More than 30,000 cases of fare evasion were detected on the Seoul subway through September this year, resulting in approximately 1.65 billion won in fines. The majority of these cases involved the improper use of discounted tickets, accounting for over 75% of the total fines.
According to the Seoul Transportation Corporation, as of November 4, over 30,000 fare evasion incidents were reported by the end of September. Among these, improper use of discounted tickets made up 76.7% of the total fines, while unreported rides constituted 15%, and misuse of discount coupons accounted for 8.3%.
From 2023 to 2025, approximately 160,000 fare evasion cases were recorded, averaging about 53,000 cases per year. During this period, the total fines collected amounted to around 7.7 billion won.
Individuals caught fare evading are required to pay the fare for the traveled segment along with an additional fine equivalent to 30 times the fare, as stipulated by the Railway Business Act and the passenger transport regulations of the corporation.
To raise awareness about fare evasion and promote a culture of legitimate ticket use, the corporation, in collaboration with metropolitan subway operators, launched a 'Fare Evasion Prevention Campaign' for the second half of 2026.
Participating organizations utilized banners, sashes, and 'Totta' mascot costumes around major transfer corridors and ticketing areas to emphasize the importance of using valid tickets.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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