

By Lee Ji-hye

Travelling on Seoul's public transport is about to get more expensive.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Urban Traffic Headquarters will soon announce fare rises of 150 to 200 won for buses and 200 to 300 won for subways. The fares are expected to take effect from June.

Officials said bus fares would rise 14.3 to 19 percent, with the new fares ranging from 1,200 to 1,250 won.

Subway fares will cost between 1,250 and 1,350 won, up from 1,050 won - an increase of 19 to 28.6 percent.

Village buses, or Maeul buses, will not be exempt.

"The most recent hike was three years ago, in February, 2012," a traffic headquarters official said. "If we turn in the proposal to the municipal assembly, it could be implemented as early as June, and at least by July."

The city said the subway's budget had deficit of about 4.2 billion won ($3,856,062) while the bus system's deficit was 2.5 billion won.