Seoul Metropolitan Subway

{{Short description|Railway system in South Korea}}

{{Multiple issues|

{{More citations needed|date=January 2022}}

{{Expand Korean|date=September 2021|topic=transp}}

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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}

{{Infobox public transit

| name = Seoul Metropolitan Subway

| image = Seoul-metro-2009-20180916-103548.jpg

| imagesize = 300px

| caption = Seoul Metro 2000 series train on Line 2

| native_name = 수도권 전철 / 首都圈電鐵
Romanizations see box below

| owner = Government of South Korea, Seoul Metropolitan Government, Incheon Metropolitan City, Bucheon City, Uijeongbu City, Yongin City

| area served =

| locale = Seoul Metropolitan Area

| transit_type = Rapid transit, Commuter rail

| lines = 23

| line_number =

| start =

| end =

| stations = 768

| ridership =

| annual_ridership = 1.91 billion (2017, Lines 1-9, Seoul Subway){{Cite web|url=http://www.seoulmetro.co.kr/kr/board.do?menuIdx=548|title=자료실 : 알림마당>자료실>자료실|website=www.seoulmetro.co.kr}}
1.16 billion (2017, Korail){{cite web|script-title=ko:수송현황 - 통계 - 량|language=ko|trans-title=Transportation status - statistics - volume |url=http://info.korail.com/mbs/www/subview.jsp?id=www_020203010000|website=Korail|archive-date=14 November 2021|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114195731/http://info.korail.com/mbs/www/subview.jsp?id=www_020203010000}}

| chief_executive =

| website =

| began_operation = {{Start date and age|df=y|1974|08|15}}

| operator = Seoul Metro, Korail, Incheon Transit Corporation, and private rapid transit operators

| marks =

| character =

| vehicles =

| system_length = {{convert|1302.2|km|mi|abbr=on}} (all lines)

| track_gauge = {{Track gauge|sg|allk=on}}

| el =

| map = 250px

| map_state =

}}

{{Infobox Korean name

|context = south

|hangul = 수도권 전철

|hanja = 首都圈 電鐵

|rr = Sudogwon Jeoncheol

|mr = Sudokwŏn Chŏnch'ŏl

}}

The Seoul Metropolitan Subway ({{Korean|hangul=수도권 전철}}) is a metropolitan railway system consisting of 23 rapid transit, light metro, commuter rail and people mover lines located in northwest South Korea. The system serves most of the Seoul Metropolitan Area including the Incheon metropolis and satellite cities in Gyeonggi province. Some regional lines in the network stretch out beyond the Seoul Metropolitan Area to rural areas in northern Chungnam province and western Gangwon Province, that lie over {{Cvt|100|km}} away from the capital.[http://www.korail.com/file/statistics/2012/2012-04.pdf 2012 Korail Statistics] See p.400 for Seoul Metropolitan Subway (수도권 전철). {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227072212/http://www.korail.com/file/statistics/2012/2012-04.pdf |date=27 February 2014 }}

The network consists of multiple systems that form a larger, coherent system. These being the Seoul Metro proper, consisting of Seoul Metro lines 1 through 9 and certain light rail lines, that serves Seoul city proper and its surroundings; Korail regional rail lines, which serve the greater metropolitan region and beyond; Incheon Metro lines, operated by Incheon Transit Corporation, that serve Incheon city proper; and miscellaneous light rail lines, such as Gimpo Goldline and Yongin Everline, that connect lower-density areas of their respective cities to the rest of the network.{{Cite web|url=http://mltm.go.kr/USR/policyData/m_34681/dtl.jsp?id=422|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425051744/http://mltm.go.kr/USR/policyData/m_34681/dtl.jsp?id=422|url-status=dead|title=Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs of South Korea: Definition of Urban Rail and Wide-area Rail|archive-date=25 April 2012}} Most of the system is operated by three companies – Seoul Metro, Korail (Korea Railroad Corporation), and Incheon Metro – with the rest being operated by an assortment of local municipal corporations and private rail companies.

Its first metro line, Line 1, started construction in 1971 and began operations in 1974, with through-operation to Korail's suburban railways. As of 2022, the network has {{convert|331.5|km|mi|abbr=on}} of track on lines 1–9 alone.

Most of the trains were built by Hyundai Rotem, South Korea's leading train manufacturer.

