{{Short description|Railway system in South Korea}} {{Multiple issues| {{More citations needed|date=January 2022}} {{Expand Korean|date=September 2021|topic=transp}} }}

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}} {{Infobox public transit | name = Seoul Metropolitan Subway | imagesize2 = | image = South Korea subway logo.svg | imagesize = 50px | caption = | native_name = {{lang|ko|수도권 전철}} | owner = [[Government of South Korea]], [[Seoul Metropolitan Government]], [[Incheon|Incheon Metropolitan City]], [[Bucheon|Bucheon City]], [[Uijeongbu City]], [[Yongin|Yongin City]] | area served = | locale = [[Seoul Metropolitan Area]] | transit_type = [[Rapid transit]], [[Commuter rail]] | lines = 24 | line_number = | start = | end = | stations = 656 | ridership = | annual_ridership = 2.42 billion (2024, Lines 1-8, Seoul Subway)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.data.go.kr/krdata/15044250/boardfileData.do?menuIdxrecommendDataYn=548|title=자료실Y : 알림마당>자료실>자료실|website=www.data.go.kr}}</ref> <br> 1.16 billion (2017, Korail)<ref>{{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}}</ref> | 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}} <sup>(all lines excluding [[Rubber-tyred metro]] lines)</sup><br/> 1620 mm<sup>([[Sillim Line]])</sup>, 1700 mm <sup>([[U Line]])</sup> | el = | map = [[File:Seoul_subway_linemap_en.svg|250px]] | map_state = | image2 = Seoul-metro-2009-20180916-103548.jpg | caption2 = [[Seoul Metro 2000 series (2005)|Seoul Metro 2000 series]] train on [[Seoul Subway Line 2|Line 2]] | image3 = Seoul Metro Class 3000 (3936), Line 3, Daegok (20240408) (54220768044).jpg | imagesize3 = | caption3 = Seoul Metro Class 3000 set 3936 on [[Seoul Subway Line 3|Line 3]] at Daegok }} {{Infobox Korean name/auto |hangul = ^수도@권 전철<!--수도권 is pronounced [수도꿘]--> |hanja = 首都圈 電鐵 }}

The '''Seoul Metropolitan Subway''' ({{Korean|hangul=수도권 전철}}) is a [[urban rail transit|metropolitan railway]] system consisting of 24 [[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|Gyeonggi province]]. Some [[Regional rail|regional]] lines in the network stretch out beyond the Seoul Metropolitan Area to rural areas in northern [[Chungnam|Chungnam province]] and western [[Gangwon Province, South Korea|Gangwon Province]], that lie over {{Cvt|100|km}} away from the capital.<ref>[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 }}</ref>

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 Subway|Incheon Metro]] lines, operated by [[Incheon Transit Corporation]], that serve [[Incheon]] city proper; and miscellaneous light rail lines, such as [[Gimpo Goldline]] and [[EverLine|Yongin Everline]], that connect lower-density areas of their respective cities to the rest of the network.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.

The first line of the system, [[Seoul Subway Line 1|Line 1]], started construction in 1971 and began operations in 1974, with [[Through train|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.

The majority of the rolling stock used in the system was built by [[Hyundai Rotem]], South Korea's leading train manufacturer.

==Overview== The first line of the Seoul Subway network started construction in 1971.<ref>{{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|archive-date=20 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120205109/http://futureheritage.seoul.go.kr/web/investigate/HeritageView.do?htId=1503&pageIdx=41&rowsPerPage=8&searchGu=&searchBunya=&searchGubun=&searchContents=&searchCategory=|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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).<ref>{{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}}</ref> For example, Line 1 opened in 1974 with [[Through train|through services]] joining surrounding [[Korail]] suburban railway lines influenced by the [[Tokyo subway]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> Today, many of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway's lines are operated by Korail, South Korea's national rail operator.<ref>{{cite web |title=Introducing Korail |url=http://www.korail.com/ |publisher=[[Korail]] |access-date=23 February 2014}}</ref>

