🚆 Subway Etiquette and Useful Tips for Foreign Tourists in Korea 🇰🇷 🚆

Korea's subway system is one of the most efficient, clean, and convenient public transport networks in the world. To make your subway experience smoother and more enjoyable, here are some important etiquette rules and useful tips you should know!

Korean subway useful tips

🔹 1. Subway Etiquette in Korea 🔹

✅ 1) Give Up Priority Seats to the Elderly, Pregnant Women, and Disabled People

In every subway car, the seats at both ends are reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, and disabled passengers.
Even if the seat is empty, it's considered rude for young, healthy people to sit there.
Some subway cars also have pink seats for pregnant women—please leave them vacant.

✅ 2) Keep Quiet & Respect Others' Personal Space

Avoid talking loudly, especially on the phone.
If you need to take a call, speak quietly and briefly.
During rush hours, try to minimize pushing and respect personal space.

✅ 3) Wait in Line & Let People Exit First

Stand behind the yellow waiting lines on the platform.
Wait for passengers to exit first before boarding the train.
Pushing into the train before others get off is considered impolite.

✅ 4) Eating and Drinking is Not Allowed

Food and drinks are not allowed inside subway trains.
Chewing gum or having water is fine, but avoid strong-smelling food.

✅ 5) Stand on the Right, Walk on the Left (Escalator Etiquette)

On escalators, stand on the right side and leave the left side open for those in a hurry.
In some cities like Busan, this rule may be reversed, so watch what locals do!

🔹 2. Useful Tips for Using the Korean Subway 🔹

✅ 1) Get a T-Money or Cashbee Card

A T-Money or Cashbee card is a prepaid transportation card used for subways, buses, and even taxis.
Where to Buy: Available at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) and subway stations.
Recharge at ticket machines or convenience stores.
It’s cheaper and more convenient than buying a single-use ticket every time!

🔹 Transfer Benefits

If you use a T-Money or Cashbee card, you can transfer between subways and buses for free (within 30 minutes).
If you buy a single-use subway ticket, you cannot get transfer benefits when switching to a bus or another subway line.
Tip: Always tap your card on the sensor when exiting to ensure proper fare calculation.

✅ 2) Use Subway Apps for Easy Navigation

Recommended Apps:
- Naver Maps (English available)
- KakaoMetro (Real-time train info)
- Subway Korea (Great for tourists)
Apps show real-time train schedules, transfer routes, and station exits.

✅ 3) Free Wi-Fi & Charging Spots

Free Wi-Fi is available at most subway stations.
Some subway cars offer Wi-Fi & USB charging stations near the doors.
Tip: The internet may be slower underground, so download maps or directions beforehand.

✅ 4) Avoid Rush Hours

Morning: 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Evening: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Trains get extremely crowded, especially in Seoul and Busan.

✅ 5) Use the Correct Exit

Korean subway stations can be huge, with multiple exits.
Use navigation apps to find the right exit for your destination (e.g., Exit 5 for Myeongdong Shopping Street).
Some stations have underground malls—great for shopping and avoiding bad weather!

✨ Conclusion ✨

Following these etiquette rules and useful tips will make your Korean subway experience smooth and enjoyable. Whether you're exploring Seoul, Busan, or any other city, the subway is a safe, affordable, and efficient way to travel.

📌 Have you used the Korean subway before?

Share your experience in the comments! 😊🚇

Korean Toilet Culture Guide for Foreign Travelers – Useful Tips!

Toilet pastel tone symbol

Planning a trip to Korea? One thing you might not think about in advance is the local toilet culture! Whether you're exploring city streets, riding the subway, shopping in department stores, or stopping by highway rest areas, you’ll find that Korea’s restrooms are generally clean, modern, and free to use. Here’s everything you need to know to make your restroom experience smooth and stress-free.

1. Public Toilets Are Free & Easy to Find

One of the best things about public restrooms in Korea is that they’re free! You can easily find them in subway stations, parks, shopping malls, and major tourist attractions. Many of them are well-maintained, and in large cities like Seoul, you’ll even find English signage to help guide you.

2. Toilets & Bidet Features

A unique feature of Korean restrooms is the widespread use of bidets. In upscale restaurants, hotels, and cafes, you’ll often find toilets equipped with heated seats, adjustable water pressure, and even air-dry functions! However, in rural areas or older buildings, you may still come across traditional squat toilets, so be prepared for both.

3. Toilet Paper Usage & Disposal

Most public restrooms in Korea provide toilet paper, and it’s standard practice to flush it down the toilet. However, in older facilities, you might see signs instructing you to dispose of used paper in a trash bin instead. Always check the signs to avoid any issues.

4. Hand Sanitizer Instead of Soap

Many public restrooms in Korea provide liquid soap or hand sanitizer rather than bar soap. However, some places may not have any soap available, so it’s a good idea to carry a small hand sanitizer or wet wipes while traveling.

5. Pay Attention to Gender Signs

Korean restroom signs usually display ‘Men’ and ‘Women’ in either Korean or universal icons. The color coding is often blue for men and red for women. Some signs may be a bit tricky to interpret, so take an extra moment to ensure you’re entering the right restroom.

6. Female Cleaners in Men’s Restrooms

Don’t be surprised if you see female cleaning staff inside men’s restrooms. In Korea, it’s quite common for female janitors to clean both men’s and women’s facilities. They usually post a sign to inform users, and you’re still allowed to use the restroom while cleaning is in progress.

7. High-Tech & Unmanned Restrooms

In some cities, you might come across unmanned smart restrooms. These high-tech facilities feature digital displays showing availability, automatic cleaning systems, and temperature control functions—offering a glimpse into Korea’s advanced technology.

8. Diaper Changing Stations & Accessible Toilets

Most large public facilities offer diaper-changing stations, and accessible toilets for disabled individuals are becoming more widespread. This makes traveling in Korea much more convenient for those with mobility challenges or small children.

Final Tips

Korea’s restrooms are among the cleanest and most user-friendly in the world. While cultural differences may take some getting used to, knowing these restroom tips in advance will ensure a hassle-free experience.

So, as you plan your adventure in Korea, remember these small but useful toilet culture tips—they’ll make your trip even more comfortable! 😊

Wednesday, March 26, 2025