Overview

The first line of the Seoul Subway network started construction in 1971.{{cite web|url=http://futureheritage.seoul.go.kr/web/investigate/HeritageView.do?htId=1503&pageIdx=41&rowsPerPage=8&searchGu=&searchBunya=&searchGubun=&searchContents=&searchCategory=|title=서울 지하철 1호선|publisher=Seoul Metropolitan Government|access-date=25 August 2015|language=ko}} The first section of subway was built using the cheaper cut and cover construction method. Initial lines relied heavily on Japanese technology, and subsequent lines (until the early-2000s) procured technological imports from Japan and the United Kingdom (in particular, GEC Traction equipment used on wide-width Lines 2, 3 and 4 rolling stock from the 1980s).{{Cite web|date=31 July 2015|title=[Metro] Construction of the Seoul Metro – the Driver behind Sustainable Urban Growth & Change|url=https://www.seoulsolution.kr/en/content/metro-construction-seoul-metro-%E2%80%93-driver-behind-sustainable-urban-growth-change|access-date=27 July 2020|website=서울아카이브 Seoul Solution|language=en}} For example, Line 1 opened in 1974 with through services joining surrounding Korail suburban railway lines influenced by the Tokyo subway.{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2011/02/117_81284.html|title=Seoul's first subway line opened in 1974|work=The Korea Times|access-date=25 July 2014|date=13 February 2011}} Today, many of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway's lines are operated by Korail, South Korea's national rail operator.{{cite web |title=Introducing Korail |url=http://www.korail.com/ |publisher=Korail |access-date=23 February 2014}}

The subway has free WiFi accessible in all stations and trains.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-22010533 |title=Underground world: Seoul's 'super highway' v London's 'rude tube' |newspaper=BBC News |date=3 April 2013 |access-date=12 July 2013}} All stations have platform screen doors. These safety doors were completed by 2017, however many stations previously had metal barriers installed decades beforehand.{{cite web|url=http://cafe.naver.com/smartvip/93554|title=대중교통 커뮤니티 - SBM (철도, 버스 이용자들의 공간) : 네이버 카페|website=cafe.naver.com|access-date=27 March 2018}} The world's first virtual mart for smartphone users opened at Seolleung station in 2011.

All directional signs in the system are written in Korean using Hangul, as well as English and Katakana/Chinese characters for Japanese and Mandarin Chinese. However the maps on the walls are in Korean and English only. In the trains, there are in addition many LCD screens giving service announcements, upcoming stop names, YTN news, stock prices and animated shorts. There are also prerecorded voice announcements that give the upcoming station, any possible line transfer, and the exiting side in Korean, followed by English. At major stations, this is followed by Japanese, then Mandarin Chinese, as well.{{cite web |title=Seoul Metropolitan Subway |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/seoul-metro/ |website=Railway Technology |access-date=16 June 2022}}

Seoul Subway uses full-color LCD screens at all stations to display real-time subway arrival times, which are also available on apps for smartphones.{{cite web |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.imagedrome.jihachul&hl=en |title=Subway Korea - Android Apps on Google Play |author=Malang Studio Co. Ltd |work=google.com}} Most trains have digital TV screens, and all of them have air conditioning and climate controlled seats installed that are automatically heated in the winter. In 2014, it became the world's first metro operator to use transparent displays for ads when it installed 48 transparent displays on major stations of Line 2 in Gangnam District.{{cite news |url=http://www.etnews.com/20150313000128 |title=낙후한 지하철 1~4호선, 첨단 디스플레이 기술로 새단장 나선다 |work=etnews |language=ko |trans-title=1-4 outdated subway line, state-of-the-art display technology sets out renovation |date=15 March 2015 |access-date=21 April 2015}}

All lines use the T-money smart payment system using RFID and NFC technology for automatic payment by T-money smart cards, smartphones, or credit cards and one can transfer to any of the other line within the system for free.With the exception of AREX on Yeongjong Island (extra charge applied depending on distance) and Shinbundang Line (extra charge of 500~1900 KRW depending on the sections used). EverLine and U Line will allow free transfers from 2014.

Trains on numbered lines and light rail lines generally run on the right-hand track, while trains on the named heavy-rail lines (e.g. Shinbundang Line, Suin–Bundang Line, and AREX) run on the left-hand track. The exceptions are the trains on Line 1, as well as those on Line 4 south of Namtaeryeong station. These lines run on the left-hand track because these rail lines are government-owned via Korail or through-run to government-owned lines and follow a different standard to the metro, one that is followed by all national rail lines (with the exception of the otherwise self-contained Ilsan Line) because much of the Korean Peninsula's early rail network was constructed during Japanese rule.{{cite news |url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=110&oid=021&aid=0000149835 |title=<오후여담>좌측통행 |author=문화일보 [Munhwailbo] |work=Naver |publisher=Naver Corp. |language=ko |trans-title= left side of the road |date=16 May 2006 |access-date=21 April 2015}}

