(Korea Tips of the Day)
As you commute around South Korea, you’ll likely travel through many train stations. Among them, Seoul Station stands out as the busiest in the peninsula.
One Friday after work while waiting at this busy station to travel back to Pyeongtaek, the crowds made it nearly impossible to find a seat while waiting for a train.
But I remembered that as a civilian employee working for the U.S. military, I can access the TMO Lounge! The lounge is a good place to comfortably relax in the air conditioning, enjoy snacks and drinks, and charge my phone while waiting for my train.
TMO stands for the Transportation Movement Office, an office operated by the ROK Transportation Command to support the transportation of ROK military personnel. ROK troops can book train or intercity bus tickets related to official duties or vacations through TMO.
The great news for those affiliated with the U.S. military is that each facility includes a lounge area where individuals, including Korean and US military troops, as well as civilian employees working on the base, can take a break. You can simply show your DOD ID or base access pass upon entry to TMO.
TMO lounges are available at most train stations throughout Korea, especially at major stations. If you’re not sure about the presence or location of a TMO lounge at the station you’re visiting, don’t hesitate to ask any station staff. They will be able to easily guide you.
Whether you need a place to rest at the train station, temporarily store your luggage, or charge your phone, stop by a TMO lounge!
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TMO Seoul station (Photo by Hyemin Lee)
Snack station (Photo by Hyemin Lee)
Lockers (Photo by Hyemin Lee)
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Phone charger station (Photo by Hyemin Lee)
Who can use TMO Lounges?
Korean military personnel and civilian employees
US military personnel and DOD civilian employees on U.S. military bases
Companions with the above individuals
Available free services
Seats and tables for resting (outside food and eating allowed)
Hot and cold water, beverages, coffee and snacks
Phone charging station
Changing rooms or lockers
Korail or SRT ticket booking (availability varies depending by lounge)
Locations of TMO Lounges
Seoul Station: Exit 3 on the 2nd floor, next to Story Way convenience store / 7 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Yongsan Station: Opposite side of the entrance to I-Park Mall on the 4th floor / 8 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Suwon Station: Near Exit 3 / 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Pyeongtaek Station: Exit 2 on the 1st floor / 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
TMO is available at most of major train stations such as Cheongnyangni, Suseo, Dongtan, Chuncheon, Gangneung, Daejeon, Dong-daegu, Pohang, Busan, Cheonan-Asan Station, and Dong Seoul Terminal.
