Seoul-area subway fares to increase by W150 on June 28

A passenger purchases transport cards at a subway station in Seoul, March 4. Yonhap

The base fare for subway transport in the Seoul metropolitan area is expected to rise by 150 won ($0.10), starting with the first train on June 28.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government Tuesday, an agreement has been reached on a subway fare increase plan with Gyeonggi Province and Incheon — which operate an integrated transfer discount system with the capital — and Korea Railroad.

If the adjusted rate takes effect, the base subway fare in the Seoul metropolitan area — currently 1,400 won for transportation card users — will rise by 150 won to 1,550 won.

For middle and high school students, the fare will increase from 800 won to 900 won, and for children aged 6 to 12, from 500 won to 550 won.

When buying tickets with cash, the fare will rise from 1,500 won to 1,650 won for adults and middle and high school students, and from 500 won to 550 won for children.

In 2023, the city government increased the base fare for subway rides from 1,250 won to 1,400 won to address Seoul Metro's significant deficit.

The fare was originally set to rise by 300 won all at once, but under the public utility rate freeze policy, it was later adjusted to a two-stage increase of 150 won each.