🚇 Transportation in South Korea — The Complete Guide

South Korea’s transport system is one of the most efficient in Asia — modern, affordable, and incredibly reliable. Whether you’re exploring Seoul’s vibrant neighborhoods or traveling across the country, here’s how to move around like a local.

 

 

🚌 Public Transport in Cities

 

Bus Colors and What They Mean

Seoul’s bus system is smartly color-coded so you can tell at a glance how far each bus goes:

 

Color	Type	Description
Blue (간선버스)	Trunk / Mainline	Connects downtown Seoul with outer districts or suburban areas.
Green (지선버스)	Feeder	Short local routes linking neighborhoods to nearby subway stations.
Red (광역버스)	Express	Fast routes connecting Seoul to surrounding cities like Suwon, Ilsan, or Incheon.
Yellow (순환버스)	Circular	Loops within specific zones, ideal for short urban rides.

 

All buses announce stops in both Korean and English. Always tap your T-Money card when entering and when exiting — if you forget to tap out, the system automatically charges the maximum fare.

 

 

🚇 Subway Network

 

Seoul’s subway is massive — over 23 lines covering Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province. Trains run from about 5:30 a.m. to midnight. You’ll find bilingual signage, platform screens showing train times, and convenience stores at nearly every station.

• Core lines (1–9) run across the city and connect seamlessly with suburban lines.
• Lines such as AREX (airport), Gyeongui-Jungang, and Shinbundang link to outer regions.
• Peak hours: 7:30–9:30 a.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m.
• Lines 2, 4, and 9 are famously crowded — plan accordingly.

 

Official info → Seoul Metro

 

💳 The T-Money Card

 

The T-Money card is your best friend for getting around Korea — one card for subways, buses, taxis, and even convenience stores.

 

Where to Buy

• At convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Ministop, Emart24).
• Subway stations (vending machines and ticket counters).
• Airports (Incheon, Gimpo) at metro stations or tourist desks.

 

How to Recharge

• At convenience stores: hand your card and cash to the clerk and say “티머니 충전해주세요” (T-money chujeon haejuseyo — please recharge my T-Money).
• At top-up machines: select English, choose Recharge, insert cash (₩1 000–₩50 000), and tap your card. Machines accept cash only.
• The balance displays automatically when you scan at any gate.

 

 

💡 Always tap in and tap out — this applies to buses, subways, and even some express trains (KTX). Transfers within 30 minutes between bus ↔ subway ↔ bus are free or discounted.

Official site → tmoney.co.kr

 

📱 Navigation & Transport Apps

 

App	Language	Use
Naver Map	English / Korean	Most accurate for walking and detailed directions. Excellent for exit numbers and transfer paths.
KakaoMap	Korean	Great for café, restaurant, and bus searches. Less intuitive in English.
Citymapper (Seoul)	English	Integrates all modes and sends real-time notifications when to get off — perfect for non-Korean speakers.

 

🧭 Note: Neither Naver Map nor KakaoMap offer stop alerts; only Citymapper does.

 

 

💡 Local Tips & Etiquette

 

Rush Hours & Timing

• Avoid 7:30–9:30 a.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m., especially on busy lines.
• Subways and buses stop around midnight; after that, use night buses (marked N) or taxis.

 

Inside the Metro

• Stand on the right side of escalators; the left lane is for walking.
• Let passengers exit first.
• Yellow seats are reserved for the elderly and disabled.
• Pink seats are for pregnant women only — even if unoccupied.
• Keep your phone on silent and avoid calls.

 

Payment Habits

• Top-up small amounts (₩10 000–₩20 000) to stay flexible.
• Keep a few coins — some vending machines and lockers still require cash.
• Always scan your T-Money in and out to ensure correct fares and transfer discounts.

 

 

🚖 Taxis & Ride-Hailing

 

Taxis are safe, clean, and available 24/7.

• Regular Taxi – standard and affordable.
• Deluxe / Black Taxi – more space and comfort, higher price.
• Van Taxi – for groups or heavy luggage.

 

Apps

• Kakao T – most used by locals; requires Korean payment setup.
• K-Ride – ideal for foreign visitors; accepts international cards and offers English interface.
• Uber Korea – fully in English, reliable in Seoul and Busan.

💡 Look for the sign “빈차” (bin-cha) — it means “available.”

 

 

🚅 Intercity Travel

 

KTX – Korea Train Express

• Connects major cities like Seoul ↔ Busan (2 h 30) and Seoul ↔ Daegu (2 h).
• Book on Korail or through the Korail Talk App (English available).
• Arrive 15 minutes early, as gates close before departure.

 

 

SRT – Super Rapid Train

• Slightly cheaper; departs from Suseo Station (southern Seoul).
• Book via etk.srail.kr.

 

 

Express & Intercity Buses

• Express Bus (고속버스) – long-distance, minimal stops.
• Intercity Bus (시외버스) – regional routes with more stops.
• Reserve online at kobus.co.kr (English interface).
• Main Seoul terminals: Seoul Express Bus Terminal (south) and Dong Seoul Terminal (east).

 

 

✈️ Domestic Flights

 

For longer trips (Jeju, Busan, Ulsan), low-cost airlines like T’way Air, Jeju Air, and Air Busan offer quick flights under one hour. Search and compare fares on Naver Flights or Google Flights.

 

 

✨ Conclusion

 

From the neon glow of Seoul’s subways to the speed of the KTX, getting around South Korea is easy, efficient, and enjoyable. With a T-Money card, a few local apps, and a bit of etiquette, you’re ready to explore every corner of the country — stress-free.