A Foreigner’s Guide to Using Public Transportation in Korea

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A Foreigner’s Guide to Using Public Transportation in Korea

If you're planning to travel or stay in South Korea, understanding how to use public transportation is one of the best things you can do to make your stay smoother. Luckily, Korea has one of the most efficient, affordable, and foreigner-friendly transportation systems in the world.

Here’s everything you need to know to navigate Korea’s subways, buses, taxis, and more like a local.

1. Step One: Get a Transportation Card (T-money or Cashbee)

Before you hop on a subway or bus, you'll need a rechargeable transportation card. The most common ones are T-money and Cashbee.

Where to buy:

  • Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Emart24, etc.)

  • Subway station ticket machines or customer centers

  • Airports (Incheon, Gimpo) at convenience stores or information booths

Just ask, “T-money card please,” and they’ll hand one over.

Cost:

  • Card price: Around 2,500 to 4,000 KRW

  • Recharge separately (it’s a prepaid card)

What it works for:

  • Subways, city buses, intercity buses, some taxis, convenience store purchases, and even some tourist attractions

2. How to Charge (Top-Up) Your Card

Your card won’t work until you load money onto it. Here’s how to do that:

Where to recharge:

  • Subway station recharge machines (multi-language supported)

  • Convenience store counters

  • Some bus stops (only in certain areas)

How:

  1. Place your card on the reader.

  2. Choose the amount to charge (typically in 1,000 KRW units).

  3. Pay by cash or card (depending on the machine).

  4. Take your receipt. Your card is now ready to use.

Minimum recharge: 1,000 KRW
Maximum recharge: 90,000 KRW

3. Using the Subway System

Korean subways are safe, clean, and fast. Major cities like Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Daejeon have extensive subway networks.

Key points:

  • All signage and announcements are in Korean and English.

  • Operating hours: Roughly 5:30 AM – 12:00 AM

  • Transfers between lines are clearly marked and free with a T-money card.

Recommended apps:

  • KakaoMetro: Subway maps, transfer guides, travel times

  • NAVER Map or Google Maps: Full route navigation

Example: To get from Seoul Station to Gangnam, take Line 4 to Sadang Station, transfer to Line 2, and ride to Gangnam Station.

https://pay.tmoney.co.kr/index.dev

4. Taking the Bus

Korean buses are color-coded for different routes:

  • Blue: Main city lines

  • Green: Neighborhood routes

  • Yellow: Circulation lines

  • Red: Express buses connecting suburbs to cities

How to use:

  • Tap your card when boarding and again when getting off (this enables transfer discounts).

  • Bus stops have route information in English.

  • Real-time arrival info is available via NAVER Map or Kakao T.

5. Using Taxis

Taxis are affordable and safe in Korea.

Fare:

  • Starting fare: Around 4,800 KRW (Seoul), varies by region

  • Fare increases by distance/time

How to ride:

  • Hail one on the street, or use apps like Kakao T (available in English)

  • Most taxis accept credit cards and T-money cards

  • Receipts are available if needed

Avoid unlicensed taxis by using official apps or taxi stands.

6. Traveling Long Distance: KTX & Express Buses

If you're exploring outside the city:

KTX (Korea Train Express):

  • Connects cities like Seoul, Busan, Gwangju, and Daegu

  • Travel time from Seoul to Busan: ~2.5 hours

  • Book via KorailTalk app or letskorail.kr

Express Buses:

  • Runs between major cities and towns

  • Clean, punctual, and affordable

  • Book tickets via Kobus or T-money Bus apps

7. Special Cards for Foreigners

If you're a tourist, consider these special cards:

  • Korea Tour Card: Functions like T-money, but also offers tourist discounts at attractions and stores

  • KR Pass: Unlimited KTX travel for a set period (great for multi-city trips)

8. Extra Tips

  • You must tap your T-money card when boarding and getting off the subway or bus to qualify for transfer discounts.

  • If your balance runs out, you won’t be able to exit gates or board, so keep an eye on your card balance.

  • You can refund your remaining balance (minus a small fee) at some convenience stores or T-money customer centers before leaving Korea.

  • While many places offer free public Wi-Fi, having a Korean SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi is very helpful for using maps and transport apps.

Final Thoughts

Korea’s public transportation is efficient, easy to use, and very foreigner-friendly. With a transportation card and the right apps, you’ll be able to get anywhere with confidence. Whether you're here for a few days or a few months, understanding this system will save you time, money, and confusion.

Enjoy the ride.

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