The subway has free [[WiFi]] accessible in all stations and trains.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/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}}</ref> All stations have [[platform screen doors]]. These safety doors were completed by 2017, however many stations previously had metal barriers installed decades beforehand.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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 language|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 language|Japanese]], then [[Mandarin Chinese]], as well.<ref>{{cite web |title=Seoul Metropolitan Subway |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/seoul-metro/ |website=Railway Technology |access-date=16 June 2022}}</ref>

Seoul Subway uses full-color LCD screens at all stations to display real-time subway arrival times,<ref name="etnews" /> which are also available on apps for smartphones.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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 [[Seoul Subway Line 2|Line 2]] in [[Gangnam District]].<ref name="etnews">{{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}}</ref> All lines use the [[T-money|T-money smart payment system]] using [[RFID]] and [[Near field communication|NFC]] technology for automatic payment by [[T-money|T-money smart cards]], [[smartphones]], or [[credit cards]] and one can transfer to any of the other line within the system for free.<ref group="Note">With the exception of [[AREX]] on [[Yeongjongdo|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.</ref>

Trains on numbered lines and light rail lines generally [[Left- and right-hand traffic|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 [[Seoul Subway Line 1|Line 1]], as well as those on [[Seoul Subway Line 4|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 [[Korea under Japanese rule|Japanese rule]].<ref>{{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=<Afternoon digression> left side of the road |date=16 May 2006 |access-date=21 April 2015}}</ref>

==History== [[Seoul Subway Line 1|Line 1]], from [[Kwangwoon University station|Seongbuk station]] to [[Incheon station]] and [[Suwon station]], opened on 15 August 1974. On 9 December 1978, the [[Yongsan station|Yongsan]]-[[Cheongnyangni station|Cheongnyangni]] line via [[Wangsimni station|Wangsimni]] (now part of the [[Jungang Line]]) was added to Line 1. [[Seoul Subway Line 2|Line 2]] opened on 10 October 1980. [[Seoul Subway Line 4|Line 4]] opened on 20 April 1985, and [[Seoul Subway Line 3|Line 3]] on 12 July. On 1 April 1994, the [[Indeogwon station|Indeogwon]]-[[Namtaeryeong station|Namtaeryeong]] extension of Line 4 opened. The [[Bundang Line]], from [[Suseo station]] to [[Ori station]], opened on 1 September. On 15 November 1995, [[Seoul Subway Line 5|Line 5]] opened. The [[Jichuk station|Jichuk]]-[[Daehwa station|Daehwa]] extension of Line 3 opened on 30 January 1996. On 20 March, the [[Kkachisan station|Kkachisan]]-[[Sindorim station|Sindorim]] extension of Line 2 opened. [[Seoul Subway Line 7|Line 7]] opened on 11 October, and [[Seoul Subway Line 8|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 station|Byeongjeom]]-[[Cheonan station|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 station|Uijeongbu]]-[[Soyosan station|Soyosan]] extension of Line 1 opened and shuttle service from [[Yongsan station]] to [[Gwangmyeong station]] began (with the route now shortened from [[Yeongdeungpo station|Yeongdeungpo]] to [[Gwangmyeong station|Gwangmyeong]]) on 15 December 2006. On 23 March 2007, [[AREX]] opened.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> The [[Deokso station|Deokso]]-[[Paldang station|Paldang]] extension of the Jungang Line opened on 27 December. On 15 December 2008, the [[Cheonan station|Cheonan]]-[[Sinchang station|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 [[Seoul Subway Line 9|Line 9]] from [[Gaehwa station]] to [[Sinnonhyeon station]] opened.

