The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) has released the country’s first-ever subway app exclusive for overseas visitors.

The app, called Seoul Subway, provides customised services including information on the entire subway lines of Seoul and the capital area, real-time timetable, location-based guidance, and station directions.

When using the app, visitors will be able to trace the route from their departure station to where they want to go more easily. Since the app is developed based on a destination-oriented system, users’ current location is automatically recognised as the departure station when users begin their route search. If users are not fully aware of the name of a station they need to get off at, this will be flagged when they are at the closest station to their destination.

By tapping a specific transfer station on a map, users will be able to check real-time train operation time of that station, confirming time of the train to which they need to transfer.

Provided with a location-based service, the app guides users with the direction of the train they should catch. When they turn on the app on reaching a subway platform, the app will detect where they are standing in and inform them of the correct direction. Also, when they accidentally get on the wrong train, the app will alert them that they have deviated from the course.

When they tap on a particular train, they can get a glimpse of the degree of congestion in each car of the train.

In addition, users will experience little trouble finding specific locations, such as exits and toilets, since the app provides a direction guide service. If they designate certain locations they are looking for on the app’s main page, the app will automatically guide them with a route to the location they want to reach. The direction guide service is available at 14 lines and stations and the scope of the service is slated to be expanded to other stations.

The app will also allow users to find tourist attractions around certain stations. The users can have a glance at 30 major tourist spots in Seoul and obtain information on attractions.

The Seoul Subway app is available via the iOS App Store and Google Play. Users can check information such as subway ticketing options, fare prices, lockers and emergency contact numbers.