How to Use Public Transportation in Korea (2025 Travel Guide)
Getting around South Korea is easy, efficient, and affordable thanks to its world-class public transportation system. Whether you're visiting Seoul, Busan, or other major cities, you'll find clean and reliable subways, buses, and trains ready to take you anywhere. This guide covers everything you need to know about using public transportation in Korea—including the T-money card, subway maps, apps, and airport access.
🚇 1. Subways in Korea
Korea’s major cities have excellent subway systems. Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju all operate clean, punctual subways. Signs and announcements are usually in Korean and English.
- Seoul Metro: 23 lines (including AREX, Bundang Line, etc.)
- Busan Metro: 6 lines including Light Rail
- Trains come every 3–7 minutes during the day
- Subway runs from ~5:30 AM to ~12:30 AM
📱 Useful Apps for Subways
- Kakao Metro – Real-time schedules and transfers
- Naver Map – Detailed route planner in English
- Subway Korea – Offline maps for all major cities
🚌 2. Buses in Korea
Korea's bus system complements the subway and is highly reliable. You can ride local city buses, express buses, and intercity buses with ease.
- Blue buses (Seoul): Long routes, cross-city
- Green buses: Connect neighborhoods and subway stations
- Yellow buses: Circular routes in districts
- Red buses: Suburban express buses (e.g., to/from Gyeonggi-do)
Tip:
Bus stops have English route maps. You board through the front door and exit through the back. Tap your T-money card when boarding and again when exiting.
💳 3. T-money Card: Your Transit Key
The T-money card is a rechargeable transportation card used for subways, buses, taxis, and even some convenience stores and vending machines.
- Buy it at convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) or subway stations
- Price: ~₩2,500 (card only) + top-up amount
- Top-up at convenience stores or subway machines (cash only)
- Use for: subway, buses, taxis, airport bus, select shops
🛬 4. Getting to/from the Airport
From Incheon International Airport, you have several transport options:
- AREX Express Train: Direct to Seoul Station in 45 minutes
- All-stop Train: Cheaper, stops at multiple stations
- Airport Limousine Bus: Direct to hotels and major areas
- Taxi: More expensive (~₩60,000 to Seoul)
🗺️ 5. Intercity Transportation
Traveling to cities like Busan, Gyeongju, or Jeonju? Use:
- KTX (Korea Train Express): High-speed rail – Seoul to Busan in ~2.5 hours
- Express/Intercity Buses: Budget-friendly, frequent departures
- Buy tickets at bus terminals or online via kobus.co.kr
🎒 Travel Tips
- Keep your T-money card charged—cash top-up only
- Use Naver Map or KakaoMap instead of Google Maps in Korea
- Don’t talk loudly on buses or subways—Koreans value quietness
- Always give priority seats to elderly, disabled, and pregnant women
🧾 Summary Table: Main Transport Options in Korea
| Type | Coverage | Payment | Apps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subway | Seoul, Busan, major cities | T-money / cash (ticket) | Kakao Metro, Naver Map |
| Bus | Nationwide (local & express) | T-money / cash | Naver Map |
| KTX | Intercity | Card / online / kiosk | Korail, Trip.com |
| Airport Bus | Incheon/Gimpo ↔ Major areas | Cash / card | Airport Limousine app |
Conclusion
Korea’s public transportation is clean, safe, and easy to use—even for first-time visitors. With just a T-money card and a few handy apps, you’ll be able to explore Seoul, Busan, and beyond with confidence. Enjoy your journey!