The [[Byeongjeom station|Byeongjeom]]-[[Seodongtan station|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 station|Onsu]]-[[Bupyeong-gu Office station|Bupyeong-gu Office]] extension of Line 7 on 27 October and the [[Gongdeok station|Gongdeok]]-[[Gajwa station|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 station|Yongsan]] and started through running to the [[Jungang line|Jungang Line]], forming the [[Gyeongui–Jungang Line]]. The [[Sinnonhyeon station|Sinnonhyeon]]-[[Sports Complex station (Seoul)|Sports Complex]] extension of Line 9 opened on 28 March 2015. On 30 January 2016 the [[Jeongja station|Jeongja]]-[[Gwanggyo station|Gwanggyo]] extension of the [[Shinbundang Line]] opened, followed by the [[Songdo station|Songdo]]-[[Incheon station|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> On 12 September 2020, the Suin Line extension between [[Hanyang University at Ansan station|Hanyang Univ. at Ansan]] and [[Suwon station|Suwon]], beginning the interlining with [[Seoul Subway Line 4|Line 4]] between [[Oido station|Oido]] and Hanyang Univ. at Ansan, as well as through-running with the [[Bundang Line]] to form the [[Suin–Bundang Line]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> On May 24, 2022, the [[Sillim Line]] opened, becoming the newest addition to the Seoul Metropolitan Subway.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

==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 [[Réseau Express Régional|RER]] in [[Paris]]. The AREX is an [[airport rail link]] that links [[Incheon International Airport]] and [[Gimpo International Airport station|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,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Transportation |url=https://english.visitseoul.net/transportation |access-date=2026-05-26 |website=english.visitseoul.net |language=en}}</ref> with some lines operated by Seoul Metro ending services around 1 a.m. on weekdays.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-29 |title=1 a.m. last trains return to some subway lines |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2022/05/29/national/socialAffairs/Korea-subway-Seoul/20220529174025996.html |access-date=2026-05-26 |website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Seoul_subway_linemap_en.svg|thumb|center|1000px|System map of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway, showing current lines]]

{| 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 station|Yeoncheon]] / [[Soyosan station|Soyosan]] / [[Dongducheon station|Dongducheon]] / {{stn|Uijeongbu}} / {{stn|Kwangwoon University}} / {{stn|Yeongdeungpo}} | [[Incheon station|Incheon]] / [[Sinchang station|Sinchang]] / [[Gwangmyeong station|Gwangmyeong]] / [[Seodongtan station|Seodongtan]] / [[Cheonan station|Cheonan]] | 102<ref group="Note">Of which 92 are operated by Korail and 10 by Seoul Metro.</ref>

