Seoul Subway Line 7
Seoul Subway Line 7 is a major rapid transit line in the Seoul Metropolitan Subway system, operated by Seoul Metro, that stretches 61.3 kilometers across 53 stations from Jangam Station in northern Seoul's Nowon District to Seongnam Station in southwestern Incheon's Seo-gu, serving as a key north-south corridor for suburban commuters while largely bypassing the city's central districts.[1] The line, color-coded in olive green, connects diverse areas including residential neighborhoods in Uijeongbu and Nowon-gu, commercial hubs in Gangnam-gu such as Cheongdam and Gangnam-gu Office, and industrial zones in Guro-gu and Bucheon before reaching Incheon, facilitating efficient travel for approximately 853,000 daily passengers (as of 2024) and interchanges with multiple other lines including Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, the Shinbundang Line, and Incheon Subway Line 1.[2][1][3][4] It operates with electric multiple units on standard gauge tracks at a maximum speed of 80 km/h, running from approximately 5:30 a.m. to midnight with headways of 2 to 5 minutes during peak hours.[5][6][7] Construction began in 1990 as part of Seoul's expansion of its subway network to alleviate road congestion, with the initial 19 km segment from Jangam to Konkuk University Station opening on October 11, 1996, followed by the central section to Sinpung on August 1, 2000, and the western extension to Onsu on February 29, 2000.[1][8] Significant extensions include a 10.2 km branch to Bupyeong-gu Office Station opened on October 27, 2012, adding nine stations and improving connectivity to western Seoul and Incheon, and a further 4.2 km, two-station extension to Seongnam on May 22, 2021, enhancing links to Incheon Metro Line 2 and supporting regional development in the Incheon Free Economic Zone.[3][1] These expansions have made Line 7 integral to the broader metropolitan network, which spans over 300 km and serves millions annually, contributing to sustainable urban mobility in one of the world's densest populations.[9][7]History
Construction Phases
Planning for Seoul Subway Line 7 began in the late 1980s as part of the city's second-phase metropolitan expansion efforts, aimed at alleviating severe traffic congestion in the northeastern and southern districts by enhancing connectivity between densely populated residential areas like Nowon-gu and burgeoning business hubs in Gangnam.[10] The Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements finalized the route in 1989, envisioning a north-south corridor to integrate with the existing network and support urban growth without overburdening central areas.[10] Construction commenced on December 28, 1990, focusing initially on the approximately 20 km Gangbuk segment from Jangam to Konkuk University, which included 21 stations and relied predominantly on underground tunneling methods to navigate Seoul's challenging urban terrain.[11] Key engineering hurdles involved constructing an underwater tunnel to cross the Han River in the central section and ensuring seamless integration with Line 2 at Konkuk University Station, all while contending with resident disputes over routing that led to curved alignments and closer station spacing.[10] The project was funded primarily through the Seoul Metropolitan Government and central government contributions, reflecting increased national support for the second-phase subways compared to earlier lines.[10] The line opened in phases: the Jangam to Konkuk University segment on October 11, 1996, marking the inaugural service and earning positive public reception as the first direct subway link between Nowon-gu and Gangnam, significantly easing commutes for northeastern residents.[8] The western section from Sinpung to Onsu followed on February 29, 2000, while the central Konkuk University to Sinpung portion, incorporating the Han River crossing, opened on August 1, 2000, completing the core 48 km network by that year.[8] These milestones established Line 7 as a vital artery, upon which subsequent expansions would build.[10]Expansions