History

Line 1, from Seongbuk station to Incheon station and Suwon station, opened on 15 August 1974. On 9 December 1978, the Yongsan-Cheongnyangni line via Wangsimni (now part of the Jungang Line) was added to Line 1. Line 2 opened on 10 October 1980. Line 4 opened on 20 April 1985, and

Line 3 on 12 July. On 1 April 1994, the Indeogwon-Namtaeryeong extension of Line 4 opened. The Bundang Line, from Suseo station to Ori station, opened on 1 September. On 15 November 1995, Line 5 opened. The Jichuk-Daehwa extension of Line 3 opened on 30 January 1996. On 20 March, the Kkachisan-Sindorim extension of Line 2 opened. Line 7 opened on 11 October, and Line 8 on 23 November. On 6 October 1999, Incheon Subway Line 1 opened.

Seoul Subway Line 6 opened on 7 August 2000. In 2004 the fare system reverted to charging by distance, and free bus transfers were introduced. The Byeongjeom-Cheonan extension of Line 1 opened on 20 January 2005. On 16 December, the Jungang Line from Yongsan station to Deokso station opened. The Uijeongbu-Soyosan extension of Line 1 opened and shuttle service from Yongsan station to Gwangmyeong station began (with the route now shortened from Yeongdeungpo to Gwangmyeong) on 15 December 2006. On 23 March 2007, AREX opened.{{cite web |date=2007-03-21 |title=Incheon-Gimpo Airports Train to Open Friday |url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2007/03/21/2007032161019.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826115720/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2007/03/21/2007032161019.html |archive-date=2014-08-26 |access-date=2014-08-23 |publisher=The Chosun Ilbo}} The Deokso-Paldang extension of the Jungang Line opened on 27 December. On 15 December 2008, the Cheonan-Sinchang extension of Line 1 opened. The magnetic paper ticket changed to an RFID-based card on 1 May 2009. On 1 July the Gyeongui Line from Seoul Station to Munsan station opened, and on 24 July Line 9 from Gaehwa station to Sinnonhyeon station opened.

The Byeongjeom-Seodongtan extension of Line 1 opened on 26 February 2010, and the Gyeongchun Line opened on 21 December. On 28 October 2011, the Shinbundang Line from Gangnam station to Jeongja station opened. The Suin Line, from Oido station to Songdo station, opened on 30 June 2012. The U Line opened on 1 July, the Onsu-Bupyeong-gu Office extension of Line 7 on 27 October and the Gongdeok-Gajwa extension of the Gyeongui Line on 15 December, and on 26 April 2013, EverLine opened. On 27 December 2014, the Gyeongui Line was extended to Yongsan and started through running to the Jungang Line, forming the Gyeongui–Jungang Line. The Sinnonhyeon-Sports Complex extension of Line 9 opened on 28 March 2015. On 30 January 2016 the Jeongja-Gwanggyo extension of the Shinbundang Line opened, followed by the Songdo-Incheon extension of the Suin Line on 27 February. Incheon Subway Line 2 opened on 30 July, and the Gyeonggang Line on 24 September. The Gyeongui–Jungang Line is extended one station east to Jipyeong station on 21 January 2017, with 4 round trips to Jipyeong station. On 16 June 2018 the Seohae Line opened. Magongnaru station on Line 9 became an interchange station with AREX on 29 September 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.edaily.co.kr/news/news_detail.asp?newsId=02532166615865944&mediaCodeNo=257|title=내년 지하철 9호선 마곡나루역 급행역사로 전환|date=22 March 2017|website=이데일리|access-date=27 March 2018}} Bundang line was extended northeastward to Cheongnyangni station, allowing for connections to the Gyeongchun Line and regional rail services on 31 December 2018. On 28 September 2019, the Gimpo Goldline opened.{{Cite web|url=https://www.railjournal.com/regions/asia/seoul-gimpo-gold-line-automated-light-metro-opens/|title = Seoul Gimpo Gold Line automated light metro opens|date = 30 September 2019}} On 12 September 2020, the Suin Line extension between Hanyang Univ. at Ansan and Suwon, beginning the interlining with Line 4 between Oido and Hanyang Univ. at Ansan, as well as through-running with the Bundang Line to form the Suin–Bundang Line.{{Cite web |date=2020-09-13 |title='추억의 꼬마열차' 수인선 수도권 남서지역 다시 누빈다 |url=http://www.seoulilbo.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=434863 |access-date=2022-10-08 |website=서울일보 |language=ko}} On May 24, 2022, the Sillim Line opened, becoming the newest addition to the Seoul Metropolitan Subway.{{Cite web |last=Burroughs |first=David |date=2022-06-07 |title=Seoul's Sillim Line rubber-tyred metro opens |url=https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/metros/seouls-sillim-line-rubber-tyred-metro-opens/ |access-date=2022-10-08 |website=International Railway Journal |language=en-GB}}

