Navigating Korea’s extensive subway systems becomes much easier once you can decipher the subway map (노선도 – no-seon-do). This guide provides the essential Korean vocabulary and phrases needed to understand subway maps, ask for directions related to the map, and travel confidently. Learn how to identify lines, stations, transfers, and directions using these practical expressions.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
- Expression: 지하철 노선도 (ji-ha-cheol no-seon-do)
Pronunciation: ji-ha-cheol no-seon-do
Meaning: Subway map (literally: subway route map)
Essential Subway Vocabulary
This vocabulary is crucial for reading and discussing the subway map.
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Expression: 역 (yeok)
Pronunciation: yeok
Meaning: Station -
Expression: 호선 (ho-seon)
Pronunciation: ho-seon
Meaning: Line (e.g., 1호선 – il-ho-seon – Line 1) -
Expression: 환승역 (hwan-seung-yeok)
Pronunciation: hwan-seung-yeok
Meaning: Transfer station -
Expression: 환승하다 (hwan-seung-ha-da)
Pronunciation: hwan-seung-ha-da
Meaning: To transfer (verb) -
Expression: 출구 (chul-gu)
Pronunciation: chul-gu
Meaning: Exit -
Expression: 방향 (bang-hyang)
Pronunciation: bang-hyang
Meaning: Direction -
Expression: 다음 역 (da-eum yeok)
Pronunciation: da-eum yeok
Meaning: Next station -
Expression: 이번 역 (i-beon yeok)
Pronunciation: i-beon yeok
Meaning: This station (current stop) -
Expression: 종점 (jong-jeom)
Pronunciation: jong-jeom
Meaning: Last stop / Terminus -
Expression: 급행열차 (geu-paeng-yeol-cha)
Pronunciation: geu-paeng-yeol-cha
Meaning: Express train -
Expression: 일반열차 (il-ban-yeol-cha)
Pronunciation: il-ban-yeol-cha
Meaning: Local train (all stops train) -
Expression: 요금 (yo-geum)
Pronunciation: yo-geum
Meaning: Fare
Asking for Directions with the Map
Use these phrases when asking someone for help while looking at the subway map.
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Expression: 이 역이 어디예요? (i yeog-i eo-di-ye-yo?)
Pronunciation: i yeog-i eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where is this station (on the map)? -
Expression: [목적지] 역으로 가려면 몇 호선을 타야 해요? ([mok-jeok-ji] yeog-eu-ro ga-ryeo-myeon myeot ho-seon-eul ta-ya hae-yo?)
Pronunciation: [mok-jeok-ji] yeog-eu-ro ga-ryeo-myeon myeot ho-seon-eul ta-ya hae-yo?
Meaning: Which line should I take to get to [Destination] station? -
Expression: 어디서 환승해야 해요? (eo-di-seo hwan-seung-hae-ya hae-yo?)
Pronunciation: eo-di-seo hwan-seung-hae-ya hae-yo?
Meaning: Where do I need to transfer? -
Expression: 이 노선도 좀 봐주시겠어요? (i no-seon-do jom bwa-ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?)
Pronunciation: i no-seon-do jom bwa-ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Could you please look at this map for me? -
Expression: [역 이름] 역은 이 방향이 맞아요? ([yeok i-reum] yeog-eun i bang-hyang-i ma-ja-yo?)
Pronunciation: [yeok i-reum] yeog-eun i bang-hyang-i ma-ja-yo?
Meaning: Is this the right direction for [Station Name] station? -
Expression: 여기서 [목적지] 역까지 몇 정거장이에요? (yeo-gi-seo [mok-jeok-ji] yeok-kka-ji myeot jeong-geo-jang-i-e-yo?)
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo [mok-jeok-ji] yeok-kka-ji myeot jeong-geo-jang-i-e-yo?
Meaning: How many stops is it from here to [Destination] station? -
Expression: 이 역에서 내리면 돼요? (i yeog-e-seo nae-ri-myeon dwae-yo?)
Pronunciation: i yeog-e-seo nae-ri-myeon dwae-yo?
Meaning: Should I get off at this station? -
Expression: 가장 가까운 출구가 어디예요? (ga-jang ga-kka-un chul-gu-ga eo-di-ye-yo?)
Pronunciation: ga-jang ga-kka-un chul-gu-ga eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where is the nearest exit? -
Expression: 급행열차는 이 역에 서나요? (geu-paeng-yeol-cha-neun i yeog-e seo-na-yo?)
Pronunciation: geu-paeng-yeol-cha-neun i yeog-e seo-na-yo?
Meaning: Does the express train stop at this station? -
Expression: 이 색깔은 무슨 호선이에요? (i saek-kkal-eun mu-seun ho-seon-i-e-yo?)
