Beginners' Guide to Seoul Public Transport

Seoul takes pride in its exceptionally efficient public transportation network, enabling seamless travel solely by public means. The transfer system is especially noteworthy. You can effortlessly switch between buses and subways without additional charges, with up to four transfers allowed within 30 minutes of boarding. Keep in mind that free transfers aren't applicable on the same route (e.g., buses with identical numbers or subway lines).

The Seoul Metropolitan Subway operates from early morning until late at night, making it a convenient and popular means of transportation for locals. However, during rush hours, it can be extremely crowded and is often referred to as the "underground of hell". Despite this, navigating the subway is relatively easy because major routes connecting different areas of Seoul are identified by numbers and symbol colors.

・ Operating hours: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM (*varies by station) ・ Base fare: 1,400 won ・ Payment methods: Singl-journey ticket or T-money Card

Buses and subways are the primary modes of transportation in Seoul. However, due to heavy traffic congestion, buses should be avoided during peak commuting hours. While the subway is more convenient for tourists, buses are a great way to get to the most remote parts of Seoul.

・ Fare: 1,500 won (For trunk buses, bus fares may vary depending on the bus route) ・ Transportation card (T-money Card) or cash

If you only intend to use the bus/subway less than five times, cash or single-journey tickets are fine. Otherwise, we highly recommend purchasing a T-Money Card for your journey. Instead of paying for a single journey every time, you can top it up with enough cash for the day, or even your entire trip. A minimum of 3000won is required to activate T-money card, and tourists can put up to 20,000won.

Bus stops are typically located at the end of the road; however, where the bus route passes through a bus-only lane, they are located in the middle.

Make sure to tap your transportation card when leaving a bus to prevent extra charges and ensure smooth transfers.

Seoul's well-developed public transportation system offers a reliable alternative to taxis. However, when speed or heavy baggage is a factor, taxis provide unparalleled convenience. Fares are calculated based on a base rate plus additional charges determined by distance traveled.

・ Paying with a card is much more convenient, and a transportation card (T-money Card) is also accepted. ・ Accepted card types: VISA, Master, JCB, Express

Kakao T is the most popular taxi app in Korea. Users can call a taxi from their current location by setting their pick-up and drop-off points. Additionally, the app provides estimated fares for the convenience of users. It can be used even if you don't have a Korean phone number and supports English and Japanese.

If you find it inconvenient to use public transportation for short distances, consider using shared bicycles or electric scooters. If you want to enjoy a drive while traveling, use a car rental service.

Seoul City Tour Bus is a popular tour bus that takes you to the most popular tourist attractions in Seoul. It is open 24 hours a day and provides audio guides in various languages. There are a total of 7 courses, with prices varying according to the course.

Anyone over the age of 13 is welcome to use Seoul's public bike-sharing system. A bike can be rented through an app, and foreigners can use it as well. Languages supported include English, Japanese, and Chinese.

The time pass is a ticket that allows you to use it for a specified amount of time. Therefore, you can rent multiple times throughout the day as long as your ride is under that time limit.

The Ddareungi app provides information about rental stations and the number of available bikes at each station. Rental stations are mostly found near train stations.

Shared electric scooters are common on the streets of Seoul. You can use these scooters as a private mode of transportation by downloading the app for each brand. In Seoul, you must wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter.

It is a mode of transportation that allows you to explore Seoul while driving. The rules for renting a car differ depending on the rental company. Car sharing is available via an app and can be used for as little as 30 minutes, making it ideal for short-term rentals.

T-money Card is a rechargeable transportation card. If you use a T-money Card, you can get benefits such as transfer discounts. There are several types to choose from, so consider your travel style.

∙ After you purchase the card, you can recharge it. ∙ Where to recharge: Convenience stores, charging machines inside stations

It is a pass that combines transportation and tourism benefits. This pass provides free access to designated tourist sites as well as various transportation benefits for the duration of the pass.

・ Online: Purchase on the official website or app and pick up. ・ Offline: Myeongdong, Hongdae, Dongdaemun, Seoul Tourism Plaza Tourist Information Center

・ Free admission to major tourist attractions for a designated period of time (24/48/72 hours) ・ Discounts for performances, shopping, and one-day classes ・ One free ride on AREX (Airport Express Train)

A card that serves as both a transportation card and a prepaid card. You can make card transactions in Korea without opening a bank account. You can personalize the card with a photo of your choice at the kiosk or via the app.