Lines and branches

The system is organized such that numbered lines, with some exceptions, are considered as urban rapid transit lines located within the Seoul Metropolitan Area, whereas wide-area commuter lines operated by Korail provide a metro-like commuter rail service that usually extends far beyond the boundaries of the metropolitan area, rather similar to the RER in Paris. The AREX is an airport rail link that links Incheon International Airport and Gimpo Airport to central Seoul, and offers both express service directly to Incheon International Airport and all-stop commuter service for people living along the vicinity of the line. While operating hours may vary depending on the line and station in question, the Seoul Metropolitan Subway generally operates every day from 5.30 a.m. until midnight,https://english.visitseoul.net/transportation with some lines operated by Seoul Metro ending services around 1 a.m. on weekdays.https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2022/05/29/national/socialAffairs/Korea-subway-Seoul/20220529174025996.html

File:Seoul_subway_linemap_en.svg

class="wikitable sortable"
style="width:100pt;"| Line name

! style="width:350pt;" colspan=2| Terminus (Ascending / Descending)

! style="width:50pt;"| Stations

!Color

! style="width:50pt;" | Total length

! style="width:50pt;"| Opening Year

! style="width:50pt;"| Last Extension

! style="width:175pt;"| Operator

! style="width:175pt;"| Owner

style="text-align:center"| {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway

|line=1|inline=yes}}

| Yeoncheon / {{stn|Uijeongbu}} / {{stn|Kwangwoon University}} / {{stn|Yeongdeungpo}}

| Incheon / Sinchang / Gwangmyeong / Seodongtan

| 102Of which 92 are operated by Korail and 10 by Seoul Metro.

|Dark blue

| 218.3 km{{cite web|url=http://info.korail.com/mbs/english/subview.jsp?id=english_050202000000|title=Metro Lines & Trains in Operation|publisher=Korail|access-date=25 July 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://infra.seoul.go.kr/archives/1092 |script-title=ko:지하철건설현황 |publisher=Seoul City Government |language=ko |trans-title=Status of Subway Construction |access-date=22 February 2014}}Of which 210.5 km is operated by Korail and 7.8 km by Seoul Metro.

| 1974

| 2023

| Korail / Seoul Metro

| Government of South Korea / Seoul Metropolitan Government

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=2|inline=yes}}

| City Hall / Seongsu / Sindorim

| City Hall / Sinseol-dong / Kkachisan

| 51

|Green

| 60.2 km {{Obsolete source|reason=Page does not load|date=May 2021}}

| 1980

| 1996

| Seoul Metro

| Seoul Metropolitan Government

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=3|inline=yes}}

| Daehwa

| Ogeum

| 44Of which 10 are operated by Korail and 34 by Seoul Metro.

|Orange

| 57.4 kmOf which 19.2 km is operated by Korail and 38.2 km by Seoul Metro.

| 1985

| 2010

| rowspan=1| Korail / Seoul Metro

| rowspan="2" | Government of South Korea / Seoul Metropolitan Government

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=4|inline=yes}}

| Jinjeop

| Oido

| 51Of which 25 are operated by Korail and 26 by Seoul Metro.

|Azure/Blue

| 85.7 kmOf which 40.4 km is operated by Korail and 45.3 km by Seoul Metro.

| 1985

| 2022

| rowspan=1| Korail / Seoul Metro / Namyangju City Urban Corporation

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=5|inline=yes}}

| Banghwa

| Hanam Geomdansan / Macheon

| 56

|Purple/Violet

| 63.0 km

| 1995

| 2021

| rowspan=2| Seoul Metro

| rowspan="2" | Seoul Metropolitan Government

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=6|inline=yes}}

| Eungam

| Sinnae

| 39

|Ocher{{Cite web |title=자료실 : 알림마당>자료실>자료실 |url=http://www.seoulmetro.co.kr/kr/board.do?menuIdx=548&bbsIdx=2207411 |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=www.seoulmetro.co.kr}}

| 36.4 km

| 2000

| 2019

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=7|inline=yes}}

| Jangam

| Seongnam

| 53

| Olive green

| 60.1 km

| 1996

| 2021

| Seoul Metro / Incheon Transit Corporation

| Seoul Metropolitan Government / Bucheon City Council / Incheon Metropolitan City Council

