If you're new to Korea and want to understand how to get around, this guide is for you!
From major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu to smaller towns, Korea’s public transportation system is super connected and easy to use—even without a car.
As someone who’s been living here, let me share some local tips to help you navigate buses, subways, taxis, and more!
1️⃣ Get a Transportation Card (T-money)
To use any kind of public transportation in Korea, you’ll need a T-money card or a Korea Tour Card.
You can buy one at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) or subway station kiosks. It costs around 2,500–4,000 KRW.
✈️ You can even find them at the airport (Incheon/Gimpo), and yes—both airports are directly connected to Seoul by subway.
💳 You can recharge the card at convenience stores, subway machines, or ticket kiosks.
👆 If you're a tourist, I recommend the Korea Tour Card. It comes with extra discounts and is available right at the airport.
2️⃣ How to Use the Subway
I personally love using the subway. It’s clean, fast, and always on time.
And here's a great bonus—every station has public restrooms! If you ever have a sudden need (I do, thanks to my sensitive stomach!), you can press the emergency bell at any station gate and they’ll let you in to use the facilities. So helpful!
Seoul has 1 to 9 numbered lines plus others like the Gyeongui-Jungang Line, Shinbundang Line, Airport Railroad, and more.
Almost every major city in Korea also has a subway system.
The apps are super accurate too—showing exactly when the next train is arriving and how long it’ll take to get to your destination. It’s honestly impressive.
📱 Recommended Apps: Kakao Metro, Subway Korea
🗺️ Supports English, Japanese, Chinese
📶 Most stations (and even airports) have free Wi-Fi!
3️⃣ How to Ride the Bus
Bus colors = quick navigation! Just remember these:
🟦 Blue: City-wide main lines (long distances)
🟩 Green: Local and neighborhood circulators
🟥 Red: Express buses from Seoul to suburbs
🟨 Yellow: Circular routes within central Seoul
⏱️ Real-time arrival info is available at bus stops.
📲 You can also use Kakao Map or Naver Map to check exact bus arrival times and live locations.
💡 Tap your T-money card when boarding and again when getting off to get transfer discounts. And don’t forget to press the stop bell before your stop!
4️⃣ Taking a Taxi in Korea
Taxis in Korea are more affordable than you might think. And using the Kakao T app makes it super easy.
🚖 Base fare (Seoul): Around 4,800 KRW
📲 Recommended app: Kakao T (English supported!)
💳 Card payments are accepted and you’ll get an automatic receipt.
🌙 Keep in mind: There's a late-night surcharge after midnight.
5️⃣ Fares & Transfers: Why It’s So Convenient
One of the BEST parts of Korea’s transit system is the transfer discount system.
If you switch from subway to bus or bus to bus, you often don’t pay any extra!
✅ But keep these rules in mind:
- Transfer must happen within 30 minutes
- Transferring to the same bus number doesn’t count as a transfer
✅ Final Local Tips
⏰ Last subway trains usually leave between 11:30 PM and midnight
🚌 Bus times vary by region, so check the app before heading out
💸 You can get a refund on your T-money card at the airport or a designated counter
Once you learn the system, using Korea’s public transportation makes your trip—or daily life—so much easier.
After living abroad for 10 years, I came back and was honestly amazed at how convenient transit is around Seoul and Gyeonggi Province.
Just grab your T-money card, use the right apps, and you’ll be navigating like a local in no time!
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment—I’ll gladly help out with tips from a local’s perspective. 🧡
Hope this helps make your days in Korea smoother and more fun! ✨
