▶ Korea’s buses and subways are among the most punctual and convenient public transit systems in the world.
With a single transit card, you can use city buses, subways, airport buses, and metropolitan express buses,
and transfer discounts are applied automatically so even first-time users can travel without difficulty.
▶ In Korea, you can transfer up to four times,
and you simply tap your transit card on the reader when you board and again when you get off.
An additional transfer fare of 100–300 KRW is automatically calculated based on the travel distance,
and errors are very rare, so international visitors can also use the system easily.
Since all transfer fares are calculated automatically in Korea,
even local residents do not calculate the amount themselves;
they simply tap the card once when boarding and once when getting off, which is the most convenient way to use the system.
▶ Free public Wi‑Fi is automatically provided on all public transportation in Korea, so there is no need to log in or enter a password.
Internet access is stable at bus stops, in subway stations, and on buses,
and you can comfortably use services like YouTube, TikTok, and video calls without data limits.
▶ The fares mentioned in this guide are calculated using an exchange rate of 1 USD = 1,450 KRW,
and the actual cost may vary slightly depending on exchange rate fluctuations.
Bus and subway fares themselves do not change significantly because of national fare policies, so please keep this in mind.
▶ The following sections explain how to use city buses, local community buses, and metropolitan express buses in Korea
in the simplest possible way, based on real-world usage.
[© Korea Tourism Organization PhotoKorea – Han River Park bike rental / Lee Beom-su]
Riding a public rental bicycle at a Han River park in Seoul.
Riding a public rental bicycle at a Han River park in Seoul.
●●🟧 City Buses and Neighborhood Buses – Buses in Korea are color‑coded
●✅ In Korea, buses are categorized as trunk, branch, metropolitan express, circular, neighborhood, and airport buses.▶ Fares range from ₩1,200 to ₩2,400,
which is approximately USD 0.83–USD 1.66, depending on the type of bus.
●✅ Each type of bus has a different color, so even first-time users can easily tell routes apart.
●✅ On most buses in Korea, passengers board through the front door and get off through the middle door.
▶ Metropolitan express buses and airport buses have only a front door, and boarding begins after all passengers have gotten off.
▶ During rush hour and on busy routes, passengers wait in line,
while on less crowded routes at other times, you can simply sit on a bench at the stop and wait.
▶ Buses usually stop even at quieter bus stops,
so there is no need to feel too anxious while waiting.
●✅ The interiors of buses in Korea are kept clean and most drivers are polite.
(If you have difficulty getting off, ask the driver for help.
Some drivers may not speak English, so it is a good idea to use a translation app or ask a younger person nearby for help.)
●✅ A bus route map is displayed inside every bus.
▶ The route maps inside the buses are written in Korean, so they may be difficult for foreign visitors to understand.
However, stop announcements and services such as Naver Map, Kakao Map, and Google Maps are available in English, Chinese, and Japanese, so you can refer to those.
●✅ Electronic displays at bus stops show real-time arrival information, crowding levels, and remaining wait time,
all provided via GPS so they can be checked accurately.
▶ You can also check bus locations and crowding levels in advance using Naver Map, Kakao Map, or Google Maps.
▶ In Korea, Naver Map and Kakao Map are much more accurate than Google Maps.
●✅ When you are ready to get off, simply press the stop button.
Korean buses have many stop buttons, so they are easy to reach from almost any seat.
💊 At some bus stops in major cities, you will find heated seats in winter, smart benches, free phone chargers, and public Wi‑Fi.
📌 Basic bus etiquette in Korea includes speaking quietly on the phone, waiting in line, and giving up priority seats for the elderly and people in need,
and public transit etiquette is well established, so foreign visitors can understand and follow it easily.
●●🟧 How to Use Taxis in Korea – Using Kakao T Makes It Even More Convenient
●✅ Taxis in Korea are generally safe, and fares are calculated transparently.
▶ In Korean cities, taxi fares are not negotiated;
the meter must always be used.
●✅ Using the Kakao T app makes it much easier and more reliable to request a taxi.