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=8|inline=yes}}

| Byeollae

| Moran

| 24

|Pink/Rose

| 31.1 km

| 1996

| 2024

| Seoul Metro

| rowspan="2" | Seoul Metropolitan Government

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=9|inline=yes}}

| Gaehwa / {{stn|Gimpo International Airport}}While Gaehwa is the official terminus, express trains only run to Gimpo International Airport station

| VHS Medical Center

| 38

|Gold

| 40.6 km

| 2009

| 2018

| Seoul Metro Line 9 Corporation / Seoul Metro

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=AREX|inline=yes}}

| Seoul Station

| Incheon Int'l Airport Terminal 2

| 14

| Sea blue

| 63.8 km

| 2007

| 2018

| Airport Railroad Co., Ltd.

| rowspan="4" | Government of South Korea

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=Gyeongjung|inline=yes}}

| Dorasan / {{stn|Imjingang}} / {{stn|Munsan}}

| Jipyeong / Seoul Station

| 57

| Jade

| 137.8 km{{cite web|url=http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/670732.html|title=Southern portion of inter-Korean railway to reopen|date=25 December 2014|publisher=The Hankyoreh|access-date=25 August 2015}}

| 2005

| 2021

| rowspan="3" | Korail

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=Gyeongchun|inline=yes}}

| {{stn|Sangbong}} / Cheongnyangni / Kwangwoon Univ.Most trains run until Sangbong, very few trains operate to Kwangwoon Univ. and a few trains run to Cheongnyangni (However, express trains always go to Cheongnyangni)

| Chuncheon

| 24

|Teal

| 81.3 km

| 2010

| 2016

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=Suin–Bundang|inline=yes}}

| {{stn|Wangsimni}} / CheongnyangniMost trains run until Wangsimni and a few trains run to Cheongnyangni

| Incheon

| 63

| Yellow

| 104.6 km{{cite web|url=http://kojects.com/2013/11/30/final-bundang-line-extension/|title=Final Bundang Line Extension Opens|publisher=Kojects|access-date=26 August 2014|date=30 November 2013}}

| 1994

| 2020

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=Ui|inline=yes}}

| Sinseol-dong

| Bukhansan Ui

| 15

| Light Lime

| 11.4 km{{cite web|url=http://www.ui-line.com/html/comIntro/comIntro03/comIntro_03_00.php|title=우이신설도시철도에 오신결 환영합니다.|website=www.ui-line.com|access-date=27 March 2018}}

| 2017

| {{sort dash}}

| UiTrans LRT Co., Ltd.

| rowspan="2" | Seoul Metropolitan Government

style="text-align:center;" | {{rail color box| system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway| line=Sillim|inline=yes}}

| Saetgang

| Gwanaksan

| 11

| Seoul Sky blue

| 7.8 km

| 2022

| {{sort dash}}

| South Seoul LRT Co., Ltd.

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=Shinbundang|inline=yes}}

| Sinsa

| Gwanggyo

| 16

| Red

| 33.4 km{{cite web|url=http://www.shinbundang.co.kr/index.jsp?pageID=/dxline/dxline7_1.jsp&open_main=1&open_sub1=8&open_sub2=0|title=무인운전 시스템의 장점|publisher=Shinbundang Line & NeoTrans|language=ko|access-date=25 July 2014}}

| 2011

| 2022

| Shinbundang Railroad Corporation / Gyeonggi Railroad Co., Ltd. / New Seoul Railroad Co., Ltd. / Neo Trans

| Government of South Korea

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Incheon Subway|line=1|inline=yes}}

| Gyeyang

| Songdo Moonlight Festival Park

| 30

| Light blue

| 30.3 km

| 1999

| 2020

| rowspan="2" | Incheon Transit Corporation

| rowspan="2" | Incheon Metropolitan City Council

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Incheon Subway|line=2|inline=yes}}

| Geomdan Oryu

| Unyeon

| 27

| Light orange

| 29.1 km

| 2016

| {{sort dash}}

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=Everline|inline=yes}}

| Giheung

| Jeondae·Everland

| 15

|Green

| 18.1 km{{cite web|url=http://www.ever-line.co.kr/everline/bbs/content.php?co_id=everline|title=노선안내|publisher=Yongin Rapid Transit Corporation|access-date=25 July 2014|language=ko|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810222755/http://www.ever-line.co.kr/everline/bbs/content.php?co_id=everline|archive-date=10 August 2014}}

| 2013

| {{sort dash}}

| Yongin EverLine Co., Ltd. / Neo Trans

| Yongin City Council

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=U|inline=yes}}

| Balgok

| Depot Temporary Platform

| 16

|Amber

| 11.3 km{{cite web|url=https://www.ulrt.co.kr/intro/intro_09.do|title=사업개요|publisher=Uijeongbu LRT Corporation|access-date=25 July 2014|language=ko|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102002906/https://www.ulrt.co.kr/intro/intro_09.do|archive-date=2 November 2014}}

