In Seoul, paper subway tickets have been used since 1974, when the Seoul Subway system first opened, however the City of Seoul and KORAIL have recently announced that from the beginning of May 2009, paper tickets will be replaced with single journey subway ticket cards.

Although the new plastic ticket cards will represent a certain initial production cost, this is expected to greatly decrease as the use of the cards continues. In the long run they are expected to be significantly cheaper and more environmentally friendly than the paper tickets. Passengers will be able to buy these single journey ticket cards at ticket booth machines, which will save on human labor and create an efficient subway system. 

To purchase your single journey card at the ticket machine, first select your destination, then pay the appropriate amount plus an additional 500 won deposit for the card.  After arriving at your destination, insert your single journey card in a ‘deposit refund device’ and you will receive your 500 won back.  The 500 won deposit can actually be redeemed at anytime, even if it’s passed the date of use.  However, the single journey ticket cards can only be used on subways and cannot be used on buses or taxis.

Seoul Subway System to Use Single Journey Ticket Cards Beginning May 1
In order to prevent confusion, Seoul’s subway systems will be using both single journey ticket cards and the previous paper tickets during a transition period.  However, please note that on subway line 9 and on the Incheon subway line 1 (the Songdo extension line) paper tickets will not be available, so passengers in these areas will need to purchase the single journey ticket cards.