If you are living in Korea for the first time, one of the most important things to learn is how to use public transportation.
Public transportation is convenient not only in Seoul, but also throughout the Seoul metropolitan area, including Gyeonggi-do and Incheon, as well as major cities such as Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju.
When traveling between cities, you can use high-speed trains such as the KTX and SRT, while taxis are also useful late at night or when you have a lot of luggage.
For international students and foreigners planning to stay in Korea for an extended period, let's take a look at how to use Korea's main transportation options—from transportation cards and subways to buses, taxis, and KTX trains—and their approximate costs.
TIP: The fares below are approximate ranges provided for reference. Actual fares may vary depending on the region, travel distance, time of use, and whether you use a transportation card.
1. A Transportation Card Makes Getting Around Much Easier
If you are living in Korea, one of the first things you should get is a transportation card. Popular options include T-money and EZL, which can be used on subways, buses, and other forms of public transportation. You can purchase and recharge transportation cards at convenience stores, subway stations, and other locations.
💰 Approximate Costs
Standard transportation card: about KRW 3,000–6,000
One subway or bus ride: generally from about KRW 1,400–2,000
Additional fares may apply depending on the distance traveled
Using a transportation card is more convenient than paying cash for every trip, and if you meet the applicable conditions, you can also receive transfer discounts when switching between buses and subways.
2. Subway — One of the Most Convenient Ways to Travel in Major Cities
Subways in Korea are not limited to Seoul. You can also use subway and urban rail systems throughout the Seoul metropolitan area, including Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon, as well as in major cities such as Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju. The basic way to use them is generally similar everywhere.
① Find the subway station → ② Check the direction of your destination → ③ Tap your transportation card → ④ Board the train → ⑤ Tap your card again when you exit
💰 Approximate Fares
For a short trip, an adult fare generally starts at around KRW 1,400–1,700. Additional charges apply as the travel distance increases, so longer trips between Seoul and Gyeonggi-do within the metropolitan area may cost KRW 2,000–3,000 or more.
Seoul Metropolitan Area
The metropolitan subway system extends far beyond Seoul and connects extensively with Gyeonggi-do and Incheon. Many people living in cities such as Incheon, Bucheon, Gwangmyeong, Anyang, Seongnam, Suwon, Uijeongbu, and Goyang commute to school or work in Seoul using subways and metropolitan transportation.
Busan · Daegu · Daejeon · Gwangju
Urban rail systems connect major areas in Busan and Daegu, while Daejeon and Gwangju also have subway systems. However, because the size of the rail network varies by city, it is a good idea to check bus routes as well as subway routes.
3. Buses — Convenient for Reaching Areas Without Subway Service
Buses are just as important as subways in Korea. In Gyeonggi-do and regional cities in particular, you may use buses more often than subways depending on your destination. Different types of buses are available depending on the region, including city buses, local neighborhood buses, seated buses, metropolitan express buses, and rapid buses.
💰 Approximate Fares
Regular city buses: from about KRW 1,300–1,700
Local neighborhood buses: about KRW 1,000–1,500
Metropolitan and seated buses: about KRW 2,000–3,500 or more
In the Seoul metropolitan area, many people commute to school or work using metropolitan buses that connect Seoul with Gyeonggi-do.
💡 TIP. Remember to Tap Your Card When Getting Off the Bus!
This is something many foreigners overlook when using buses in Korea for the first time. On buses, it is a good habit to tap your transportation card when getting off as well as when boarding. This is especially important if you plan to transfer to another bus or subway.
Under the integrated transfer system in the Seoul metropolitan area,
Bus → Subway Subway → Bus Bus → Bus
if you meet the applicable transfer conditions, you do not pay a completely new base fare every time you change transportation. Instead, the fare is calculated based on factors such as your total travel distance. In the Seoul metropolitan area, you generally need to board your next mode of transportation within 30 minutes after tapping out. Between 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM the following day, the transfer window is generally extended to 60 minutes.
When boarding → TAG When getting off → TAG
If you forget to tap your card when getting off, your transfer may not be recognized or you may be charged an additional fare on your next trip.
※ Transfer systems and conditions may vary by region.
4. Taxis — Convenient Late at Night or When You Have a Lot of Luggage
Taxis are also easy to use in Korea. They are particularly useful in situations such as:
Late at night after subway and bus services have ended
When you have a suitcase or a lot of luggage
When traveling with several people
When traveling to an area that is difficult to reach by public transportation
When traveling from a train station or bus terminal to your destination
You can hail an available taxi on the street, but many people also use taxi-hailing apps on their smartphones. Since you can enter your destination in advance through the app, this is especially convenient for foreigners who may find it difficult to explain their destination in Korean.
💰 Approximate Fares
Base fare: about KRW 4,000–5,000
Short-distance trip: about KRW 5,000–10,000
About 20–30 minutes of travel: about KRW 15,000–30,000
Long-distance trip: KRW 30,000 or more
Fares vary depending on the region, distance, and traffic conditions, and late-night surcharges may apply.
5. KTX — High-Speed Rail Connecting Major Cities
One of the most convenient ways to travel between cities in Korea is the KTX. It quickly connects Seoul with major cities such as Daejeon, Daegu, Busan, and Gwangju.
