How to Get Around Seoul – A Public Transportation Guide for Travelers

🚌 How to Use Public Transportation in Korea (Like You’ve Been Here Before)

So, you’ve landed in Korea (or you’re planning to come soon), and you're wondering:
"How do I get around without looking totally lost?"

No worries — Korea’s public transport is one of the best in the world. Clean, fast, affordable, and surprisingly tourist-friendly.

Here’s the guide I wish I had during my first trip — simple, helpful, and no confusing lingo. Let’s go! 🚦

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🚇 1. Taking the Subway – Your Best Friend in the City

If you’re in Seoul or Busan, you’ll probably end up on the subway more than you think — and honestly, it’s amazing.

Most signs are in English, trains are on time, and everything is super clean. It’s like the metro actually respects your time (imagine that!).

How to ride it:

• 📱 Download KakaoMetro or Naver Map for live routes.
• 💳 Pick up a T-money card at any convenience store.
• 🚉 Just tap in to enter and tap out when you leave.

💡 Pro tip: Avoid rush hour (around 8–9 AM & 6–7 PM). It’s... packed.

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🚌 2. Buses – Colorful, Local, and a Bit More Adventurous

Korean buses are color-coded and actually make sense once you get the hang of them:

• 🔵 Blue: Long city routes
• 🟢 Green: Short, local loops
• 🟡 Yellow: Circles around busy areas
• 🔴 Red: Suburb-to-city express

You can use your T-money card here, too. And don’t worry — bus stops usually show real-time arrival info.

💡 Tip: Not sure when to get off? Press the stop bell early — stops come up fast.

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🚕 3. Taxis – Easy, But Know a Few Tricks

Taxis are everywhere, and cheaper than you’d expect compared to places like the US or UK. But heads-up: most drivers don’t speak English.

Quick tips:

• 📱 Use the Kakao T app to call a taxi (you can set destinations in English).
• 📸 Show your address in Korean on your phone, just in case.
• 🌙 There’s a small surcharge at night.
• 🚖 International taxis are English-friendly — but pricier.

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💳 4. The Magic of T-money Cards

Your T-money card is your golden ticket — it works on subways, buses, some taxis, and even in convenience stores.

Where to get & reload:

• 🛒 Buy it at GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, or any subway station.
• 🔄 Reload at machines in stations or directly at the counter.

💡 Bonus: You can also use it in Jeju, Busan, and most big cities — but bring some cash just in case.

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🗺 5. Navigation Apps That Actually Work in Korea

Google Maps isn’t great here. Trust me. Use one of these instead:

• Naver Map – the most accurate (even better than Google)
• KakaoMap – cleaner look, easy to use
• Kakao T – perfect for taxis

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✨ Little Things I Wish I Knew

• 🧾 No cash? Most people use T-money cards, but it's smart to carry a few coins just in case.
• 🎯 Subway stations are massive — don’t be afraid to ask staff for help.
• 🧍 Locals might not make eye contact, but they’re super kind if you ask something politely.

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➕ Want More Korea Travel Tips?

If you’re into unique Korean stuff (like spas and saunas that feel like mini-villages), check this one out:

👉 Unique Korean Public Bath (Jjimjilbang) Experience – What to Expect

✨ Got questions or want to share your experience? Leave a comment — I’d love to hear from you!