|Dark blue | 218.3&nbsp;km<ref name="Korail-Metro">{{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}}</ref><ref name="Seoul-Subway-stats">{{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 |archive-date=3 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103184202/http://infra.seoul.go.kr/archives/1092 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref group="Note">Of which 210.5&nbsp;km is operated by Korail and 7.8&nbsp;km by Seoul Metro.</ref> | 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 Station (Seoul)|City Hall]] / [[Seongsu station|Seongsu]] / [[Sindorim station|Sindorim]] | [[City Hall Station (Seoul)|City Hall]] / [[Sinseol-dong station|Sinseol-dong]] / [[Kkachisan station|Kkachisan]] | 51 |Green | 60.2&nbsp;km<ref name="Seoul-Subway-stats" /> {{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 station|Daehwa]] | [[Samsong station|Samsong]] / [[Suseo station|Suseo]] / [[Ogeum station|Ogeum]] | 44<ref group="Note">Of which 10 are operated by Korail and 34 by Seoul Metro.</ref> |Orange | 57.4&nbsp;km<ref name="Korail-Metro" /><ref name="Seoul-Subway-stats" /><ref group="Note">Of which 19.2&nbsp;km is operated by Korail and 38.2&nbsp;km by Seoul Metro.</ref> | 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 station|Jinjeop]] / [[Buramsan station|Buramsan]] | [[Sadang station|Sadang]] / [[Ansan station|Ansan]] / [[Oido station|Oido]] | 51<ref group="Note">Of which 25 are operated by Korail and 26 by Seoul Metro.</ref> |Azure/Blue | 85.7&nbsp;km<ref name="Korail-Metro" /><ref name="Seoul-Subway-stats" /><ref group="Note">Of which 40.4&nbsp;km is operated by Korail and 45.3&nbsp;km by Seoul Metro.</ref> | 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 station|Banghwa]] | [[Hanam Geomdansan station|Hanam Geomdansan]] / [[Macheon station|Macheon]] | 56 |Violet | 63.0&nbsp;km<ref name="Seoul-Subway-stats" /> | 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 station|Eungam]] | [[Bonghwasan station|Bonghwasan]] / [[Sinnae station|Sinnae]] | 39 |Ocher/Brown<ref name=":0">{{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}}</ref> | 36.4&nbsp;km<ref name="Seoul-Subway-stats" /> | 2000 | 2019 |- | style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=7|inline=yes}} | [[Jangam station|Jangam]] / [[Dobongsan station|Dobongsan]] | [[Onsu station|Onsu]] / [[Seongnam station (Incheon)|Seongnam]] | 53 | Olive green<ref name=":0" /> | 60.1&nbsp;km<ref name="Seoul-Subway-stats" /> | 1996 | 2021 | [[Seoul Metro]] / [[Incheon Transit Corporation]] | Seoul Metropolitan Government / [[Bucheon|Bucheon City Council]] / [[Incheon|Incheon Metropolitan City Council]] |- | style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=8|inline=yes}} | [[Byeollae station|Byeollae]] | [[Moran station|Moran]] | 24 |Pink/Rose | 31.1&nbsp;km<ref name="Seoul-Subway-stats" /> | 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 station|Gaehwa]] / {{stn|Gimpo International Airport}}<ref group="Note">While Gaehwa is the official terminus, express trains only run to [[Gimpo International Airport station]]</ref> | [[VHS Medical Center station|VHS Medical Center]] | 38 |Gold | 40.6&nbsp;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]] | [[Geomam station|Geomam]] / [[Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 station|Incheon Int'l Airport Terminal 2]] | 14 | Sea blue<ref name=":0" /> | 63.8&nbsp;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 station|Dorasan]] / {{stn|Imjingang}} / {{stn|Munsan}} | [[Seoul Station]] / [[Deokso station|Deokso]] / [[Paldang station|Paldang]] / [[Yongmun station (Yangpyeong)|Yongmun]] / [[Jipyeong station|Jipyeong]] | 57 | Jade<ref name=":0" /> | 137.8&nbsp;km<ref>{{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}}</ref> | 2005 | 2021 | rowspan="3" | [[Korail]] |- | style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=Gyeongchun|inline=yes}} | {{stn|Sangbong}} / [[Cheongnyangni station|Cheongnyangni]] / [[Kwangwoon University station|Kwangwoon Univ.]]