| 2012

| 2021

| Uijeongbu Light Rail Transit Co., Ltd

| Uijeongbu City Council

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=Gyeonggang|inline=yes}}

| Pangyo

| Yeoju

| 11

| Korail blue

| 54.8 km

| 2016

| {{sort dash}}

| Korail

| rowspan="2" | Government of South Korea

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=Seohae|inline=yes}}

| Ilsan

| Wonsi

| 21

|Lime

| 47 km

| 2018

| 2023

| Korail / SEO HAE RAIL CO.,LTD. (Subsidiary of Seoul Metro) / ERAIL Co., Ltd.

style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=Gimpo Goldline|inline=yes}}

| Gimpo International Airport

| Yangchon

| 10

|Gold

| 23.7 km

| 2019

| {{sort dash}}

| GIMPO Goldline Co., Ltd. (Subsidiary of Seoul Metro)

| Gimpo City Council

rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=GTX-A|inline=yes}}

| Suseo

| Dongtan

| 4

| rowspan="2" |Purple/Violet

| 32.8 km

| 2024

| {{sort dash}}

| rowspan="2" | :ko:지티엑스에이운영 (Subsidiary of Seoul Metro)

| rowspan="2" | Government of South Korea

Unjeongjungang

|Seoul

|5

|33.0 km

|2024

|2024

Rolling stock

{{Main|Seoul Metropolitan Subway rolling stock}}

Fares and ticketing

File:Ticket Vending and Card Reload Machine - Seoul Metropolitan Subway 20240713.jpg, Incheon]]

File:T-money card.jpg smart card]]

File:Turnstiles of the Seoul Subway 2001.jpg

The Seoul Metropolitan Subway system operates on a unified transportation fare system, meaning that subways and buses in Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province are treated as one system when it comes to fares. For example, a subway rider can transfer to any other line for free (with the exception of Shinbundang Line, EverLine and U Line, the latter two adding a flat charge of 200 and 300 won respectively). One can also transfer to any Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi-do, or some South Chungcheong Province city buses for free and get discounted fares on the more expensive express buses.{{Cite web |last=신 |first=진호 |date=2022-01-02 |title=수도권 전철과 천안·아산 시내버스 '무료 환승'...알뜰교통카드 나왔다 |url=https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/25037472 |access-date=2022-10-10 |website=JoongAng Ilbo |language=ko}}

In the case of Shinbundang Line, charges vary depending on the section used. The Sinsa - Gangnam section always charges 500 won, while the Gangnam - Jeongja section or the Jeongja - Gwanggyo section charges 1,000 won when used alone, and 1,400 altogether when used in conjunction with another. In total, the maximum added fee one can be charged is 1,900 won, which can be achieved by using all three sections.{{Cite web |title=신분당선 운임안내 |trans-title=Sinbundang Line Fare Information |url=https://www.shinbundang.co.kr/dxline/dxline4_1.jsp |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=DX Line |language=Korean}}

From 1974 until 1985, the subway's fare system was distance-based and Edmondson railway tickets, originally introduced for the Korean railways during Japanese rule, were used for fare validation. In 1985, the fare system changed to a zone-based system and magnetic-stripe paper tickets were introduced to replace the Edmondson system.

In 1996, the Seoul Metropolitan Subway became the first subway system in the world to roll out contactless smart cards, called Upass, for fare validation. These cards were issued up till October 2014, when they were discontinued in favour of the newer T-money cards.

Currently, the fare system is distance-based and accepted payment methods are single-use tickets, transportation cards including T-money and Cash Bee. Transportation cards can also be used on buses, taxis, convenience stores and many other popular retail places. Riders must tap in with a smartphone (KakaoPay and Samsung Pay/Wallet only), contactless-equipped credit or debit cards or other prepaid metro card at the entry gates. Popular methods of payments are using NFC-enabled Android smartphones (topped up or billed to the owner's credit/debit card via the T-money app) or credit or check (debit) cards with built-in RFID technology issued by the bank or card company.

The current single-use ticket is a credit card-sized plastic card with RFID technology, which can be obtained from automated machines in every subway station. A 500 won deposit fee is included in the price, and is refunded when the ticket is returned at any station. Multiple use cards are sold in convenience stores and the functionality is included in many credit/debit cards.

