Seoul subways go fully self-service on fares

A new transportation card kiosk is installed at Jonggak Station in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Jan. 7, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu

SEOUL, January 07 (AJP) - Seoul Metro announced on January 6 that it has completed the installation of 440 new transportation card kiosks across all 273 stations on Lines 1-8, marking the first upgrade in 17 years since the introduction of cash-only machines in 2009.

A citizen uses a new transportation card kiosk at Jonggak Station in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Jan. 7, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu

The new kiosks now accept credit cards and mobile payment methods including KakaoPay and Naver Pay for purchasing and recharging single-journey tickets, monthly passes, and Climate Companion Cards. The number of available card types has expanded from one disposable option to five varieties including the Climate Companion Card.

A citizen collects a single-journey transportation card at Jonggak Station in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Jan. 7, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu

Passengers can now independently process refunds for single-journey and monthly passes, change prepaid card types, and re-register lost or stolen public transportation safety cards—services that previously required staff assistance.

The screen of a new transportation card kiosk installed at Jonggak Station in Jongno-gu, Seoul. AJP Han Jun-gu

Seoul Metro emphasized accessibility improvements for transportation-vulnerable users, incorporating standards from the Disability Discrimination Act. The kiosks feature screens and control panels positioned within 1,220mm from the floor for wheelchair users and children, along with a low-screen mode. Additional features include braille keypads, audio guide headphone jacks for the visually impaired, and simplified interfaces with large text for elderly and low-vision users.

A comparison of a new kiosk's control panel (left) featuring a headphone jack and accessibility keypad for people with disabilities, and an old kiosk's coin slot at Jonggak Station in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Jan. 7, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu

An old transportation card kiosk stands out of service at Jonggak Station in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Jan. 7, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu

Han Jun-gu 사진기자 jungu141298@ajupress.com

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