Seoul Metro in 2025: Average transport cost and the next passenger
Seoul Metro’s results for Lines 1–8 illustrate the difference between an average accounting cost per ride and the cost of one more passenger.
Updated Nov 8, 2026
The numerator and denominator in the accounts
Seoul Metro reported 1,817 won in transport costs per ride and a 1,036-won average fare for Lines 1–8 in 2025. These divide total cost and fare revenue, respectively, by passenger boardings. The reported fare recovery ratio was 57%.
When service frequency stays fixed and when it changes
An extra rider on the same train and schedule does not trigger all existing station, train and labor costs again. Crowding that requires added service or capital can change incremental costs. The 781-won average gap describes the accounts, while added service calls for estimating the costs and revenues that would change.
What is needed for costs by time of day
Annual averages do not quantify the marginal cost of peak and off-peak travel. Service frequency, crowding and the fare actually paid by an additional rider would need separate data.