The western extension of Seoul Subway Line 7 from Onsu Station to Bupyeong-gu Office Station, spanning 10.2 km with nine new stations, opened on October 27, 2012, enhancing integration with Incheon's subway network by connecting directly to Incheon Subway Line 1 at the terminus.[1] This segment primarily serves Bucheon and Incheon's industrial areas, including the Bupyeong industrial zone, improving commuter access and supporting regional economic activity by reducing transfer needs for workers traveling to central Seoul.[12] The project, funded at approximately 1.2 trillion KRW through public-private partnerships, involved mostly underground construction to minimize disruption in densely populated zones. Operation of the Incheon segment transitioned at Onsu Station, with Seoul Metro handing off to the Incheon Transit Corporation starting in 2012, allowing localized management while maintaining seamless service across the metropolitan area.[13] This handover facilitated better coordination with Incheon's transit priorities, including maintenance and fare integration. A further western extension from Bupyeong-gu Office Station to Seongnam Station, covering 4.2 km with two new stations (Sangok and Seongnam), opened on May 22, 2021, as the second phase of the branch to Incheon and providing a transfer to Incheon Metro Line 2 at Seongnam.[1] Construction, which began in December 2016, was mostly underground to support development in the Incheon Free Economic Zone.[14] This addition improved connectivity to southwestern Incheon's industrial and economic areas, fostering regional growth by shortening travel times.[14] Minor adjustments during 2015–2018 included platform extensions at select stations along the line to accommodate longer train consists, improving capacity without major service interruptions.[15] These expansions collectively expanded Line 7's reach, promoting balanced regional development by alleviating congestion on parallel routes and integrating peripheral areas into the broader Seoul metropolitan transit framework.Route Description
Overview
Seoul Subway Line 7 is a major rapid transit line in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, spanning a total length of 61.3 km and serving 53 stations as of 2025.[1] The line's primary termini are Jangam station in Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do, and Seongnam station in Incheon's Seo-gu.[1] It operates as a key connector across multiple jurisdictions, facilitating daily commutes for millions in the densely populated region. The line is operated by Seoul Metro from Jangam to Onsu Station and by Incheon Transit Corporation from Onsu to Seongnam. The route begins at Jangam in Uijeongbu-si, entering Dobong-gu and curving southward through Nowon-gu, Jungnang-gu, and other districts before passing through the bustling Gangnam district, then through Seocho-gu and Dongjak-gu. It then veers westward via Yeongdeungpo-gu, Guro-gu, and Bucheon, terminating at Seongnam in Incheon's Seo-gu, providing essential links between residential, commercial, and industrial zones.[1] Line 7 features a double-tracked configuration throughout its length, with approximately 85% of the route underground and the remainder consisting of elevated sections primarily in the outskirts. It employs a standard gauge of 1,435 mm and is electrified at 1,500 V DC using overhead catenary wires.[3] The line plays a vital role in daily urban integration, linking Gangnam's business hubs with northern residential neighborhoods and Incheon's industrial areas, thereby supporting efficient cross-metropolitan travel and economic activity.[1]Key Segments
The Seoul Subway Line 7 route, extending 61.3 km from Jangam in Uijeongbu-si to Seongnam in Incheon, is segmented into northern, central, and western parts, each adapted to local terrain and urban contexts while facilitating commuter connectivity across the metropolitan area.[1] The northern segment, covering about 31.4 km to the Konkuk University vicinity, predominantly threads through residential zones and negotiates hilly terrain in areas like Nowon and Dobong districts. Elevated structures dominate the initial portions here, chosen for economic viability amid the varied topography and to minimize disruption in densely populated suburbs. Shifting to the central segment of roughly 20 km ending near Onsu, the line delves into Seoul's urban core, traversing high-density commercial districts in Gangnam and crossing the Han River via an underwater tunnel. This 1.288 km subaqueous tunnel, Korea's first of its kind, reaches depths of 15.6 to 30 m below the riverbed, enabling seamless integration beneath the waterway while supporting intense passenger flows through intricate urban interchanges.