The subway stops long before most Seoul dance floors reach their best hour. The Getting Home Planner shows what still runs from the area you are in at the time you want to leave: the subway, the owl buses (심야버스, simya beoseu) that stop nearby, a taxi estimate with the late night surcharge (심야할증, simya haljeung), and who to call if something goes wrong.
Loading the planner.
How the Planner Works
Pick your area, the night and the time. Owl bus routes come from the official Seoul bus information system, checked on 30 September 2026, and taxi fares come from the city fare table. The taxi estimate is a rough guide based on distance, and traffic time adds more, so the meter is always the final word. Subway times vary by station, so check the exact last train in Naver Map or Kakao Map before you order another round.
For a night out plan, the Seoul nightlife FAQ covers the basics, and Hongdae vs Itaewon vs Gangnam helps you pick a district before you pick a club.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the last subway in Seoul?
On weekdays the last trains reach their terminal stations around 1am, and on weekends and holidays around midnight. Trains pass each station earlier than that, so check your exact station in Naver Map or Kakao Map.
What time does the Seoul subway start in the morning?
First trains start at about 5:30am, varying by station.
Which night bus goes from Hongdae to Itaewon?
The N72 owl bus links Sinchon, Hongdae and Itaewon. N buses cost 2,500 won by card and run roughly from 11pm to the early morning.
How much is the late night taxi surcharge in Seoul?
Seoul adds 20 percent from 10 to 11pm and from 2 to 4am, and 40 percent from 11pm to 2am. Leaving the city adds 20 percent more, with a 60 percent cap.
Can tourists use taxi apps in Seoul?
Yes. K.ride signs you up without a Korean phone number and takes foreign cards, Kakao T accepts major foreign cards, and Uber books local taxis as Uber Taxi.
Who can I call for help at night in Seoul?
Call 1330, the Korea Travel Hotline, which is free and runs 24 hours in several languages. For police call 112, and for fire or an ambulance call 119.
Written from Seoul, by someone who has been in the booth for more than 25 years. More on the site, or book a DJ.