Don’t waste so much time trying to figure out the subway and buses in South Korea. Here’s why: the difference between a tourist struggling with a paper ticket and a local gliding through the turnstile is just a few essential habits. Forget the stress; getting around Korea is actually a delight once you know the system’s “unwritten rules.” Here is your guide to mastering the Korean metro, bus, and taxi network. ๐
Step 1: The Essential Card & The Golden Rule ๐ณ
Native Koreans almost never use cash on public transport. The “T-Money card” (or Cashbee) is your key to the entire system.
The Golden Rule: Always Tap Out
- Tap In: When entering a bus or passing the subway turnstile.
- Tap Out (Crucial!): When exiting the subway turnstile or the rear door of the bus.
- Why it Matters: Tapping out is how the system confirms your trip distance and calculates the final, cheaper fare. More importantly, it activates your free or discounted transfer to another bus or subway line within 30 minutes!
โ ๏ธ Mistake Alert: If you forget to tap out on a bus, your card will be charged the maximum fare possible the next time you tap in. Don’t risk it!
Step 2: Navigate Like a Pro with Korean Apps ๐บ๏ธ
Google Maps is unreliable in Korea. Locals use domestic mapping services that provide accurate, real-time public transport data. Download these before you arrive:
- Naver Map (๋ค์ด๋ฒ ์ง๋): The most accurate, providing real-time bus locations and shortest walking routes.
- KakaoMap (์นด์นด์ค๋งต): Excellent alternative with a cleaner interface; often preferred for subway and transit.
- Kakao T (์นด์นด์ค T): Essential for hailing taxis (like Uber/Grab). Use this when the subway shuts down.
Step 3: Subway Smarts (์งํ์ฒ – “Jihacheol”) ๐
The Seoul and Busan subway systems are clean and easy, with signs in English, Korean, and often Chinese.
Optimal Transfer Shortcut: When planning a route, look for the two-digit number displayed next to the transfer arrow on your navigation app (e.g., 4-3). This number indicates the best subway car to board (car 4, door 3) to land exactly where the next set of stairs or elevator for your connecting line is located. This saves minutes of walking!
Subway Etiquette: Always stand to the right on escalators and move quickly through the turnstiles. Koreans value efficiency, so avoid blocking gates while looking at your phone.
Step 4: Decoding the Bus System (๋ฒ์ค – “Beoseu”) ๐
Buses are vital for local travel. They are color-coded in large cities to indicate their routes:
| Color | Function | Route Type |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | Long-distance, city-to-city travel. | Trunk (Main) Line |
| Green | Connects neighborhoods to subway stations. | Branch (Local) Line |
| Red | Express service connecting suburbs to the city center. | Rapid / Express |
The Bus Bell: Just like the subway, you must press the red stop button (ํ์ฐจ ๋ฒจ) before your stop, or the driver may assume no one wants to get off and pass it by!
The No-Drink Rule: Seriously, don’t try to bring uncovered drinks (like an iced coffee cup) onto a city bus. Drivers may refuse you service. Put it in a secure bag.
Step 5: Taxis for the Late-Night Commute ๐
The subway shuts down around midnight. When it does, every local switches to a taxi. This is where the “Kakao T” app is indispensable.
Using Kakao T ensures your destination is input clearly (no language issues), gives you a price estimate, and allows you to pay securely with a registered cardโoften without needing to swipe or hand over cash. It’s the most frictionless way to get home after a long day or late dinner.
Quick Recap for a Seamless Trip ๐ก
- Get the Card: Buy a T-Money card immediately and top it up with cash.
- Tap Twice: Always Tap In AND Tap Out for correct fare and transfer discounts.
- Use Local Apps: Navigate with Naver Map or KakaoMap, not Google Maps.
- Ring the Bell: On a bus, press the stop button before your destination.
Master these tips, and you’ll find Korea’s transportation system one of the easiest and most enjoyable parts of your visit. Happy travels!
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