Are you new to Korea or planning to travel here soon? Whether you’re exploring vibrant Seoul, beautiful Busan, or charming Daegu, Korea’s public transportation system is your best friend. With buses, subways, and taxis efficiently connected—even in smaller cities—you can travel almost anywhere without needing a car. This comprehensive guide is written from the perspective of a local who has lived abroad and returned, and now appreciates just how convenient public transport in Korea truly is.
1. Get a Transportation Card (T-money or Korea Tour Card)
To start using public transportation in Korea, you’ll need a rechargeable transportation card. The most popular options are the T-money Card and the Korea Tour Card.
- “T-money” cards are available at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) and subway station ticket booths.
- Cards typically cost between 2,500 and 4,000 KRW.
- You can also find them at both Incheon and Gimpo airports. These airports are connected to the main subway network in the Seoul metropolitan area.
How to Recharge:
- Convenience stores
- Subway station recharge machines
- Ticket vending machines
Traveler Tip:
If you’re visiting Korea, consider buying the Korea Tour Card. It offers extra discounts for tourists and can be purchased right at the airport.
2. How to Use the Subway
The subway is my favorite way to get around because it’s punctual, fast, and clean. As someone with a sensitive stomach, I also appreciate that nearly every subway station has public restrooms. If you're in an emergency, you can use the intercom at the disabled gate to request bathroom access—station staff will open the gate for you.
Highlights:
- Seoul has 1 to 9 numbered lines, plus others like Gyeongui-Jungang Line, Sinbundang Line, and Airport Railroad (AREX).
- Other major cities also have well-developed subway systems.
- Transit apps accurately display arrival times and travel durations—it’s truly impressive.
Recommended Apps:
- KakaoMap and Naver Map: Widely used for both bus and subway routes, real-time tracking, and finding nearby stops or stations
All of these apps support multiple languages including English, Chinese, and Japanese, making them accessible and easy to use for international travelers.
Additional Perks:
- Free Wi-Fi is available in most subway stations, especially in the Seoul metro area.
3. How to Ride the Bus
Understanding the color-coded system makes using Korean buses easy:
- 🔵 Blue Buses: Long-distance city buses
- 🟢 Green Buses: Local neighborhood routes
- 🔴 Red Buses: Inter-city buses in the Seoul metro region
- 🟡 Yellow Buses: Circular routes in central Seoul
Tips:
- Real-time arrival info is available at most bus stops!
- Use KakaoMap or Naver Map to check the live location and arrival times.
Boarding Process:
- Tap your transportation card when boarding and again when exiting to benefit from the transfer discounts.
- Don’t forget to press the bell before your stop!
4. Taking a Taxi in Korea
Taxis are more affordable than in many other countries and easy to hail.
Taxi Basics:
- Base fare: Around 4,800 KRW in Seoul
- Use the Kakao T app to book a ride easily—it supports English
- Credit card payments are accepted
- Receipts are automatically issued
Note: A nighttime surcharge applies during late hours.
5. Understanding the Fare & Transfer System
One of the biggest advantages of Korea's public transport is the transfer discount system:
- No extra fare when transferring from subway to bus or from one bus to another
- Transfers must be made within 30 minutes
- Re-boarding the same bus number does not count as a transfer
This makes commuting more cost-effective and user-friendly.
Pro Tips from a Local
- Last subway trains usually run until around 11:30 PM to midnight
- Bus operation hours vary by region, so always check your app
- You can get a refund for unused T-money balance at designated airport counters or stations
Living or traveling in Korea becomes much more convenient once you master the public transport system. After spending 10 years abroad, I returned and was amazed by how advanced and user-friendly the system had become, especially in the Seoul-Gyeonggi area.
With just your phone and a transport card, you can move around the city like a local.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. I’m here to help with insider tips and friendly advice — so your time in Korea is smooth, fun, and memorable! 🤍🚀