Fares (except for single-use tickets) are currently 1,400 won for a trip up to 10 km (6.2 mi), with 100 won added for each subsequent 5 km (3.1 mi). Once 50 km (31.1 mi) has been passed, 100 won will be added every 8 km (5.0 mi).{{cite web |url=http://www.seoulmetro.co.kr/en/page.do?menuIdx=348 |title=User Guide > Fare|website=Seoul Metropolitan Subway |access-date=15 November 2023 }} Single-use ticket users must pay RFID deposit 500 won plus 100 won surcharge to fare.

Half-priced children's tickets are available. The city government also uses Seoul Citypass as a transportation card. Senior citizens and disabled people qualify for free transit and can get a free ticket with a valid ID card or enter with a registered transportation card without having the fare deducted.

International travelers can also use a Metropolitan Pass (MPASS) which provides up to 20 trips per day during the prepaid duration of 1 day to 7 days. Depending on where you purchase the card, the service is limited to the Seoul metropolitan area or Jeju Island and does not work in taxis or certain convenience stores.{{cite web |url= http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TRP/TP_ENG_8_1_2.jsp |title= Exclusive Tourist Cards |date= 2 August 2018 |website=Korea Tourism Organization |access-date= 26 November 2018 }}{{cite web |url= https://www.t-money.co.kr/ncs/pct/tmnyintd/ReadFrgnMpassEngIntd.dev |title= Tmoney Only for Foreigners: We would like to introduce Tmoney for Foreign Tourists. |website= T-Money |access-date= 26 November 2018 }}

Accidents and incidents

On 2 May 2014, two subway trains collided along Seoul Subway Line 2 at Sangwangsimni station, injuring 170 people.{{Cite web |date=2 May 2014 |title=South Korea subway crash injures dozens in Seoul |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27250961 |access-date=25 March 2025 |website=BBC}}

On 23 March 2025, a Line 2 train derailed after colliding with a buffer while departing from a depot at Sindorim Station. No injuries were reported.{{Cite web |date=23 March 2025 |title=Seoul subway train derailed; no injuries reported |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10447772 |access-date=22 March 2025 |website=The Korea Herald}}

Current construction

=Opening 2025=

=Opening 2026=

=Opening 2027=

=Opening 2028=

=Opening 2029 or later=

Approved for construction

The following lines have not started construction, but are considered to be approved after their plans and their financing have been finalized. Most of these lines are scheduled to start construction in the next couple of years.

  • The Daejang-Hongdae Line will be a medium capacity line between Hongik University Station and Daejang Station in the city of Bucheon, scheduled to begin construction in 2024. The line will have a length of 20.1km and 12 stations
  • The Wirye–Sinsa Line, a light metro line in southeastern Seoul, will open between Sinsa station and Wirye with 11 stations planned.{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspim.com/news/view/20181025000678|title=위례신사선 민자사업, 추진 확정..2021년께 착공 예상|date=25 October 2018|website=NewsPim}} Construction has been delayed due to issues with the contractors.
  • Line 9 will also be further extended to the East, with 6 new stations, from Ogeum station to Hanam City Hall station, for a length of 11.7km. Completion is planned for 2032.
  • The Shinbundang Line will be extended north from Sinsa station to Yongsan station, with 3 new stations over 5.3 km. Construction will begin in 2026 for a completion in 2032, upon the completion of the transfer of ownership of the Yongsan Garrison to the Korean government.
  • The Seobu Line is a new light metro line, which will have a length of 18 km and go through 16 stations, starting at Gwanaksan station, which is also the last station of the Sillim Line, and then go North-West across the Han River and up to Saejeol station on Line 6. Construction will begin in 2025.
  • Myeonmok Line is a light metro in the northeastern area of Seoul running between Cheongnyangni station and Sinnae station with 12 stations and connections to the Gyeongchun Line and Line 6.{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspim.com/news/view/20190220000284|title=[서울 도시철도망] 면목선, 동대문·중랑 상습정체 구간 해소|date=20 February 2019|website=NewsPim}} The line was approved in June 2024.
  • Dongtan Metro is a set of 2 tramway lines, which will be part of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway, under the names Dongtan Line 1 and Dongtan Line 2, with both lines connecting at Dongtan Station. Dongtan Line 1 will have 17 stations over 16.9km, while Dongtan Line 2 will have 19 stations over 15.5km. Construction will begin in early 2025 for an opening by December 2027.
  • The Ui LRT will have a new Northern branch, starting from Solbat Park Station, and reaching Banghak Station on Line 1, for a length of 3.5km and 3 new stations. Construction will begin in 2025 for a completion in 2031.
  • Line 3 will be extended to the East, with 8 new stations across the Han river and northwards from Saemteo Park station to Pungyang station, for a length of 17.4km. Construction should begin in 2025 for completion in 2031.

