon return (if ₩500 or more).
- Other Benefits: It also offers discounts on admission to certain tourist spots like palaces and amusement parks.
2. Seoul Subway Short-Term Unlimited Pass ('Ttota GO'): Perfect for Subway-Only Travel!
- Overview: This short-term unlimited subway pass is operated by Seoul Metro and can be purchased by both locals and foreign visitors.
- Coverage: It allows unlimited rides on all Seoul Metro lines (Lines 1-9, Shinbundang Line, etc.) for the chosen period, with no limit on the number of rides.
- Types & Prices:
- 1-Day Pass: Approximately ₩5,600 (about $4.03)
- 3-Day Pass: Approximately ₩11,800 (about $8.49)
- Where to Buy: You can purchase this pass at customer service centers within major Seoul subway stations or from some vending machines.
- Key Feature: This pass is ideal if you plan to use only the Seoul subway intensively, as it does not include buses or the Airport Railroad.
