Visiting Korea? One thing you don’t have to worry much about is getting around. Korea’s public transportation system is fast, affordable, and impressively clean. Whether you're in Seoul, Busan, or even smaller cities, buses, subways, and trains are all highly accessible and foreigner-friendly. But of course, there are a few local tricks that can make your experience even smoother.
Why Public Transportation in Korea Stands Out
Korea’s system is one of the most efficient in the world. You can literally plan your day down to the minute thanks to accurate arrival times and real-time updates via mobile apps. Buses and subways are always on time, and the stations are clearly marked in both Korean and English.
- Cleanliness: You won’t find trash or bad smells in most subway cars or stations.
- Safety: Security cameras and emergency call buttons are installed throughout the network.
- Affordability: Subway rides typically cost around 1,250 KRW (~$1 USD) per trip.
Getting Started: The Transportation Card
If you’re staying more than a day or two, get a T-money card. It works on buses, subways, and even some taxis. You can buy one at any convenience store or subway station and recharge it as needed.
- Where to buy: CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, or station kiosks
- Initial cost: Around 2,500 KRW for the card itself
- Rechargeable: Top up as needed at convenience stores or recharge machines
Subway Tips: Navigating Underground Like a Local
The Korean subway is color-coded and easy to use. Most stations have English signage, and train announcements are made in both Korean and English (plus Chinese and Japanese in major cities).
- Download a subway map app: “Subway Korea” or “KakaoMetro” are lifesavers.
- Mind the train cars: Some are reserved for women during late hours.
- Transfer discounts: If you use your T-money card, transfers between subway lines or from bus to subway (and vice versa) are often free or discounted within 30 minutes.
Bus Tips: Understanding Colors and Routes
Buses are color-coded by purpose and region. It might look confusing at first, but once you know what the colors mean, it's easy to figure out where you're going.
- Blue: Long-distance city buses, often traveling between districts
- Green: Short-distance buses within districts or neighborhoods
- Yellow: Circulation routes around major areas
- Red: Express buses to and from suburbs or satellite cities
Bus stops have timetables, but real-time bus locations can be tracked using apps like “KakaoBus.” If you don’t press the stop button before your destination, the driver might skip it—so don’t forget!
Apps You Should Definitely Download
Smartphones make traveling even easier in Korea. Most locals rely on these free apps:
- KakaoMap: For walking, driving, and public transit navigation
- KakaoMetro: Real-time subway navigation and transfer guides
- KakaoT: To call taxis, including foreigner-friendly ones
- Papago: Language translation with speech and photo support
Etiquette and Unspoken Rules
Here’s what locals might not tell you, but you’ll notice quickly:
- Keep your voice down—no loud talking or phone calls
- Don’t sit in the priority seats unless you're elderly, pregnant, or disabled
- Line up to enter trains and buses, and always exit first before boarding
Useful Phrases You Might Hear or Use
- “내릴게요” (naerilgeyo) – “I’m getting off” (often said when trying to pass people on a crowded bus)
- “어디에서 타요?” (eodieseo tayo?) – “Where do I get on?”
- “여기 내려 주세요” (yeogi naeryeo juseyo) – “Please let me off here” (in a taxi)
Bonus Tip: Airport Transportation
Airport Railroad Express (AREX) connects Incheon Airport and Seoul Station. It’s fast, clean, and perfect if you’ve just landed or are about to depart. You can also catch airport limousine buses that stop at major hotels and subway stations.
Final Thoughts
Don’t be intimidated by Korea’s public transportation system. With a T-money card and a couple of apps, you’ll be navigating like a local in no time. It’s an essential part of experiencing Korea—and honestly, you might even miss it when you go back home.
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