<ref group="Note">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)</ref> | [[Chuncheon station|Chuncheon]] | 24 |Teal<ref name=":0" /> | 81.3&nbsp;km<ref name="Korail-Metro" /> | 2010 | 2016 |- | style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=Suin–Bundang|inline=yes}} | {{stn|Wangsimni}} / [[Cheongnyangni station|Cheongnyangni]]<ref group="Note">Most trains run until Wangsimni and a few trains run to Cheongnyangni</ref> | [[Jukjeon station|Jukjeon]] / [[Gosaek station|Gosaek]] / [[Incheon station|Incheon]] | 63 | Yellow | 104.6&nbsp;km<ref>{{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}}</ref> | 1994 | 2020 |- | style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=Ui|inline=yes}} | [[Sinseol-dong station|Sinseol-dong]] | [[Bukhansan Ui station|Bukhansan Ui]] | 15 | Light Lime | 11.4&nbsp;km<ref>{{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}}</ref> | 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 station|Saetgang]] | [[Gwanaksan station|Gwanaksan]] | 11 | Seoul Sky blue<ref name=":0" /> | 7.8&nbsp;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 station|Sinsa]] | [[Gwanggyo station|Gwanggyo]] | 16 | Red<ref name=":0" /> | 33.4&nbsp;km<ref>{{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}}</ref> | 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}} | [[Geomdan Lake Park station|Geomdan Lake Park]] | [[Songdo Moonlight Festival Park station|Songdo Moonlight Festival Park]] | 30 | Light blue<ref name=":0" /> | 30.3&nbsp;km | 1999 | 2025 | rowspan="2" | [[Incheon Transit Corporation]] | rowspan="2" | [[Incheon|Incheon Metropolitan City Council]] |- | style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Incheon Subway|line=2|inline=yes}} | [[Geomdan Oryu station|Geomdan Oryu]] | [[Unyeon station|Unyeon]] | 27 | Light orange<ref name=":0" /> | 29.1&nbsp;km | 2016 | {{sort dash}} |- | style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=Everline|inline=yes}} | [[Giheung station|Giheung]] | [[Jeondae–Everland station|Jeondae·Everland]] | 15 |Kelly Green<ref name=":0" /> | 18.1&nbsp;km<ref>{{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}}</ref> | 2013 | {{sort dash}} | [[EverLine|Yongin EverLine Co., Ltd.]] / [[Neo Trans]] | [[Yongin|Yongin City Council]] |- | style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=U|inline=yes}} | [[Balgok station|Balgok]] | [[Tapseok station|Tapseok]] | 15 |Amber<ref name=":0" /> | 10.6&nbsp;km<ref>{{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}}</ref> | 2012 | ~ | [[U Line|Uijeongbu Light Rail Transit Co., Ltd]] | [[Uijeongbu|Uijeongbu City Council]] |- | style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=Gyeonggang|inline=yes}} | [[Pangyo station|Pangyo]] | [[Bubal station|Bubal]] / [[Yeoju station|Yeoju]] | 11 | Korail blue<ref name=":0" /> | 54.8&nbsp;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 station|Ilsan]] / [[Daegok station (Goyang)|Daegok]] | [[Wonsi station|Wonsi]] | 21 |Lime<ref name=":0" /> | 47&nbsp;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 station|Gimpo International Airport]] | [[Yangchon station|Yangchon]] | 10 |Deep Gold<ref name=":0" /> | 23.7&nbsp;km | 2019 | {{sort dash}} | GIMPO Goldline Co., Ltd. (Subsidiary of [[Seoul Metro]]) | [[Gimpo City|Gimpo City Council]] |- | rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | {{Rail color box|system=Seoul Metropolitan Subway|line=GTX-A|inline=yes}} | [[Suseo station|Suseo]] | [[Dongtan station|Dongtan]] | 4 | rowspan="2" |Lilac | 32.8&nbsp;km | 2024 | {{sort dash}} | rowspan="2" | [[:ko:지티엑스에이운영]] (Subsidiary of [[Seoul Metro]]) | rowspan="2" | Government of South Korea |- |Unjeongjungang |[[Seoul Station|Seoul]] |5 |33.0&nbsp;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|thumb|Ticket Vending and Card Reload Machine in [[Soraepogu Station]], [[Incheon]]]] [[File:T-money card.jpg|thumb|alt=T-money|180px|[[T-money]] smart card]] [[File:Turnstiles of the Seoul Subway 2001.jpg|thumb|Magnetic-stripe ticket + Upass turnstiles on Line 4 in July 2001]] 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In the case of [[Shinbundang Line]], charges vary depending on the section used. The [[Sinsa station|Sinsa]]-[[Gangnam station|Gangnam]] section always charges 500 won, while the Gangnam-[[Jeongja station|Jeongja]] section or the Jeongja-[[Gwanggyo station|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

