Transportation in South Korea
South Korea has one of the world's best public transportation systems. Efficient, affordable, and clean - most expats don't need a car.
Seoul Metro
The Seoul Metropolitan Subway is one of the world's best:
- 23 lines covering metropolitan area
- Running hours: ~5:30 AM to midnight
- Frequency: 2-5 minutes during rush hour
- Signs: Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese
- Clean and safe: Regularly cleaned, low crime
Fares:
- Base fare: ₩1,400-1,800 (T-Money) / ₩1,500-1,900 (cash)
- Distance-based pricing for longer trips
- Transfer discounts within 30 minutes
T-Money Card
Essential for all transit:
- Works on subway, buses, taxis, convenience stores
- ₩100 discount per ride vs cash
- Free transfers between bus and subway within 30 minutes
- Available at convenience stores (₩4,000 for card)
- Can link to bank cards or use mobile T-Money
Buses
Extensive bus network complements subway:
- Blue buses: Main routes, long distance
- Green buses: Local, neighborhood routes
- Red buses: Express, suburban
- Yellow buses: Circular routes within districts
- Running roughly 4:30 AM to midnight
KTX (High-Speed Rail)
Korea Train Express connects major cities:
| Route | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul → Busan | 2h 15m | ₩59,800 |
| Seoul → Daegu | 1h 40m | ₩43,500 |
| Seoul → Gwangju | 1h 50m | ₩46,800 |
2026 Updates: Korail and SR (Supreme Railways) merging by end of 2026 for integrated ticketing. New GTX lines opening in Seoul.
Taxis
Abundant and affordable:
- Regular (orange/silver): Base fare ₩4,800 (2km)
- Deluxe (black): Higher fare, more comfortable
- Apps: Kakao T is the standard (like Uber)
- Tipping: Not expected
Driving
Possible but often unnecessary:
- International Driving Permit valid for 1 year
- Korean license test required for longer stays
- Traffic in Seoul is congested
- Parking expensive and limited
- Car rental available but public transit usually better
Getting to Airports
Incheon International Airport (ICN):
- AREX (Airport Railroad): 43 minutes to Seoul Station (₩9,500)
- Airport buses: To various Seoul locations (₩16,000-18,000)
- Taxi: ~₩65,000-100,000 (1-1.5 hours depending on traffic)
Gimpo Airport (GMP):
- Subway Lines 5, 9, AREX connection
- 30-40 minutes to central Seoul
Pro Tips
- •Get a T-Money card immediately - works on all public transit
- •Seoul subway runs 5:30 AM to midnight, very reliable
- •Kakao T app is the Korean Uber - essential for taxis
- •KTX books up during holidays - reserve early
- •Most expats don't need a car - public transit is excellent
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