If you're visiting South Korea for the first time, you'll be happy to know that public transportation here is affordable, fast, and easy to use — once you understand how it works. This guide will help you master the subway, bus, and taxis in Seoul and beyond.
🎫 Step 1: Get a T-money Card
T-money is a rechargeable transportation card that works on subways, buses, and even taxis.
- Where to Buy: Incheon Airport, convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven)
- Cost: 2,500–4,000 KRW (excluding the balance)
- How to Recharge: Recharge at subway stations or convenience stores
- Alternative: You can also use Korea Tour Card (a tourist-friendly version of T-money)
💡 Tip: Always check your balance on the card reader when exiting a station.
🚇 Step 2: Using the Subway in Seoul
Seoul’s subway system is one of the best in the world, with color-coded lines and English signage.
📱 Best Subway Apps:
- Naver Map (available in English, Japanese, Chinese)
- Kakao Metro – Real-time train schedule
- Subway Korea – Simple and intuitive for beginners
💡 How to Use:
- Scan your T-money card at the gate.
- Follow signs in English + color-coded directions.
- Transfer between lines at marked stations (free within 30 minutes).
🕓 Operating Hours:
- Generally from 5:30 AM to around midnight
💡 Tip: Avoid rush hour (7:30–9 AM, 6–7:30 PM). It can get very crowded!
🚌 Step 3: Taking the Bus in Korea
There are four types of buses in Seoul, each color-coded:
Color Purpose Example
| Blue (간선) | Long-distance, main roads | Line 740 |
| Green (지선) | Short-distance, neighborhood | Line 7011 |
| Yellow (순환) | Circle routes around areas | Line 03 |
| Red (광역) | Intercity (to/from suburbs) | Line 9709 |
🚌 How to Use:
- Tap T-money card when boarding AND when getting off.
- Bus stops have route info in English.
- Buses stop only if someone presses the bell or is waiting.
💡 Tip: Sit near the front if you're unfamiliar—drivers often help tourists.
🚖 Step 4: Using Taxis in Korea
Taxis in Korea are relatively cheap compared to other developed countries.
🚕 Types of Taxis:
- Regular Taxi (Orange or Silver) – Base fare: ~4,800 KRW
- Deluxe Taxi (Black with yellow stripe) – More spacious, higher fare
- International Taxi – Drivers speak English, bookable online (good for airport)
🚖 How to Hail or Book:
- Street hail (if light is ON) or via apps like:
- Kakao T (recommended)
- NAVER Map has taxi options too
💡 Tip: Use cash or T-money card to pay. Some taxis accept credit cards.
🧭 Bonus: Intercity Travel
- KTX Train: High-speed trains for long-distance travel (Seoul to Busan in ~2.5 hours)
- Express/Intercity Buses: Cheaper than trains, depart from terminals like Seoul Express Bus Terminal
- Korail Pass: Special discount for tourists (purchase online)
✅ Summary: What You Need to Know
Mode Language Support App Recommendation
| Subway | ✅ Yes (English) | Naver Map, Kakao Metro |
| Bus | ✅ Yes (basic) | Naver Map |
| Taxi | ❌ Not always | Kakao T (English UI) |
| KTX/Train | ✅ Yes | Korail website or apps |