▶ The Kakao T app has an English interface,
and you can check your location and pay directly in the app,
so international visitors can use it without much difficulty.
●✅ Taxis are classified as standard (white or silver), deluxe (black), and large (van type)
▶ These three types of taxis have different fare structures.
→ Standard taxi: base fare ₩4,800 (about USD 3.31)
→ Deluxe taxi: higher service standards, about 1.8–2 times more expensive than standard taxis
→ Large taxi (van type): accommodates 5–7 passengers, with fares similar to or slightly higher than deluxe taxis
💊 All taxis in Korea accept payment by credit card and transportation card.
▶ For standard taxis, the base fare is ₩4,800,
and the meter automatically calculates the fare according to distance and time.
▶ A late‑night surcharge applies between 22:00 and 04:00,
adding approximately 20% to the fare.
💊 The meter operates accurately without manual adjustment,
and when you request a taxi via Kakao T, you can check vehicle information and the estimated fare in advance,
so even first‑time visitors to Korea can use taxis with confidence.
The taxi booking fee is 1,000 KRW during the day (about USD 0.69) and 2,000 KRW at night (about USD 1.38),
and in some regional areas, such as provincial cities, the surcharge may be slightly higher.
●●🟧 Late‑Night Transportation in Major Cities –
There Are Many Ways to Get Around Even After Subways and Buses Stop Running
●✅ Subways and buses in Korea usually stop running around midnight.
After that time, late‑night buses (N buses) and taxis are the main modes of transportation.
●✅ Late‑night buses (N buses) run from 23:10 to 06:00,
with an average wait time of about 20–30 minutes.
The fare is ₩2,500 (about USD 1.72), which is slightly more expensive than regular buses.
You can easily check real‑time information using KakaoMap.
●✅ The first departures in the early morning differ slightly depending on the type of transportation.
▶ Regular city buses: depart between 04:30 and 05:30
▶ Subways: start operating around 05:00
▶ Neighborhood (village) buses: first departures between 05:30 and 06:30
●✅ Taxis in Korea operate 24 hours a day,
and a 20% surcharge is applied during late‑night hours.
💊 Even late at night, Korea’s public transportation system is well organized,
so there is no major inconvenience getting around after subway service ends.
📌 In practice, Korea’s transportation system is easy to navigate because
route colors, numbers, and signs are clearly marked,
and smartphone apps are highly accurate,
so even first‑time users can get around on their own without much difficulty.
📌 Many foreign travelers
say that they have “never seen public transportation as well‑organized, affordable, and friendly as in Korea,”
and overall satisfaction is very high.
●●🟧 Public Bicycles – Ideal for enjoying the Han River or traveling short distances
●✅ Major cities in Korea, such as Seoul and Busan,operate systems that let you rent public bicycles (Ttareungi) and electric kick scooters
instantly through smartphone apps.
▶ To use electric kick scooters in Korea, you must have a moped license or an international driving permit,
and you can be fined if you ride without a license.
●✅ From checking rental locations to payment and return,
every step is handled directly in the app,
so it is very convenient when going to a subway station or making short trips.
▶ In Korea, services such as Ttareungi, Kickgoing, Lime, and SingSing are popular options,
and once you install the app and complete verification,
you can immediately rent and return vehicles, making them easy for foreign visitors to use.
●✅ The fees are also very affordable.
Using Ttareungi for 1 hour costs around ₩1,000 (about USD 0.69),
which is significantly cheaper than public bicycle systems in many major cities overseas (usually USD 3–5).
▶ You can choose from a variety of passes, including
1‑day, 7‑day, 30‑day, 180‑day, and 1‑year options.
▶ In Korea’s public bicycle system,
rental stations are located very close together,
so you can easily use the service near subway stations, bus stops, parks, and residential areas.
→ In many other countries, public bicycle systems
vary greatly by region in terms of station density, pricing, and app quality,
but in Korea the system is standardized nationwide,
so even first‑time foreign visitors can use it conveniently without getting lost.
●●🟧 Walking – Korea Is a Very “Walkable Country”
●✅ In Korea, the basic rule is to keep to the right when walking.