Planned

= Seoul City =

The Seoul Metropolitan government published a ten-year plan for expansion of the subway with the following projects under consideration.{{Cite web|url=http://www.etoday.co.kr/news/section/newsview.php?idxno=1724399|title=[서울 도시철도망]강북횡단선 등 경전철 6개 노선 신설…서울 교통지도 바뀐다|date=20 February 2019|website=이투데이}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.arirang.com/News/News_View.asp?nseq=231945|title=News View :: The World on Arirang}}

  • Gangbukhoengdan Line, a new line running in an arc north of Seoul between Cheongnyangni station and Mok-dong station with 19 stations planned. The line will provide transfers to Lines 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, AREX, Gyeongui–Jungang, Gyeongchun, Bundang and Ui line.{{Cite web|url=http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2019/02/20/2019022001204.html|title=2028년까지 목동~청량리 잇는 강북횡단선 등 경전철 6개 노선 신설|date=20 February 2019|website=The Chosun Ilbo}}
  • Ui LRT will open a branch line from Solbat Park station to Banghak station on Line 1, the extension will open with 3 stations.{{Cite web|url=http://www.womancs.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=50151|title=우이신설역 연장 추진 확정, 솔밭공원~방학역 연결|website=우먼컨슈머|date=21 February 2019}}
  • Myeonmok Line is a light metro in the northeastern area of Seoul running between Cheongnyangni station and Sinnae station with 12 stations and connections to the Gyeongchun Line and Line 6.{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspim.com/news/view/20190220000284|title=[서울 도시철도망] 면목선, 동대문·중랑 상습정체 구간 해소|date=20 February 2019|website=NewsPim}}
  • Nangok Line is a branch of the light metro Sillim Line in the southwestern area of Seoul running between Nangok-dong and Boramae Park with 5 stations planned.{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspim.com/news/view/20190220000285|title=[서울 도시철도망] 난곡선, 남부순환로 이남 주거 밀집지 연결|date=20 February 2019|website=NewsPim}}
  • Mok-dong Line is a light metro in southwestern Seoul running between Sinwol-dong and Dangsan station on line 2, with 12 stations planned.{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspim.com/news/view/20190220000287|title=[서울 도시철도망] 목동선, 서부서울 철도 사각지대 해소|date=20 February 2019|website=NewsPim}}
  • Line 4 will start running express services between Danggogae station and Namtaeryeong station.
  • Line 5 will start running shuttle services connecting Gubeundari station on the mainline and Dunchon-dong station on the Macheon Branch.
  • The Sillim Line will be connected to Seobu Line with a track between Seoul National University station (Line 2) and Gwanaksan(Seoul National Univ.).

= Incheon City =

The Incheon Metropolitan government is working on the Second Incheon Metro Network Construction Plan that inherits the Incheon Metro Network Construction Plan published in 2016. It includes the construction of five new tram lines. The draft is expected to be released in October 2020.{{Cite web|url=http://www.incheontoday.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=202848|title=인천시 철도과, 12월 국토부 '제2차 도시철도망구축계획' 승인 신청|date=16 September 2020|website=인천투데이}}

Partial network map

{{Rapid transit OSM map

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Gallery

Seoul-metro-425-Hoehyeon-station-platform-20181124-080256.jpg|The platform at Hoehyeon Station on Seoul Subway Line 4 in Jung-gu, Seoul

Seoul-metro-2013-20180916-104648.jpg|Seoul Metro Class 2000 series 10-car EMU set 2x13 leaving Hanyang University Station on the Seoul Metro Line 2 in Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Seoul-metro-line-9-929-Bongeunsa-station-sign-20181124-111850.jpg|A sign of Bongeunsa Station on Seoul Subway Line 9

Seoul-metro-646-Hwarangdae-station-platform-20181125-134024.jpg|The platform at Hwarangdae Station on Seoul Subway Line 6 in Nowon-gu, Seoul

Seoul Metro Line 2 train arriving at Guro Digital Complex (2-14 new).jpg|Seoul Metro Line 2 Inner Circle Line train arriving at Guro Digital Complex (2-14 new)

Seoul-metro-240-Sinchon-station-entrance-3-20181121-082156.jpg|The no.3 entrance to Sinchon Station on the Seoul Metro Line 2 in Mapo-gu, Seoul

Seoul Metro Line 2 LCD 1.jpg|Seoul Metro Line 2 LCD

Suin–Bundang Line (Korail Class 319000) 20240713 (01).jpg|Space for wheelchair stroller carrier (inside the train)

See also

Notes

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References

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