Traveling around Korea is fast, efficient, and affordable—but if you’re new to the country, figuring out the public transportation system can be overwhelming!
Whether you're navigating the Seoul subway, intercity trains, or buses, this guide will give you all the tips & tricks to make your Korean travel experience smooth and stress-free!
Seoul Subway: The Easiest Way to Get Around the City
Why Use the Subway?
Fast & Affordable – Fares start at ₩1,250 ($1 USD) for short distances
English-Friendly – All stations have English, Chinese, and Japanese signage
Covers Everywhere – 23 subway lines in Seoul & connections to other cities
How to Use the Subway Like a Pro
1 Get a T-Money Card
- Works on subways, buses, taxis, and even convenience stores!
- Buy one at GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, or subway stations
- Recharge at kiosks inside subway stations
2 Download Korean Transit Apps
- Kakao Metro – Live subway arrival times & best routes
- Naver Map – Real-time subway & bus directions
- Subway Korea – Offline-friendly subway map
3 Rush Hour = Madness!
- Avoid 8:00–9:30 AM & 6:00–7:30 PM (crazy packed trains!)
- If crowded, wait for the next train—it’s usually only 2-3 minutes away
4 Silver Seats Are NOT for You!
- Reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, and disabled people
- Even if empty, DO NOT sit there—locals will stare at you
5 Train Doors Close FAST!
- The subway doesn’t wait—if you hear the chime, run or wait for the next one!
Pro Tip:
- If you lose something on the subway, call the Korean Lost & Found at +82-2-6110-1122
Buses: The Local Way to Travel Cheaply
Why Use Buses?
Cheaper than subways – Base fare is only ₩1,200 ($0.90 USD)
Covers places that the subway doesn’t (like small neighborhoods)
Scenic Views – Enjoy city sights while commuting
How to Use the Bus System Like a Local
1 Tap Your T-Money Card When Entering & Exiting
- Always tap your card twice—once when you enter, and again when you exit!
- If you forget to tap when leaving, you may be overcharged
2 Know the Bus Colors!
- Blue Buses (Main roads & highways, long routes)
- Green Buses (Shorter routes, subway connections)
- Yellow Buses (Downtown circulation, short loops)
- Red Buses (Express buses to the suburbs)
3 Flag Down the Bus!
- Buses won’t stop unless someone is waiting—wave slightly to signal the driver
4 Press the Stop Button Early!
- Buses move fast—hit the STOP button at least one stop before yours!
Pro Tip:
- If you get lost, ask the bus driver "이 버스 (destination) 가요?" (Does this bus go to [destination]?)
Taxis: When & How to Use Them
Convenient – Best for late-night travel or areas with no subway access
Cheap Compared to Western Countries – Starts at ₩4,800 ($3.50 USD)
Safe & Reliable – No scams, all taxis use meters
Taxi Apps to Use
Kakao T – Best for foreigners (English-friendly)
Uber Korea – Available, but more expensive than Kakao T
How to Get a Taxi Easily
Option 1: Street Hail
- Look for an orange light on the taxi roof—this means it’s available
- Avoid taxis with red lights (it means occupied)
Option 2: Call a Taxi via Kakao T App
- Just enter your destination & a taxi comes to you!
- Credit card payments available inside the app
Pro Tip:
- Some taxis do not accept credit cards—carry small cash just in case!
KTX High-Speed Train: Traveling Between Cities FAST
Why Take the KTX?
Fastest way to travel between cities (Seoul to Busan in 2 hours!)
Comfortable & Reliable – Reserved seating, Wi-Fi, clean restrooms
English-friendly ticketing at stations & online
KTX Ticket Booking Guide
1 Book Online: korail.com (English available!)
2 Buy at the Station: Kiosks or ticket counters
3 Use Rail Passes: Foreigners can get KORAIL PASS for unlimited rides!
Pro Tip:
- Weekend tickets sell out fast—book at least 2-3 days in advance!
Walking & Navigating the Streets of Korea
Crosswalks Have Timers!
- Pedestrian lights last longer than in the US—be patient
Use Naver Map Instead of Google Maps!
- Google Maps is inaccurate in Korea! Use Naver Map or Kakao Map instead
Bike Rentals (Seoul Bike Ddareungi )
- Rent a bike for ₩1,000 ($0.75) per hour using the Seoul Bike app
Pro Tip:
- Many streets have no street names—use landmarks & shop names to navigate!
Final Thoughts: Your Public Transportation Survival Guide!
With this guide, you’ll be able to navigate Korea like a pro using subways, buses, taxis, and trains!
Which transportation tip surprised you the most? Tell us in the comments!
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