In most places, such as subway stairs, sidewalks, and escalators,
people naturally walk on the right side,
so foreign visitors can move around comfortably by following this flow.
●✅ Cities in Korea have well‑organized sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic signal systems,
so it is very easy to walk from a subway station or bus stop
to your final destination.
●✅ Most urban areas are designed with pedestrians in mind,
so there are few obstacles or safety hazards,
and even first‑time travelers can get around without losing their way.
📌 Walking at night is also generally safe,
as streets are well lit and there are many CCTV cameras,
allowing people to move around without much anxiety even late at night.
📌 In most major cities such as Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju,
a short walk of about 5–15 minutes is usually enough
to reach restaurants, cafés, convenience stores, subway stations, and walking trails.
Inside view of a KTX high-speed train in Korea.
●●🟧 Trains – KTX and SRT, which let you travel quickly anywhere in Korea
●✅ On the Seoul–Busan route, KTX takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes,
and the fare is ₩59,800 (approximately USD 41.24).
●✅ Trains in Korea are highly punctual,
and they offer generous space between seats, so they are comfortable and quiet even for long‑distance travel.
▶ Trains in Korea are divided into standard class and first class.
Standard class is already quite comfortable,
but first class provides wider seat spacing,
a quieter cabin environment, dedicated footrests, USB charging ports, and free bottled water,
offering extra amenities that make it even better for long‑distance trips.
▶ Train cabins in Korea are generally quiet,
and most passengers remain considerate and quiet,
so the environment is also well suited for reading or working.
●✅ On Korean trains, as long as you have purchased a ticket,
there is usually no separate ticket inspection when you board.
Because electronic tickets are checked automatically,
you can stay seated and travel comfortably.
▶ Some Korean and foreign passengers occasionally attempt to ride without a ticket by taking advantage of the fact that tickets are not checked manually,
but KTX and SRT keep records through an automated system,
so most fare evasion cases are detected and the penalty fees are very high.
Purchasing a valid ticket is always the safest option.
📌 Train tickets can be reserved through the KorailTalk app or the official SRT app, and you can also buy tickets at the station.
All trains operate with reserved seating,
but standing‑room tickets are also sold separately.
📌 KTX and SRT connect major cities quickly and reliably,
and they are among the most preferred modes of transportation
for both tourists and business travelers.
●●🟧 Express and Intercity Buses –
Suitable for Long‑Distance Travel Nationwide
●✅ On the Seoul–Busan route, fares range from ₩25,000 to ₩40,000
(approximately USD 17.24–USD 27.59),
and tickets can be easily reserved through the KOBUS or Bustago apps.
●✅ Seats are classified as standard, deluxe, and premium,
and most seats are wide and comfortable, making long‑distance travel less tiring.
▶ There is no standing room on express or intercity buses in Korea.
▶ On routes that take more than two hours, buses generally stop at highway service areas,
where passengers are given about 10–20 minutes to rest.
If you plan to have a meal,
it is a good idea to inform the driver in advance by saying that you will be eating.
At the service areas, you can use free restrooms
and have a meal or enjoy light snacks.
→ Highway service areas in Korea offer a wide variety of food,
and cleanliness standards are high, so satisfaction levels are high enough
that they are often mentioned by foreign visitors on social media.
💊 Major bus terminals in Seoul include
Seoul Express Bus Terminal, Central City, Nambu Terminal, and Dong Seoul Terminal,
and each regional city has its own local bus terminal.
📌 Express buses in Korea are very clean, and some seats
are comparable in quality to business‑class seats on airplanes,
so foreign passengers report a very high level of satisfaction.
You can store large luggage in the compartment under the bus,
which makes this a particularly convenient mode of transportation for travelers.
●●🟧 Domestic Flights –
The Fastest Way to Travel to Jeju Island
●✅ One‑way airfare to Jeju Island in Korea
is often in the range of ₩40,000–₩70,000 (approximately USD 27.6–48.3),
and the Gimpo–Jeju and Gimhae–Jeju routes are especially in high demand.
●✅ A wide range of low‑cost carriers (LCCs) operate these routes,
so as long as it is not peak season, you can usually fly at an affordable price.