From 1974 until 1985, the subway's fare system was distance-based and [[Edmondson railway ticket]]s, 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 card]]s, 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]]/[[Samsung Wallet|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 (operating system)|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 [[South Korean won|won]] for a trip up to 10&nbsp;km (6.2&nbsp;mi), with 100 [[South Korean won|won]] added for each subsequent 5&nbsp;km (3.1&nbsp;mi). Once 50&nbsp;km (31.1&nbsp;mi) has been passed, 100 won will be added every 8&nbsp;km (5.0&nbsp;mi).<ref>{{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 }}</ref> Single-use ticket users must pay RFID deposit 500 [[South Korean won|won]] plus 100 won surcharge to fare.

Half-priced children's tickets are available. The city government also uses [[T-Money#Seoul Citypass|Seoul Citypass]] as a transportation card. Senior citizens and disabled people qualify for [[Free public transport|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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{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 |archive-date= 24 January 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190124051716/https://www.t-money.co.kr/ncs/pct/tmnyintd/ReadFrgnMpassEngIntd.dev |url-status= dead }}</ref>

==Accidents and incidents== On 2 May 2014, two subway trains [[2014 Seoul subway crash|collided]] along [[Seoul Subway Line 2]] at [[Sangwangsimni station]], injuring 170 people.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

==Current construction== ===Opening 2026=== *The [[Seohae Line]] is set to extend South from [[Wonsi station]] to [[Seohwaseongnamyang Station]] by March 2026. *The [[Dongbuk Line]], a light metro line in northeastern Seoul, is scheduled to open in July 2026 with 14 stations between [[Wangsimni station]] and Eunhaeng Sageori station.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/society/area/804040.html|title=속도내는 동북선 경전철…2019년 착공|date=24 July 2017|website=[[The Hankyoreh]]}}</ref> * The [[Wirye Line]], another light metro line in southeastern Seoul, will open in September 2026 between [[Macheon station]] on Line 5 and will have two branches: one will head to [[Bokjeong station]] on Line 8 and Suin-Bundang line, and one at [[Namwirye station]], also a station on Line 8, with 12 stations planned in total. While technically part of the subway system, the Wirye Line will actually be a [[tram]]way line. *The [[Sinansan Line]] will open in December 2026. The line will start at [[Yeouido station]] and split into two branches: one to [[Hanyang University#ERICA|Hanyang University ERICA Campus]] station, and one to [[Songsan station]] on the [[Seohae Line]]. The latter branch will partially share tracks with the Seohae Line and the [[Gyeonggang Line]]. *[[Hagik station]], between [[Songdo station]] and [[Inha University station]] on the [[Suin–Bundang Line]], will open as an in-fill station once the redevelopment of the surrouneding area is completed. This area will feature cultural, commercial, and medical facilities along with new residential areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.kmib.co.kr/article/view.asp?arcid=0923440347&code=11131411&cp=nv|title="25분 거리를 10분만에… 지역경제도 살아났으면"… 27일 완전 재개통 앞둔 수인선 시범 운행|website=[[Kukmin Ilbo]]|date=24 February 2016|access-date=27 March 2018}}</ref> *[[GTX A]] will open its central section between [[Seoul station]] and [[Suseo station]] (15.3&nbsp;km) by September 2026, completing the entire GTX A Line. However, [[Samseong Station]] will still be under construction at the time of the opening, and there will be no intermediary stop between [[Seoul station]] and [[Suseo station]]. *[[Seoul Subway Line 7|Line 7]] will be extended by 2 stations northwards to [[Goeup station]] in [[Yangju]] by 2026, with a transfer at [[Tapseok station]] with the [[U Line]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=양주까지 7호선 연결 본격 시작…서울 접근성 기대 |url=https://news.kbs.co.kr/news/pc/view/view.do?ncd=4342372 |access-date=2026-05-26 |website=KBS 뉴스 |language=ko}}</ref> *[[Gwacheon Information Town station]], between [[Indeogwon station]] and [[Government Complex Gwacheon station]] on [[Seoul Subway Line 4|Line 4]], will open as an in-fill station in December 2026 once the redevelopment of the surrounding area is completed.

===Opening 2027=== *[[Changneung station]], between [[Daegok station (Goyang)|Daegok station]] and [[Yeonsinnae station]] will open as an in-fill station on the [[GTX A]] Line, to go along with urban development in the area. *[[Hoecheonjungang station]], between [[Deokgye station]] and [[Deokjeong station]] will open as an in-fill station on the [[Seoul Subway Line 1|Line 1]] Line, to go along with urban development in the area. *[[Buseong station]], between [[Jiksan station]] and [[Dujeong station]] will open as an in-fill station on the [[Seoul Subway Line 1|Line 1]] Line, to go along with urban development in the area. *[[Seoul Subway Line 7|Line 7]] will be extended from [[Seongnam Station (Seongnam)|Seongnam station]] to [[Cheongna Int'l Business Complex station]] in 2027. The new extension will have 6 stations and a total length of 6.8km.

