Buying a transit card
티머니 카드 한 장 주세요.
Timeoni kadeu han jang juseyo.
One T-money card, please.
You may hear
충전도 하실 거예요?
Would you like to top it up too?
장 is the counter used for cards and tickets.
All situations
Subway & T-money
Korean for the Subway and T-money: Routes, Transfers, and Card Help
Seoul transit signs are multilingual, but ticket machines, card problems, and transfers still create stressful moments. Use these short questions at a station or convenience store.
These phrases use polite Korean suitable for most adult travel interactions. Service details can change, so confirm schedules, eligibility, fees, and emergency availability with the linked official source.
Use in order
Phrases for this situation
8 practical phrases
Adding money
만 원 충전해 주세요.
Man won chungjeonhae juseyo.
Please top it up with 10,000 won.
You may hear
카드 올려 주세요.
Please place the card here.
Replace 만 원 with the amount you want. Keep cash available in case a machine or counter requires it.
Checking the correct train
이 열차가 서울역에 가요?
I yeol차ga Seoulyeoge gayo?
Does this train go to Seoul Station?
You may hear
반대편에서 타세요.
Take it from the opposite platform.
Replace 서울역 with your destination. 반대편 means the opposite side.
Asking where to transfer
어디에서 갈아타요?
Eodieseo garatayo?
Where do I transfer?
You may hear
시청역에서 2호선으로 갈아타세요.
Transfer to Line 2 at City Hall Station.
갈아타다 means to transfer. A line number followed by 호선 identifies a subway line.
Finding the right exit
몇 번 출구로 나가요?
Myeot beon chulguro nagayo?
Which exit number should I use?
You may hear
3번 출구로 나가세요.
Go out through Exit 3.
Exit choice can save a long street-level walk at large stations.
A card will not scan
카드가 안 찍혀요.
Kadeuga an jjikhyeoyo.
My card is not scanning.
You may hear
잔액이 부족해요.
The balance is too low.
Take the card to the station office if the gate remains closed after topping up.
Checking the balance
잔액이 얼마 남았어요?
Janaegi eolma namasseoyo?
How much balance is left?
You may hear
오천 원 남았어요.
There is 5,000 won left.
잔액 means remaining balance.
Checking the final train
막차가 몇 시예요?
Makchaga myeot siyeyo?
What time is the last train?
You may hear
열한 시 사십 분이에요.
It is at 11:40.
Last-train times vary by station, direction, and day. Confirm on the day of travel.
Field notes
Ask one routing question at a time
Show the destination, then ask where to transfer or which exit to use. A short question produces a short answer that is easier to follow.
Know the four answer words
반대편 means opposite side, 환승 means transfer, 출구 means exit, and 종점 means the final stop.
Before you go
Quick checklist
- Destination and nearest exit saved
- Transit card balance checked before a long ride
- Last-train time checked for late plans
- Station office located if the gate rejects the card
Official sources and current details
Language checked 2026-07-10. Follow the source for time-sensitive operating information.