Children & teenagers
Ask the retailer to register the traveller’s date of birth on an eligible transport card. A normal adult card does not automatically charge a child or teen fare.
VISITKOREA · transport cards ↗
See Seoul metro base fares ↗THE PRACTICAL GUIDE / TRANSPORT
Senior fares & accessible travel
Understand concession eligibility and plan journeys with fewer stairs and easier boarding.
Who can receive a concession?
| Passenger or benefit | What to expect | How to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign visitor aged 65+ | A short tourist visit does not automatically qualify for a local senior metro concession. | Ask station staff before selecting a free ticket. Carry your passport. |
| Eligible Korean senior aged 65+ | Free metropolitan urban-rail travel is available under the senior concession scheme. Seoul concession-card issuance is tied to Seoul residency. | Apply with the required ID through the appropriate local office or issuing bank. Seoul conditions ↗ |
| Foreign permanent resident aged 65+ | Some qualifying foreign permanent residents can use designated urban-rail concessions. The Incheon operator specifies F-5 status; coverage is not every train or rail segment. | Bring your residence card. Confirm eligibility and covered segments locally. Incheon conditions ↗ |
| Traveller with a disability | Korean statutory disability concessions require the relevant eligibility evidence. An overseas disability card alone should not be assumed to qualify. | Ask the operator which documents it accepts. Severe-disability provisions may include one accompanying guardian. |
| City buses | A senior free-metro card does not itself make Seoul bus rides free. | Keep a paid transit balance for bus journeys. Separate local support schemes have their own rules. |
| Express & intercity coaches | Do not assume a universal senior discount or free ride. | Check the passenger categories and proof required for the actual service before booking. |
Seoul Metropolitan Government · concession cards (Korean) ↗ · Incheon Transit · concession eligibility (Korean) ↗
Seoul’s published foreign-permanent-resident guidance also limits covered sections. The linked announcement is from 2017; confirm current route coverage with the operator.
Seoul Metropolitan Government · foreign permanent residents (2017, Korean) ↗
Other fare support
Seoul disability bus reimbursement
Seoul publishes bus-fare support for registered residents with disabilities aged 6 or above. It is a resident application scheme, not an automatic tourist discount.
Check current eligibility, benefit limits and application requirements before relying on reimbursement.
Seoul Metropolitan Government · disability transport support ↗ · Seoul · disability bus support service (Korean) ↗
Plan each part of the accessible route
Before leaving your accommodation
Choose fewer transfers where possible. Check the accessible entrance, platform connection and destination exit, not only the station name.
At the metro station
Look up elevators and accessible toilets. Ask staff about an out-of-service lift, boarding ramp or platform gap. Facility lists do not show live operating status.
At a bus stop
Check low-floor availability for the specific vehicle. Let the driver know you need ramp assistance and follow their boarding guidance.
For a longer coach trip
Contact the operator before paying. Confirm that you can board, secure your mobility aid and travel in the booked seat or wheelchair space.
Travel support for visitors
Seoul Danurim
Ask about accessible tourism, vehicle services and assistive-device arrangements. Confirm visitor eligibility, availability, fees and booking deadlines directly; this guide does not reserve a service.
Open Seoul Danurim ↗Ask for help with the next step
Show staff your destination and the assistance you need. Save your accommodation address and a contact number before travelling.
Korea Travel Hotline
Within Korea: 1330
From overseas: +82-2-1330
Priority seats & travelling with family
Use priority seating when you need it and keep marked pregnancy seats available. Allow extra boarding time for walking aids, a stroller or young children. Let the vehicle stop before standing or moving to the door.
Accessibility facilities and fare concessions are separate: ask for boarding help even if you pay a regular fare.
Find information for your region
Local networks and concession schemes differ. Choose a region for arrival points and local support information.
Browse all 17 regions ↗Information checked . Fares and services can change. Use the linked operator information for your travel date.
READY TO PLAN?