Getting around Korea efficiently requires knowing how to use public transportation like buses, subways, and taxis. Whether you are commuting, sightseeing, or traveling between cities, understanding key phrases and vocabulary will make your trips easier and more comfortable.
This lesson covers essential expressions for taking buses, riding the subway, and calling taxis, including how to ask for directions, buy tickets, and communicate with drivers and station staff.
Essential Vocabulary for Transportation
- 버스 (beoseu) – Bus
- 지하철 (jihacheol) – Subway / Metro
- 택시 (taeksi) – Taxi
- 역 (yeok) – Station
- 요금 (yogeum) – Fare / Price
- 승차하다 (seungchahada) – To get on (a vehicle)
- 하차하다 (hachahada) – To get off (a vehicle)
- 갈아타다 (garatada) – To transfer (between lines)
- 출발 (chulbal) – Departure
- 도착 (dochag) – Arrival
- 얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?) – How much is it?
- 어디에 가요? (eodie gayo?) – Where are you going?
- 기사님 (gisanim) – Driver (taxi driver)
- 길 안내해 주세요 (gil annaehae juseyo) – Please give me directions
Taking the Bus
When taking the bus, you can ask “몇 번 버스 타요?” (“Which bus number do I take?”) or “이 버스가 [destination]에 가요?” (“Does this bus go to [destination]?”). Pay the fare when you board or get off depending on the bus type.
If you need to get off, say “여기서 내려요” (“I’m getting off here”).
Using the Subway
To buy a ticket, you can ask “지하철역이 어디에 있어요?” (“Where is the subway station?”) or “몇 호선 타요?” (“Which subway line do I take?”). Transferring lines is “갈아타기.”
Remember to check the direction by looking at signs or asking, “이 방향이 맞아요?” (“Is this the right direction?”).
Taking a Taxi
When getting in a taxi, greet the driver with “안녕하세요, 기사님.” Then tell them your destination by saying “[destination]까지 가 주세요.” You can also ask for a receipt by saying “영수증 주세요.”
If you want to share your route or give directions, use “길 안내해 주세요.”
Example Sentences
A: 몇 번 버스 타요?
B: 602번 버스 타세요.
A: 이 버스가 서울역에 가요?
B: 네, 갑니다.
A: 여기서 내려요.
A: 지하철역이 어디에 있어요?
B: 저쪽에 있어요.
A: 몇 호선 타요?
B: 2호선 타세요.
A: 기사님, 강남역까지 가 주세요.
B: 네, 알겠습니다.
Cultural Tips
Korean public transportation is known for being efficient and clean. It’s customary to give up seats to elderly or disabled passengers. Also, speaking politely to drivers and station staff is appreciated.
When taking taxis, many drivers may not speak English, so it’s helpful to have your destination written in Korean or use a navigation app.
Practice Challenge
Practice asking about bus numbers, subway lines, and how to tell a taxi driver your destination. Try role-playing with a language partner to build confidence.
Next Up
Next lesson will focus on how to ask for and give directions, a useful skill when navigating unfamiliar places.
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