💰 Approximate Standard-Class Fares
Seoul → Daejeon: about KRW 20,000–25,000
Seoul → Dongdaegu: about KRW 40,000–45,000
Seoul → Busan: about KRW 55,000–60,000
Yongsan → Gwangju-Songjeong: about KRW 45,000–50,000
Prices may vary depending on the train, route, and available discounts. Traveling from Seoul to Busan by KTX takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, making it convenient for both travel and business trips. Seats can sell out quickly on weekends, public holidays, and major Korean holidays, so it is a good idea to book in advance once your schedule is confirmed.
6. SRT — High-Speed Rail Departing from Suseo
In addition to the KTX, Korea also has a high-speed train called the SRT. SRT services operate primarily from Suseo Station, making them particularly convenient if you are departing from the southeastern Seoul metropolitan area, including Gangnam, Songpa, or Seongnam.
💰 Approximate Fares
Suseo → Daejeon: around KRW 20,000
Suseo → Dongdaegu: around KRW 38,000
Suseo → Busan: about KRW 52,000–54,000
Suseo → Gwangju-Songjeong: around KRW 40,000
If you are planning a long-distance trip, compare the departure stations, schedules, and fares of both KTX and SRT.
7. Express & Intercity Buses — An Affordable Way to Travel Between Cities
Express buses and intercity buses are also widely used for travel between cities in Korea. They are particularly useful when traveling to areas that are not directly connected by KTX or other rail services.
💰 Approximate Fares
Nearby cities: about KRW 5,000–15,000
Medium-distance trips: about KRW 10,000–30,000
Long-distance trips such as Seoul ↔ Busan: about KRW 25,000–45,000
Prices vary depending on the bus class, such as standard, deluxe, or premium. Although buses usually take longer than the KTX, they are often more affordable, making them a good option if saving money is more important than saving time.
8. Essential Apps for Finding Your Way Around Korea
If you are using public transportation in Korea for the first time, make good use of smartphone map apps.
📱 NAVER Map
NAVER Map is one of the most useful map apps for finding directions and using public transportation in Korea.
Real-time bus arrival information
Subway routes
Subway exit numbers
Bus stop locations
Transfer information
Estimated travel time to your destination
Search for nearby restaurants, convenience stores, and more
Foreigners who are not familiar with Korean can also use the supported language settings.
📱 Subway Apps such as Subway Korea
If you want to see Korea's complex subway network at a glance, dedicated subway apps can also be useful.
They make it easy to select your departure and arrival stations and check routes and transfer stations, which can be especially helpful when using the Korean subway for the first time.
💡 TIP. If You Are New to Korea
When using a map app, do not just check the station name—make sure to check the exit number. Some large subway stations in Korea have more than 10 exits, so even if you get off at the correct station, taking the wrong exit may leave you with a long walk to your destination.
9. Useful Public Transportation Etiquette in Korea
It is helpful to know a few basic etiquette rules when using subways and buses in Korea.
♿ Priority Seats
Subways have designated seats for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, and others with mobility needs. It is considerate to keep these seats available for passengers who need them.
🤰 Seats for Pregnant Passengers
You will also often see seats marked in pink for pregnant passengers. It is customary to keep these seats available so that pregnant passengers can use them when needed.
🥤 Be Careful When Bringing Food or Drinks onto Buses
On Seoul city buses in particular, food or drinks that may spill or leak even with a small impact may be restricted. For example, takeaway coffee without a fully sealed lid or food in an open disposable container may not be allowed on board. On the other hand, sealed plastic bottles, tightly closed tumblers, and packaged food can generally be carried onto the bus. Rules may differ by region, so be careful when bringing food or drinks onto buses.
🎒 Move Your Backpack to the Front When It Is Crowded
Subways and buses can become very crowded during commuting and school hours. A large backpack worn on your back can bump into people behind you, so wearing it in front or holding it in your hand can make the ride more comfortable for everyone.
🔇 Keep Phone Calls and Other Sounds Quiet
It is generally considered polite to avoid speaking loudly on the phone or playing audio loudly from your smartphone while using public transportation. Use earphones and try not to disturb other passengers.
10. The Most Convenient Transportation Depends on the Region
Not every city in Korea relies on subways as heavily as Seoul does.
Seoul
Seoul has an extensive subway network, and combining the subway with buses makes it easy to reach most areas.
Gyeonggi · Incheon
In addition to metropolitan subway lines, regular buses and metropolitan express buses are important forms of transportation. If you commute to school or work in Seoul, be sure to check both the number of transfers and your total travel time.
Busan
Using both the urban rail system and buses makes it convenient to travel between major areas of the city.
Daegu
It is convenient to use both the urban rail system and buses.
Daejeon · Gwangju
Subway systems are available, but buses may be more important depending on your destination.
Small and Mid-Sized Cities
Many smaller cities do not have subway systems, so city buses are often the main form of public transportation.
Traveling Between Cities
You can choose between KTX, SRT, regular trains, express buses, and intercity buses depending on your destination, budget, and travel time.
Korea's public transportation system may seem complicated at first, but once you learn how to use a transportation card and map apps, you can live quite comfortably without a car. If you have just arrived in Korea, start with a standard transportation card. If you later find yourself using the subway and buses every day in Seoul, compare the Climate Card with your actual monthly transportation expenses. And remember: tap your card when getting off the bus, and check the exit number when using the subway!
Just remembering these two things can help you avoid many of the common difficulties people experience when using public transportation in Korea for the first time.