[16] The western segment, spanning about 14.4 km from Onsu to Seongnam, transitions to industrial and suburban landscapes in Bucheon and Incheon, with predominantly elevated alignment to handle commuter volumes resembling freight patterns toward port regions. Throughout the line, environmental measures include noise barriers along elevated viaducts to mitigate acoustic impacts and post-2010s upgrades incorporating flood-resistant infrastructure for resilience against heavy rainfall.[17][18]Operation
Services
Seoul Subway Line 7 operates full-line services primarily from Jangam station in northern Seoul to Seongnam station in Incheon, spanning the majority of the route with all-stop patterns at every station.[1] The line's train frequencies are designed to accommodate commuter traffic, with intervals of 2-3 minutes during morning rush hours (6-9 AM) and evening rush hours (5-8 PM), extending to 5-10 minutes during off-peak periods. Services begin around 5:30 AM and conclude with the last trains departing terminals near 12:30 AM on weekdays, slightly earlier on holidays at approximately 11:50 PM. These schedules ensure high reliability across the 53-station network, with adjustments made periodically to address congestion, such as the 2022 increase in Incheon-section runs that reduced peak intervals to an average of 3 minutes.[19][20] Operation of Line 7 is divided between two entities for efficient management: Seoul Metro handles the core section from Jangam to Onsu, encompassing 42 stations, while Incheon Transit Corporation oversees the western extension from Kkachiul to Seongnam, covering 11 additional stations. This division facilitates seamless passenger transfers at Onsu station without fare or platform interruptions, supported by integrated signaling and control systems.[19] Trains consist of 8-car formations, each with a capacity of approximately 1,000 passengers, optimized for standing room during peak times to maximize throughput on the double-track route. Special services include event-based expresses for major festivals or disruptions and full integration with the T-money contactless smart card system for fare payment and access at all gates. Overnight maintenance occurs at dedicated depots in Jangam and Onsu, where trains undergo inspections and repairs to maintain operational standards.[21]Ridership and Fares
In 2024, Seoul Subway Line 7 recorded an average daily ridership of 852,631 passengers, marking a significant portion of the overall Seoul Metro system's total of 6.6 million daily riders across Lines 1 to 8.[22] This figure reflects post-pandemic recovery, with the line contributing to the system's record annual ridership amid a return to office work and increased tourism.[22] Pre-2024 data remains limited in public accessibility, underscoring the need for updated statistics from sources like the Seoul Open Data Portal to capture ongoing trends in passenger volumes. Ridership trends show notable growth at key stations, such as Nowon, where usage on Line 7 increased by 15% year-over-year in 2024, driven by shifts toward hybrid work patterns and heightened commuter activity.[22] Peak demand concentrates in high-traffic corridors like Gangnam to Onsu, linking major employment hubs in southern Seoul with western suburbs in Bucheon and Gwangmyeong. The line supports approximately 850,000 daily commuters, playing a vital role in the metropolitan economy by facilitating efficient transport and helping mitigate urban road congestion through modal shift from private vehicles.[23] The fare structure for Line 7 follows a distance-based system integrated across the Seoul Metropolitan Subway network. As of June 2025, the base fare for adults using a transport card (T-money) is 1,550 KRW for trips up to 10 km, with additional 100-200 KRW increments for every 5-8 km beyond that; cash fares are higher at 1,650 KRW base. Transfers to other subway lines or buses are free within 30 minutes when using a contactless card, promoting seamless intermodal travel.[2] Monthly unlimited passes under the Climate Card program cost 62,000 KRW for general adult users or 55,000 KRW for youth, seniors, and low-income groups, offering cost savings for frequent commuters.[24]Stations