Pronunciation: i saek-kkal-eun mu-seun ho-seon-i-e-yo?
Meaning: What line is this color? -
Expression: 환승하는 데 얼마나 걸려요? (hwan-seung-ha-neun de eol-ma-na geol-lyeo-yo?)
Pronunciation: hwan-seung-ha-neun de eol-ma-na geol-lyeo-yo?
Meaning: How long does it take to transfer?
Understanding Map Information
These phrases help you interpret the information presented on the subway map.
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Expression: 이 호선은 [방향]으로 가는 노선이에요. (i ho-seon-eun [bang-hyang]-eu-ro ga-neun no-seon-i-e-yo.)
Pronunciation: i ho-seon-eun [bang-hyang]-eu-ro ga-neun no-seon-i-e-yo.
Meaning: This line goes towards [Direction]. -
Expression: [역 이름] 역에서 환승하세요. ([yeok i-reum] yeog-e-seo hwan-seung-ha-se-yo.)
Pronunciation: [yeok i-reum] yeog-e-seo hwan-seung-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: Transfer at [Station Name] station. -
Expression: 총 [숫자] 정거장 가시면 돼요. (chong [sut-ja] jeong-geo-jang ga-si-myeon dwae-yo.)
Pronunciation: chong [sut-ja] jeong-geo-jang ga-si-myeon dwae-yo.
Meaning: You need to go [Number] stops in total. -
Expression: 이 역은 급행열차가 정차하지 않아요. (i yeog-eun geu-paeng-yeol-cha-ga jeong-cha-ha-ji a-na-yo.)
Pronunciation: i yeog-eun geu-paeng-yeol-cha-ga jeong-cha-ha-ji a-na-yo.
Meaning: The express train does not stop at this station. -
Expression: 노선도를 따라가면 찾을 수 있어요. (no-seon-do-reul tta-ra-ga-myeon cha-jeul su i-sseo-yo.)
Pronunciation: no-seon-do-reul tta-ra-ga-myeon cha-jeul su i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: You can find it by following the map. -
Expression: 출구 번호를 확인하세요. (chul-gu beon-ho-reul hwa-gin-ha-se-yo.)
Pronunciation: chul-gu beon-ho-reul hwa-gin-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: Check the exit number. -
Expression: 이 역은 1호선과 4호선 환승역이에요. (i yeog-eun ir-ho-seon-gwa sa-ho-seon hwan-seung-yeog-i-e-yo.)
Pronunciation: i yeog-eun ir-ho-seon-gwa sa-ho-seon hwan-seung-yeog-i-e-yo.
Meaning: This station is a transfer station for Line 1 and Line 4. -
Expression: [방향] 방면 열차를 타세요. ([bang-hyang] bang-myeon yeol-cha-reul ta-se-yo.)
Pronunciation: [bang-hyang] bang-myeon yeol-cha-reul ta-se-yo.
Meaning: Take the train bound for [Direction]. -
Expression: 노선도에 색깔별로 표시되어 있어요. (no-seon-do-e saek-kkal-byeol-lo pyo-si-doe-eo i-sseo-yo.)
Pronunciation: no-seon-do-e saek-kkal-byeol-lo pyo-si-doe-eo i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: It’s marked by color on the map. -
Expression: 여기 보시면 현재 위치가 나와 있어요. (yeo-gi bo-si-myeon hyeon-jae wi-chi-ga na-wa i-sseo-yo.)
Pronunciation: yeo-gi bo-si-myeon hyeon-jae wi-chi-ga na-wa i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: If you look here, it shows your current location. -
Expression: 이 노선은 순환선이에요. (i no-seon-eun sun-hwan-seon-i-e-yo.)
Pronunciation: i no-seon-eun sun-hwan-seon-i-e-yo.
Meaning: This line is a circle line.
Korean Culture Notes
- Color-Coding and Numbering: Korean subway lines are distinctly color-coded and numbered (e.g., Line 2 is green, Line 4 is light blue). This system is consistent across maps, station signs, and even train exteriors, making navigation easier.
- Transfer Signs: Transferring (환승 – hwan-seung) is common. Stations clearly mark transfer paths with the color and number of the connecting line. Follow these signs carefully, as some transfers can involve long walks.
- Navigation Apps: While physical maps are essential, most Koreans rely heavily on navigation apps like Naver Map or Kakao Map. These apps provide real-time train information, optimal routes, estimated travel times, and exit information, often in English as well.
- Station Names: Many station names include location identifiers like universities (e.g., Hongik University Station), landmarks (e.g., Gyeongbokgung Station), or districts (e.g., Gangnam Station). This can help orient you.
