How to Use Public Transportation in Korea (Subway & Bus Guide for Foreigners)
South Korea has one of the most efficient, affordable, and foreigner-friendly public transportation systems in the world. Whether you are visiting Korea for the first time or planning a longer stay, understanding how to use subways and buses will make your daily life much easier.
This guide explains everything foreigners need to know about public transportation in Korea, including subway systems, buses, transportation cards, fares, and practical tips.
1. Overview of Public Transportation in Korea
Korea’s public transportation system mainly consists of subways, city buses, and taxis. In major cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, subways and buses are the most commonly used options.
Public transportation is known for its punctuality, cleanliness, and affordability. Signs and announcements are usually available in both Korean and English, making it easier for foreigners to navigate.
2. Using the Subway in Korea
The subway is the fastest and most convenient way to travel within Korean cities. Seoul’s subway system is one of the largest in the world, connecting not only the city but also nearby metropolitan areas.
- Stations are numbered and color-coded
- English station names and maps are widely available
- Trains arrive every few minutes during peak hours
To enter the subway, simply tap your transportation card at the gate. When you exit, tap again to calculate the final fare.
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| Seoul subway station |
3. Understanding Buses in Korea
Korean city buses may look complicated at first, but they are very efficient once you understand the system. Buses are divided by color:
- Blue buses: Long-distance routes within cities
- Green buses: Short-distance and neighborhood routes
- Red buses: Express buses connecting suburbs to city centers
When boarding a bus, tap your transportation card. You must tap again when exiting to ensure proper fare calculation.
4. Transportation Cards (T-money)
The most popular transportation card in Korea is the T-money card. It can be used on subways, buses, taxis, and even in convenience stores.
T-money cards can be purchased at convenience stores or subway stations. You can recharge the card with cash or card at recharge machines.
Using a transportation card is cheaper than buying single-ride tickets and allows easy transfers between buses and subways.
5. Fares and Transfers
Public transportation in Korea is very affordable. Base fares depend on distance, but transfers between buses and subways within a certain time are usually free or discounted.
This transfer system makes daily commuting efficient and budget-friendly, especially for travelers and long-term visitors.
6. Helpful Tips for Foreigners
- Use navigation apps to find the best routes
- Stand on the right side of escalators, walk on the left
- Keep quiet on public transportation
- Always tap your card when exiting buses
During my time living abroad, I often noticed that many foreigners are surprised by how convenient and reliable Korean public transportation is compared to other countries.
7. Final Thoughts
Public transportation in Korea is designed to be fast, affordable, and easy to use, even for foreigners. Once you become familiar with subways, buses, and transportation cards, traveling around Korea becomes stress-free.
Understanding how public transportation works will help you save time, money, and energy while enjoying everything Korea has to offer.