===Opening 2028=== *[[Seoul Subway Line 9|Line 9]] will be extended 4 stations eastwards from [[VHS Medical Center station]] to [[Saemteo Park station]], with a transfer with [[Godeok station]] on [[Seoul Subway Line 5|Line 5]] by 2028. *[[Samseong station]] will open as an in-fill station on [[GTX-A]], between [[Seoul station]] and [[Suseo station]] in April 2028. The opening of the GTX-A part of the station was delayed due to the construction delay of the Yeongdongdaero Transfer Complex, a complex that will connect Samseong station of Line 2, Samseong station of GTX-A, [[GTX-C]], and [[Wirye-Sinsa Line]], and [[Bongeunsa Station]] on Line 9. *[[GTX-C]] will open between [[Deokjeong station]] in the North and [[Suwon Station]] and [[Sangnoksu Station]] to the South, splitting into 2 branches. The line will feature new dedicated tracks on its central section and share tracks with [[Seoul Subway Line 1|Line 1]] at its ends. In total, the length of the line witll be 85.9km, with 14 stations.

===Opening 2029 or later=== *[[Seoul Subway Line 7|Line 7]] will be extended from [[Cheongna Int'l Business Complex station]] to [[Cheongna International City station]] in 2029, connecting with the [[AREX]] Line. The new extension will have 2 stations and a total length of 3.1km. *[[Seoul Subway Line 7|Line 7]] will be extended from [[Goeup Station]] to [[Pocheon station]] in 2030. The new extension will have 4 stations and a total length of 19.3km. *The [[Dongtan-Indeogwon Line]] will open between [[Dongtan Station]] and [[Indeogwon Station]] by 2029. The Line will have 17 stops and a length of 38.1&nbsp;km. *The [[Gyeonggang Line]] will be extended to the west, from [[Pangyo station]] to [[Wolgot station]] by December 2029. The extension will be 49.6&nbsp;km long, and partly share tracks with the [[Sinansan Line]]. There will be 11 additional stations to the line, including transfers available at [[Wolgot station]] ([[Suin-Bundang Line]]), [[Siheung City Hall station]] ([[Seohae Line]], [[Sinansan Line]]), [[Gwangmyeong Station]] ([[Seoul Subway Line 1|Line 1]], [[Sinansan Line]]), [[Anyang station]] ([[Seoul Subway Line 1|Line 1]]), [[Indeogwon station]] ([[Seoul Subway Line 4|Line 4]], [[Indeogwon-Dongtan Line]]). Service may then be further extended further west towards downtown [[Incheon]] using the tracks of the [[Suin-Bundang Line]]. *The [[Shinbundang Line]] will be extended south from [[Gwanggyo Jungang station]] to [[Homaesil station]] in 2029, with 5 new stations and 11&nbsp;km of tracks. *The [[Seoul Subway Line 1|Line 1]] branch to [[Seodongtan Station]] will be extended to [[Dongtan Station]] by 2029, as part of the construction of the [[Dongtan-Indeogwon Line]]. The extension will have 2 stops and a length of 4.6&nbsp;km. *[[GTX-B]] will open in 2030 between [[Incheon National University Station]] in the West and [[Maseok Station]] in the South. The line will feature new dedicated tracks, except East of [[Mangu station]] where it will share tracks with the [[Gyeongchun Line]]. In total, the length of the line will be 80.3km, with 13 stations. * The [[Daejang–Hongdae Line]] will be a medium capacity line between [[Hongik University Station]] and [[Daejang Station]] in the city of [[Bucheon]]. Groundbreaking occurred in late 2025 and is scheduled to open in the first half of 2031. The line will have a length of 20.1km and 11 stations

== 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 [[Wirye–Sinsa Line]], a light metro line in southeastern Seoul, will open between [[Sinsa station]] and Wirye with 11 stations planned.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspim.com/news/view/20181025000678|title=위례신사선 민자사업, 추진 확정..2021년께 착공 예상|date=25 October 2018|website=[[NewsPim]]}}</ref> Construction has been delayed due to issues with the contractors. *[[Seoul Subway Line 9|Line 9]] will also be further extended to the East, with 6 new stations, from [[Saemteo Park]] to [[Pungyang]], 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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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 [[Seoul Subway Line 6|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.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> 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 [[Seoul Subway Line 1|Line 1]], for a length of 3.5km and 3 new stations. Construction will begin in 2025 for a completion in 2031. *[[Seoul Subway Line 3|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.<ref name="auto">{{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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Seoul to expand subway lines, extensions, reducing commute time by 15 percent |url=http://www.arirang.com/news/news_view.asp?nseq=231945 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220122082705/http://www.arirang.com/news/news_view.asp?nseq=231945 |archive-date=2022-01-22 |access-date=2026-05-26 |website=ARIRANG |language=en}}</ref>

