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Subways

How to ride Korea’s subways with a bike.

Korea has six metropolitan cities, one Special City (Seoul), and one Special Self-Governing City (Sejong). These major urban districts are independent from provincial control, and six of them operate subway (metro) systems.

A picture of Jamsil Hangang Park (잠실한강공원; map) in Seoul’s Songpa District in South Korea.
Cheongdam Bridge crosses the Han River between Jamsil and Ttukseom Hangang Parks.

Seoul and Busan hold the largest two subway systems. Their below-ground and above-ground networks extend beyond their city limits.

Seoul’s metro system runs 23 lines that blanket Seoul and reach deep into Gyeonggi (경기도; map), the province that surrounds the capital. Busan’s trains connect its sprawling districts and outlying cities.

Smaller metropolitan cities have fewer subway lines. Daegu has three lines. Incheon claims two. And both Daejeon and Gwangju have only one line.

Seoul and Busan hold the largest two subway systems. Their below-ground and above-ground networks extend beyond their city limits.

Seoul’s metro system runs 23 lines that blanket Seoul and reach deep into Gyeonggi (경기도; map), the province that surrounds the capital. Busan’s trains connect its sprawling districts and outlying cities.

Smaller metropolitan cities have fewer subway lines. Daegu has three lines. Incheon claims two. And both Daejeon and Gwangju have only one line.

Subway Riding with a Bike Etiquette

Feel strange about carrying your dirty, oversized bike into a metro station? Don’t other commuters and workers protest? If you’re inconsiderate, yes.

Follow these basic rules to minimize grumbling.

  • Use the stairs.
  • Never use escalators or elevators.
  • Only board the subway train’s front or rear passenger cars.
  • Keep your bike secure when the train is moving.
  • Take responsibility if you nick a leg or smudge pants.
A picture of the inside of a subway in Seoul, South Korea.
Want to take your bike a subway on the weekend or holiday? That's fine on on most lines. But keep to the front or rear train cars.

City-by-City Bike on Subway Policies

Each metropolitan subway system sets their own policies. Some metro lines restrict full-size bikes (road, MTB, hybrid) at all times. Others allow them on weekdays.

Browse the cities below to learn more.

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