Seoul Subway Installs New Transportation Card Kiosks at All Stations

Credit Card and Easy Payment Options Now Available
Barrier-Free Design for Passengers with Transportation Challenges

Seoul Metro announced on January 6 that it has completed the installation of 440 new transportation card kiosks, which support credit card and easy payment options, at all 273 stations on Lines 1 through 8. This marks the first major upgrade in 17 years since the introduction of the previous machines in 2009, which only supported cash payments.

New transportation card kiosk. Provided by Seoul Metro.

The installation was completed on December 31 last year, just four months after the new kiosk rollout plan was announced in September. With the new kiosks, passengers can now purchase subway tickets without cash, significantly improving the convenience of subway use.

The biggest change is the diversification of payment methods. Previously, only cash payments were accepted, but now passengers can use credit cards to recharge single-use tickets, commuter passes, and Climate Companion Cards. The number of card types available has also increased from just one single-use card to a total of five, including the Climate Companion Card. In addition to credit card payments, various easy payment methods such as KakaoPay and Naver Pay are now supported. However, prepaid cards can still only be recharged with cash, as before.

With the introduction of the new kiosks, passengers can now process refunds for single-use tickets and commuter passes, as well as change the type of prepaid card, without needing to request assistance from station staff. It is also possible to re-register the Public Transportation Safety Card (for lost or stolen cards).

To remove physical and psychological barriers for passengers with transportation challenges, Seoul Metro applied a "barrier-free design." The design strictly adheres to the "installation and operation standards for unmanned information terminals" set by the Act on the Prohibition of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, enhancing accessibility and convenience for those with mobility difficulties.

The kiosks have been designed with a maximum height of 122 cm from the floor for the screen and controls, making them accessible to wheelchair users and children, and also offer a low-screen mode. Additional features include a braille keypad and an audio guidance earphone jack for visually impaired users. The interface has been simplified with fewer steps and larger text, enabling intuitive use for seniors and those with low vision.

Han Younghee, Acting President and Head of Planning at Seoul Metro, stated, "The completion of the new transportation card kiosk installation is more than just a facility upgrade; it reflects the latest cashless payment trends and improved accessibility for passengers with transportation challenges. Going forward, Seoul Metro will continue to expand world-class subway services, such as tagless payment, to ensure convenience for all users."