*[[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.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> *[[Ui LRT]] will open a branch line from [[Solbat Park station]] to [[Banghak station]] on Line 1, the extension will open with 3 stations.<ref>{{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}}</ref> *[[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.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> *[[Sillim Line#Nangok branch|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.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> *[[Mok-dong Line]] is a [[light metro]] in southwestern Seoul running between Sinwol-dong and [[Dangsan station]] on line 2, with 12 stations planned.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspim.com/news/view/20190220000287|title=[서울 도시철도망] 목동선, 서부서울 철도 사각지대 해소|date=20 February 2019|website=[[NewsPim]]}}</ref> *[[Seoul Subway Line 4|Line 4]] will start running express services between [[Danggogae station]] and [[Namtaeryeong station]].<ref name="auto" /> *[[Seoul Subway Line 5|Line 5]] will start running shuttle services connecting [[Gubeundari station]] on the mainline and [[Dunchon-dong station]] on the Macheon Branch.<ref name="auto" /> *The [[Sillim Line]] will be connected to Seobu Line with a track between [[Seoul National University station]] ([[Seoul Subway Line 2|Line 2]]) and [[Gwanaksan station]] at Seoul National Univ.<ref name="auto" />

=== 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 was expected to be released in October 2020.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

*Incheon Subway line 3 is planned to be a semi-circular subway line of Incheon. It will intersect [[Seoul Subway Line 1|Seoul Line 1]] at [[Dowon station]] and to [[Incheon Subway Line 1|Incheon Line 1]] at [[Dongmak station]].

==Partial network map== {{Rapid transit OSM map | system_qid = Q16950 | frame-lat = 37.56 | frame-long = 126.95 | frame-width = 500 | frame-height = 440 | zoom = 9 | length = yes }}

==Gallery== <gallery widths="170px" heights="110px"> 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) </gallery>

==See also==

{{Div col}} * [[Seoul Light Rapid Transit]] * [[Incheon Subway]] * [[Pyongyang Metro]] * [[Seoul Metropolitan Subway stations]] * [[Transport in South Korea]] * [[List of metro systems]] * [[List of tram and light rail transit systems]] * [[Incheon Airport Maglev]] {{div col end}}

==Notes== {{Reflist|group="Note"}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons and category}} * Official websites by company ** [http://info.korail.com/2007/eng/eng_index.jsp Korail] ** [http://www.seoulmetro.co.kr/en/ Seoul Metro] ** [https://web.archive.org/web/20131016031736/http://www.smrt.co.kr/Eng/index.jsp Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation] (Archived) ** [https://web.archive.org/web/20131007100109/http://shinbundang.co.kr/eng/main/main.jsp Shinbundang Line] ** [https://web.archive.org/web/20120414225109/http://www.smrt.co.kr/program/cyberStation/main2.jsp?lang=e Cyber Station - Map, station and route finder] * Seoul city government ** [https://web.archive.org/web/20130309085521/http://www.visitseoul.net/en/article/article.do?_method=view&m=0004007003003&p=07&art_id=31644&lang=en The Seoul Underground Subway: Official Seoul Tourism] ** [https://web.archive.org/web/20120205092033/http://subway.seoul.go.kr/images/eng_seoul_subway.wmv English-language WMV video] describing Seoul Subway history, current construction and future projects

{{Public transport in the Seoul Metropolitan Area}} {{South Korea rapid transit}} {{Rapid transit in Asia}}

[[Category:Seoul Metropolitan Subway| ]] [[Category:Railway companies established in 1974]] [[Category:Underground rapid transit in South Korea]]