Korea Seoul Subway Guide: Express vs Local Trains, Transfer Rules & Etiquette [2026]
The korea Seoul Subway System is recognized as one of the cleanest, fastest, and most efficient mass transit networks in the world. With color-coded lines and clear English signage, getting around the capital is surprisingly easy. However, many international visitors get confused by Express vs. Local trains , miss out on free transfer discounts , or accidentally sit in restricted seats. Here is your ultimate guide to riding the Seoul subway like a local! 🚆 1. Express(급행) vs. Local(일반) Trains On major lines like Line 9(Brown) and Line 1(Dark Blue) , two types of trains operate on the same track. Boarding the wrong train could cause you to skip your intended destination! Train Type Korean Name Behavior Display Indicator Local Train 일반(Il-ban) Stops at EVERY single station along the line. Green or White text on platform screens Express Train 급행(Geup-haeng) Stops ONLY ...