💊 Incheon Airport and Gimpo Airport are easily accessible from city centers
using airport buses, the Airport Railroad (AREX), and the subway.
Even when you include baggage fees, the total cost is relatively reasonable.
📌 Korea’s nationwide transportation network is very dense and well connected,
so except for destinations that require a ferry or a flight, such as Jeju Island,
most tourists and Korean residents use cars, trains, and express buses
more often than domestic flights.
●●🟧 How to Drive in Korea – You Can Drive for Up to 90 Days with Just an International Driving Permit
●✅ Most foreign visitors can drive in Korea
for up to 90 days after entry, as long as they have an International Driving Permit (IDP).
●✅ Roads in Korea have clearly organized signs, lane markings, and signal systems, and navigation apps are highly accurate, so even beginners can drive without much difficulty.
▶ However, compared to the United States, Europe, or Japan, driving in Korea can feel a bit more dynamic.
It is not uncommon for drivers to go about 10 km/h over the posted speed limit,
and lane changes happen fairly often, so please keep this in mind.
●✅ Most expressways in Korea have “Hi‑Pass” electronic toll lanes,
so there is no need to stop separately at toll booths.
→ Even if you accidentally enter a Hi‑Pass lane, you can simply drive through
and pay the toll later.
●✅ Gasoline prices in Korea
are clearly higher than in the United States or Southeast Asia,
but are similar to price levels in many European countries.
▶ Expressway tolls in Korea
are not particularly expensive compared with those in the United States or Europe,
and are cheaper than or similar to those in major European countries.
▶ Parking fees in Korean city centers
are similar to those in large cities in the United States and Europe,
but higher than in small and mid‑sized cities in those regions.
📌 KakaoNavi and TMAP
offer English interfaces and voice guidance,
so foreign drivers can easily follow complex urban routes.
Korean navigation apps are very accurate,
which makes them convenient even for people driving in Korea for the first time.
📌 Because urban parking fees and expressway tolls
may feel somewhat high compared with those in other countries,
it is a good idea to include them in your travel budget.
📌 If you plan to stay longer than 90 days and continue driving,
you must exchange your International Driving Permit for a Korean driver’s license.
▶ Driver’s licenses from many countries
can be exchanged for a Korean license with just a vision test and document translation,
but depending on the country, a practical driving test (skills or on‑road test) may be required.
●●🟧 Transportation Culture in Korea for People with Disabilities and Seniors
●✅ At subway stations and major bus stops in Korea,
dedicated elevators, ramps, tactile paving blocks, and audio guidance systems for people with disabilities
are installed nationwide according to standardized guidelines,
so travelers with mobility difficulties can also move around easily.
●✅ Subways and buses provide priority seats for people with disabilities, pregnant women, and seniors,
and there is a strong culture in Korea of nearby passengers naturally offering their seats.
In many cases, these seats are left empty even during normal hours.
▶ When there are passengers using wheelchairs or strollers,
bus drivers often help them board or stop the vehicle as close to the curb as possible,
and this kind of consideration is common in everyday situations.
📌 Korea’s transportation accessibility features
are often described by overseas visitors as
“one of the most well‑developed systems in Asia,”
and they are highly reliable and easy to use.
📌 Even when traveling with a person with a disability or an elderly family member,
most public transportation can be used without major inconvenience,
making Korea a very convenient destination for family travelers as well.
Exterior view of Incheon International Airport in South Korea.
➤ This article is the second part of a guide series on public transportation in Korea.
In future installments, we will cover not only transportation but also
how to prepare visas, the structure of living expenses, how to use national health insurance and hospitals, how to find part‑time jobs in Korea,
how to study, find employment, or start a business in Korea, everyday culture, and important things to keep in mind—
providing practical information that is truly essential for living in Korea.
➤ Those preparing to study, work, or stay long‑term in Korea
can also find comprehensive information needed for life in Korea—
such as visas, settlement support, housing guidance, and school counseling—
on the official BP Korea website.
👉 BP Korea official website: https://bridgeplankorea.com/