The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) announced Seoul Metro’s official release of the country’s first-ever subway app exclusive for foreigners on Thu, Apr. 27. The app, called Seoul Subway, provides customized services including information on the entire subway lines of Seoul and the capital area, real-time timetable, location-based guidance, and station directions.

When using the new app, you will be able to trace the route from your departure station to where you want to go more easily. Since the app is developed based on a destination-oriented system, users’ current location is automatically recognized as the departure station when users begin their route search. Though users are not fully aware of the name of a station they need to get off at, the closest station will be introduced when users insert only the destination where they are heading to.

Upon tapping a specific transfer station on a map, you will be able to check real-time train operation time of that station, confirming time of the train you need to transfer.

Provided with a location-based service, the app guides users with the direction of a train they should get on. When you turn on the app upon reaching a subway platform, the app will detect the location you are standing in and inform you of the correct direction. Also, when you accidentally get on the wrong train at a transfer station, the app will alert you that you have deviated from the course.

Even when you tap on a particular train, you can get a glimpse of the degree of congestion in each car of the train.

In addition, users will experience little trouble finding specific locations, like exits and restrooms, since the app provides a direction guide service. If you designate certain locations you are looking for on the app’s main page, the app will automatically guide you a route to the location you want to reach. Currently, such direction guide service is available at 14 lines and stations and the scope of the service is slated to be expanded to other stations.

※ Subway lines and stations available for direction guide service: Gunja (line 5), Gunja (line 7), Hongik Univ., Myeong-dong, Anguk, Itaewon, Hoehyeon, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (line 2), Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (line 4), Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (line 5), Jamsil (line 2), Jamsil (line 8), Samseong, Euljiro 1(il)ga

The new app will also allow users to find tourist attractions around certain stations. The users can have a glance at 30 major tourist spots in Seoul and obtain information on attractions, bolstering users’ convenience.

You can search and download the Seoul Subway app via the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android). You can check various information such as subway ticketing options, fare prices, lockers, and emergency contact numbers.