Seoul metropolitan Korail subway riders to get 15-minute fare-free re-entry

Commuters using Korail's subway lines in the Seoul metropolitan area will soon benefit from a new fare policy allowing them to re-enter stations within 15 minutes without incurring additional charges. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport announced that the "15-minute re-entry" system will be expanded to Korail-operated lines starting March 20.

This initiative effectively waives the base fare, currently 1,550 won, for passengers who exit through the same gate and re-enter within a 15-minute window using the same transportation card. Previously, this convenience was primarily available on subway lines managed by Seoul Metro and other Seoul city-affiliated agencies. The expansion addresses widespread user complaints about the inconvenience of the previous system.

The newly included Korail lines encompass sections of Subway Line 1 (Yeoncheon to Hoegi, Namyeong to Sinchang, Guro to Incheon), Line 3 (Daehwa to Jichuk), and Line 4 (Namtaeryeong to Oido). The system will also apply to the Suin-Bundang, Gyeongui-Jungang, Gyeonggang, and Seohae lines operated by Korail.

However, the fare exemption is limited to one use per subway trip and does not apply to single-use tickets or commuter passes. Several private railway lines, including the Airport Railroad, Shinbundang Line, Gimpo Goldline, and Uijeongbu/Yongin Light Rail, as well as lines operated by the Incheon Transportation Corporation (Incheon Lines 1-2 and part of Line 7), will not implement this 15-minute re-entry policy. The Ministry anticipates that this measure will greatly enhance the user experience by allowing passengers to handle brief necessities like restroom breaks or retrieving lost items without financial penalty.

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This system's implementation is expected to significantly improve convenience for metropolitan subway users by eliminating additional charges for situations that can occur in daily life, such as using the restroom, checking for lost items, or mistakenly exiting.