The subway fares in Seoul and the metropolitan area will increase by 150 won starting from the first train on the 28th.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the base fare for the subway will rise from 1,400 won to 1,550 won, marking an increase rate of approximately 10.7%.

The fare increase will be applied differently based on the user category.

For users with transportation cards, the fare for regular passengers will increase by 150 won from 1,400 won to 1,550 won, while teenagers will see a 100 won increase from 800 won to 900 won, and children will see a 50 won increase from 500 won to 550 won.

The increase for teenagers and children was determined while maintaining their current discount rates (approximately 42% for teenagers and around 65% for children).

Single ticket and early morning discount fares will also be adjusted.

When using a single ticket (cash), the fares for regular and teenage passengers will rise from 1,500 won to 1,650 won, and the fare for children will increase from 500 won to 550 won, which is an increase of 150 won and 50 won, respectively.

Passengers receiving the early morning discount will see their fares adjusted: for regular passengers, from 1,120 won to 1,240 won; for teenagers, from 640 won to 720 won; and for children, from 400 won to 440 won.

This fare increase is the final stage of the '300 won increase' plan announced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government about two years ago.

In October 2023, the city had already raised the fare by 150 won and initially planned to raise the remaining 150 won in the second half of 2024. However, the government's price control policies delayed the plan, and although an increase was anticipated earlier in March this year, it was postponed again due to conflicts between Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly.

The resolution of conflicts with Gyeonggi Province, along with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's declaration of not running in the presidential election, allowed for the final confirmation of the fare increase during the first half of the year.

Confirmed information about the increased fares can be checked by citizens through the websites of subway operators such as Seoul Transportation Corporation, the Toe Ta app, and announcements within subway stations. Related information is also available on the Seoul Metropolitan Government's website.

For further inquiries, citizens can contact the Dasan Call Center (02-120), or for detailed information on usage history and charges, they can check with the T-money customer center (1644-0088).

Image Source: News1