Using the metro is a fast, cheap, and safe way to get around in Seoul. I felt confident venturing around Seoul alone after just one trip with the group, and was able to find my way around including changing lines with very little difficulty. Others in our group showed me the Seoul metro app and it not only shows the map of the system, but also lets you pick starting and ending stations and shows you how to get there,where to change lines, and how long the trip will last. The hardest part was to make sure I headed the right way, but that was also easy with the app, since with just a few clicks, it shows all the stops along the way. Each metro station is well marked with English and while traveling, the signs and announcements show you the next stop. Easy! I wish I had such an app available when I was in Europe last time. I would have saved time from needing to get off and backtrack to change directions when I headed the wrong way, which happened several times in Madrid, Paris, and Munic. One problem with using the app was needing to use my data for it or figuring out if and how to connect to wifi to use it. However, the system is easy enough to navigate without the app by taking a good look at the maps on the walls and inside the metro and getting help from people if needed. I found out that most are really nice and helpful when I wanted to double check that I was navigating my way correctly.
Using the metro is easy. We did not need to purchase the cards but that is available at the stations. The card is then read by the machines upon entering and leaving the tracks. So far I have only had one instance where the card was not read correctly and I needed to change the reader to be able to proceed to the tracks. Luckily that did not happen during rush hour and I was able to move to one that allowed me through. I assume this was also an instance of user error and I must have accidentally tapped the card twice, which we were warned not to do. I have also felt very safe using the metro in Seoul. I have not observed one instance when I needed to worry about pickpockets, even when the metro was packed full of people. In Paris and Madrid I would have needed to make sure my bag is in front of me and that nobody can have access to open the zipper or I could have left the metro without my wallet, but here that does not seem to be a people’s. The only time I would not recommend taking the metro is when hauling luggage. Even if you have access to elevators and would not need to haul them via the long and steep escalators, going through the check stations with luggage would be a problem. Also getting into the metro with several pieces could prove a problem, especially if the metro is full and you would need to be able to keep your balance standing and trying to keep your luggage from hitting people. Taxi will be a much better option with luggage.
The Seoul metro stations are a great place to spend some free time if you are not in a hurry to your destination. They are clean-including the bathrooms-and have a great variety of shops and restaurants to choose from. Unfortunately the great looking small restaurants have so far been too full for me to be able to try them, but the bakeries provide a nice treat and have both sweets and savory items to choose from. And I could spend a fortune shopping at the stations. Luckily I was told about Daiso. So on one of my excursions I decided to get off one stop early at the Sinnonhyeon station to shop at Daiso there. Of course, I picked the wrong exit, but luckily saw it across the street and was able to do my shopping without walking in the overwhelming heat. I discovered that the stations are also a great shelter from pouring rain, and even serve as shelters from natural disasters and even as bomb shelters including some gas masks. But my favorite things are the cute statues that decorate the stations. They are fun and have an added benefit for me because many of them also serve as Pokestops and help me get items while playing Pokémon Go 😊. That makes time go faster while waiting for the train.
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