Missed the last train? Getting home late at night in Seoul
Night buses, taxis and what to know when the subway has stopped.
The Seoul subway stops running around midnight. If you miss the last train, you still have good options.
Night buses
Seoul runs late-night buses, often called owl buses, on the busiest routes. Their route numbers start with N. They run from around midnight until early morning, when the subway opens again.
Search your destination in Naver Map or KakaoMap after midnight, and night bus routes will appear in the transit results. You pay with a T-money card, just like a daytime bus.
Taxis
Taxis are the simplest choice late at night, but they are in high demand around popular nightlife areas such as Hongdae and Gangnam on weekends.
- A booking app is easier than hailing on the street.
- The late-night surcharge applies from 10 pm.
- Walking a few blocks away from the busiest street often makes it easier to get a taxi.
See our taxi guide for details.
Stay safe
- Keep your phone charged. Convenience stores sell chargers and power banks.
- Stay in busy, well-lit areas while you wait.
- If you feel unsafe, call 112 for the police.
Prices, timetables and rules in Korea change often. We check this guide regularly, but please confirm details with the official sources linked above before you travel.