Listing
| Station Number | Name (English/Korean) | District | Opening Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 701 | Jangam (장암) | Dobong-gu, Seoul | 1996 |
| 702 | Dobongsan (도봉산) | Dobong-gu, Seoul | 1996 |
| 703 | Suraksan (수락산) | Dobong-gu, Seoul | 1996 |
| 704 | Madeul (마들) | Nowon-gu, Seoul | 1996 |
| 705 | Nowon (노원) | Nowon-gu, Seoul | 1996 |
| 706 | Junggye (중계) | Nowon-gu, Seoul | 1996 |
| 707 | Hagye (하계) | Nowon-gu, Seoul | 1996 |
| 708 | Gongneung (공릉) | Nowon-gu, Seoul | 1996 |
| 709 | Taereung (태릉입구) | Nowon-gu, Seoul | 1996 |
| 710 | Meokgol (먹골) | Nowon-gu, Seoul | 1996 |
| 711 | Junghwa (중화) | Jungnang-gu, Seoul | 1996 |
| 712 | Sangbong (상봉) | Jungnang-gu, Seoul | 1996 |
| 713 | Myeonmok (면목) | Jungnang-gu, Seoul | 1996 |
| 714 | Sagajeong (사가정) | Jungnang-gu, Seoul | 1996 |
| 715 | Yongmasan (용마산) | Jungnang-gu, Seoul | 1996 |
| 716 | Junggok (중곡) | Gwangjin-gu, Seoul | 1996 |
| 717 | Gunja (군자) | Gwangjin-gu, Seoul | 1996 |
| 718 | Children's Grand Park (어린이대공원) | Gwangjin-gu, Seoul | 1996 |
| 719 | Konkuk University (건대입구) | Gwangjin-gu, Seoul | 1996 |
| 720 | Ttukseom Park (뚝섬유원지역) | Gwangjin-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 721 | Cheongdam (청담) | Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 722 | Gangnam-gu Office (강남구청) | Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 723 | Hakdong (학동) | Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 724 | Nonhyeon (논현) | Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 725 | Banpo (반포) | Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 726 | Express Bus Terminal (고속터미널) | Seocho-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 727 | Naebang (내방) | Seocho-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 728 | Isu (이수) | Dongjak-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 729 | Namtaeryeong (남태령) | Dongjak-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 730 | Namseong (남성) | Dongjak-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 731 | Soongsil University (숭실대입구) | Dongjak-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 732 | Sangdo (상도) | Dongjak-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 733 | Jangseungbaegi (장승배기) | Dongjak-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 734 | Sindaebang (신대방) | Dongjak-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 735 | Sindaebangsamgeori (신대방삼거리) | Dongjak-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 736 | Boramae (보라매) | Dongjak-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 737 | Sinpung (신풍) | Dongjak-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 738 | Daerim (대림) | Guro-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 739 | Guro-gu Office (구로구청) | Guro-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 740 | Gasan Digital Complex (가산디지털단지역) | Guro-gu, Seoul | 2000 |
| 741 | Cheolsan (철산) | Anyang, Gyeonggi | 2000 |
| 742 | Gwangmyeongsageori (광명사거리) | Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi | 2000 |
| 743 | Cheonwang (천왕) | Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi | 2000 |
| 744 | Onsu (온수) | Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi | 2000 |
| 745 | Kkachiul (까치울) | Bucheon, Gyeonggi | 2012 |
| 746 | Bucheon Stadium (부천운동장) | Bucheon, Gyeonggi | 2012 |
| 747 | Chunui (춘의) | Bucheon, Gyeonggi | 2012 |
| 748 | Sinjung-dong (신중동) | Bucheon, Gyeonggi | 2012 |
| 749 | Bucheon City Hall (부천시청) | Bucheon, Gyeonggi | 2012 |
| 750 | Sang-dong (상동) | Bucheon, Gyeonggi | 2012 |
| 751 | Samsan Gymnasium (삼산체육관) | Bucheon, Gyeonggi | 2012 |
| 752 | Gulpocheon (굴포천) | Bucheon, Gyeonggi | 2012 |
| 753 | Bupyeong-gu Office (부평구청) | Bupyeong-gu, Incheon | 2012 |
| 754 | Sangok (상곡) | Bupyeong-gu, Incheon | 2021 |
| 755 | Seongnam (석남) | Seo-gu, Incheon | 2021 |