Korea’s public transport is fast and cheap — but the words can be confusing.
Here are 50 essential terms you’ll actually see on signs, apps, and gates,
with simple real-life English examples.
SUBWAY
Line
호선
Numbered subway routes (Line 1, Line 2, etc.).
Example: “Take Line 2 toward Gangnam.”
SUBWAY
Direction
방면
Which way the train is heading.
Example: “This platform is for trains toward Seoul Station.”
SUBWAY
Terminus / Final Stop
종착역
The last station on a train’s route.
Example: “Check the final stop to confirm you’re going the right way.”
SUBWAY
Express Train
급행
Skips many stations and arrives faster.
Example: “The express doesn’t stop at every station — check your stop first.”
SUBWAY
Local / All-stop Train
완행
Stops at every station.
Example: “If you’re unsure, take the local train — it stops everywhere.”
SUBWAY
Transfer Station
환승역
Station where you switch lines.
Example: “Transfer to Line 3 at this station.”
SAFETY
Platform Screen Doors
스크린도어
Glass safety doors separating platform and tracks.
Example: “Wait until the screen doors open before boarding.”
SUBWAY
Platform Number
승강장 번호
Each direction has its own platform number.
Example: “Your train leaves from Platform 2.”
SUBWAY
Station Code
역 코드
Letter+number ID shown on signs and maps.
Example: “Follow the code A02 to find the right station.”
TIME
Last Train
막차
Final train of the day.
Example: “If you miss the last train, your only option is a taxi.”
NAV
Exit Number
출구
Numbered exits leading to different streets.
Example: “Meet me at Exit 5 — each exit goes to a different area.”
NAV
Concourse
대합실
Large hallway before gates.
Example: “Let’s meet in the concourse near the ticket machines.”
GATE
Ticket Gate
개찰구
Gate where you tap to enter/exit.
Example: “Tap your card at the gate to get in.”
NAV
Transfer Passage
환승 통로
Walkway connecting different lines underground.
Example: “Some transfer passages take 5–10 minutes to walk.”
ACCESS
Elevator / Lift
엘리베이터
Accessible route for luggage/strollers.
Example: “Use the elevator if you have heavy bags.”
ETIQUETTE
Escalator Rules
에스컬레이터 규칙
People usually stand on both sides in Korea.
Example: “Don’t rush past — most people stand on both sides here.”
SAFETY
Safety Line
안전선
Yellow line marking safe distance.
Example: “Stay behind the yellow safety line.”
SEATS
Priority Seats
노약자석
Reserved seats for those who need them.
Example: “Avoid priority seats unless you really need one.”
SEATS
Pregnant Woman Badge
임산부 배지
Badge signaling seat priority.
Example: “If you see this badge, offering a seat is polite.”
INFO
Crowd Level Indicator
혼잡도
Shows how crowded each train car is.
Example: “Choose a green car for more space.”
CARD
Transportation Card (T-money)
교통카드
Tap card for subway, buses, taxis, even some shops.
Example: “Just tap your T-money — no paper ticket needed.”
CARD
Recharge / Reload
충전
Add money to your card.
Example: “You can recharge at convenience stores or machines.”
CARD
Balance Check
잔액 확인
Remaining balance shown when you tap.
Example: “Your balance flashes on the screen for a second.”
CARD
Postpaid Transportation Card
후불 교통카드
Linked to your credit card; billed monthly.
Example: “Postpaid cards don’t need recharging.”
FARE
Base Fare
기본요금
Minimum fare for short rides.
Example: “The base fare covers the first part of your trip.”
FARE
Distance-based Fare
거리비례 요금
Fare increases after a distance threshold.
Example: “Longer trips cost a little more automatically.”
FARE
Fare Deduction
요금 차감
Fare removed from your balance.
Example: “The fare is finalized when you exit the station.”
FARE
Fare Adjustment Machine
정산기
Fixes fare issues when a gate blocks you.
Example: “If the gate won’t open, use the adjustment machine.”
GATE
Error Gate
에러 게이트
Gate that shows red when tapping fails.
Example: “Red light means your card didn’t read — try again.”
CARD
Refund / Deposit Return
환불
Getting remaining balance back.
Example: “Refund your card before leaving Korea.”
TRANSFER
Transfer Discount
환승 할인
Discount when switching buses/subways.
Example: “Tap off and on within 30 minutes to get the discount.”
TRANSFER
Transfer Time Limit
환승 시간제한
Time window to qualify for discount.
Example: “Transfers are free within 30 minutes.”
TRANSFER
Transfer Limit
환승 한도
Max number of discounted transfers per trip.
Example: “You can transfer up to four times.”
FARE
Integrated Fare System
통합요금제
One fare system covers subway + bus.
Example: “Your card handles subway and bus as one trip.”
TRANSFER
Bus-to-Subway Transfer
버스→지하철 환승
Discount applies automatically across modes.
Example: “Exit the bus, enter the subway — the fare adjusts.”
TRANSFER
Subway-to-Bus Transfer
지하철→버스 환승
Same discount in reverse direction.
Example: “Tap on the bus after exiting the subway to keep the discount.”
AIRPORT
AREX Fare Exception
공항철도 예외
Certain airport express services are separate.
Example: “AREX Express is not included in transfer discounts.”
FARE
Extra Fare Zones
추가요금 구간
Some lines have extra charges.
Example: “Shinbundang Line adds an extra fare on top.”
FARE
Overcharge Alert
초과요금 안내
Message when distance exceeds base range.
Example: “The gate shows an extra fare notice for long trips.”
FARE
Time Exceeded Fare
시간초과
Extra fare if you stay too long in the system.
Example: “If you wander for hours, you may get a time-exceeded fee.”
BUS
Bus Type Colors
버스 종류
Colors indicate route type.
Example: “Blue is long-distance, green is local, red is express.”
BUS
Stop Bell
하차벨
Button to request your stop.
Example: “Press the bell one stop before yours.”
BUS
Low-floor Bus
저상버스
Easy for wheelchairs and luggage.
Example: “Low-floor buses are easier to board with suitcases.”
BUS
Rear Door Exit
후문 하차
Most buses exit from the back.
Example: “Enter at the front, exit at the back.”
BUS
Tap-on Entry
승차 태그
Tap card when boarding.
Example: “Tap when you board, or transfers won’t work.”
BUS
Tap-off Exit
하차 태그
Tap again when exiting.
Example: “Always tap off to get correct fare and transfer discount.”
BUS
Next-stop Display
도착 안내 화면
Screen showing next stop and route.
Example: “Watch the screen to know when to press the bell.”
APP
Real-time Arrival Apps
실시간 도착 앱
Apps with live bus/subway times.
Example: “KakaoMap shows the bus arriving in 2 minutes.”
BUS
Bus-only Lane
버스 전용차로
Lanes reserved for buses.
Example: “Buses stay fast in rush hour because of bus-only lanes.”
BUS
Card Reader Error
단말기 오류
When the card fails to read.
Example: “If it beeps red, tap again slowly.”