- Express vs. Local: Be mindful of express (급행 – geu-paeng) and local (일반 – il-ban or 완행 – wan-haeng) trains, especially on longer lines. Express trains skip stations. Maps and platform signs indicate which type of train is arriving and which stations it serves.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A tourist (A) is looking at a subway map in a station, trying to figure out how to get to Myeongdong. A local Korean (B) notices and offers help.
Roles:
* A: Tourist
* B: Local Korean
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Expression: B: 도움이 필요하세요? (do-u-mi pi-ryo-ha-se-yo?)
Pronunciation: do-u-mi pi-ryo-ha-se-yo?
Meaning: Do you need help? -
Expression: A: 네, 감사합니다. 명동역에 가고 싶은데, 이 노선도에서 어떻게 가는지 잘 모르겠어요. (ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da. myeong-dong-yeog-e ga-go si-peun-de, i no-seon-do-e-seo eo-tteo-ke ga-neun-ji jal mo-reu-ge-sseo-yo.)
Pronunciation: ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da. myeong-dong-yeog-e ga-go si-peun-de, i no-seon-do-e-seo eo-tteo-ke ga-neun-ji jal mo-reu-ge-sseo-yo.
Meaning: Yes, thank you. I want to go to Myeongdong Station, but I’m not sure how to get there from this map. -
Expression: B: 아, 명동역이요. 지금 여기가 [현재 역 이름] 역이니까… 4호선을 타시면 돼요. 이 파란색 선이에요. (a, myeong-dong-yeog-i-yo. ji-geum yeo-gi-ga [hyeon-jae yeok i-reum] yeog-i-ni-kka… sa-ho-seon-eul ta-si-myeon dwae-yo. i pa-ran-saek seon-i-e-yo.)
Pronunciation: a, myeong-dong-yeog-i-yo. ji-geum yeo-gi-ga [hyeon-jae yeok i-reum] yeog-i-ni-kka… sa-ho-seon-eul ta-si-myeon dwae-yo. i pa-ran-saek seon-i-e-yo.
Meaning: Ah, Myeongdong Station. Since we are currently at [Current Station Name] station… you need to take Line 4. It’s this blue line. -
Expression: A: 아, 4호선요. 환승해야 하나요? (a, sa-ho-seon-yo. hwan-seung-hae-ya ha-na-yo?)
Pronunciation: a, sa-ho-seon-yo. hwan-seung-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Ah, Line 4. Do I need to transfer? -
Expression: B: 아니요, 이 역에서 바로 타시면 돼요. [반대 방향 종점] 방향 말고, [명동 방향 종점] 방향으로 타세요. (a-ni-yo, i yeog-e-seo ba-ro ta-si-myeon dwae-yo. [ban-dae bang-hyang jong-jeom] bang-hyang mal-go, [myeong-dong bang-hyang jong-jeom] bang-hyang-eu-ro ta-se-yo.)
Pronunciation: a-ni-yo, i yeog-e-seo ba-ro ta-si-myeon dwae-yo. [ban-dae bang-hyang jong-jeom] bang-hyang mal-go, [myeong-dong bang-hyang jong-jeom] bang-hyang-eu-ro ta-se-yo.
Meaning: No, you can take it directly from this station. Don’t take the one going towards [Opposite Direction Terminus], take the one towards [Myeongdong Direction Terminus]. -
Expression: A: 알겠습니다. 몇 정거장 가야 해요? (al-ge-sseum-ni-da. myeot jeong-geo-jang ga-ya hae-yo?)
Pronunciation: al-ge-sseum-ni-da. myeot jeong-geo-jang ga-ya hae-yo?
Meaning: I understand. How many stops do I need to go? -
Expression: B: 여기서 다섯 정거장이에요. 명동역에서 내리시면 됩니다. (yeo-gi-seo da-seot jeong-geo-jang-i-e-yo. myeong-dong-yeog-e-seo nae-ri-si-myeon doem-ni-da.)
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo da-seot jeong-geo-jang-i-e-yo. myeong-dong-yeog-e-seo nae-ri-si-myeon doem-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s five stops from here. You can get off at Myeongdong Station. -
Expression: A: 정말 감사합니다! 많은 도움이 되었어요. (jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da! ma-neun do-u-mi doe-eo-sseo-yo.)
Pronunciation: jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da! ma-neun do-u-mi doe-eo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: Thank you so much! That was very helpful.
Practice Tips
Mastering the subway map takes a little practice! Try tracing routes on a physical map or using a Korean map app before you travel~. Don’t hesitate to ask station staff or locals for help using the phrases you’ve learned – most people are very willing to assist travelers! Pay attention to the station announcements and signs inside the train too. You’ll be navigating like a pro in no time! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Good luck!)
