How to Use Public Transportation in Korea: Complete Guide for Foreign Travelers (Apps, Costs, Etiquette)
This guide covers transportation cards, essential mobile apps, fares, cultural etiquette, and useful tips—perfect for first-time visitors.
🚇 1. Korean Subway: Fast, Clean, and Foreign-Friendly
Korea’s subway systems (Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju) are known for:
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English-friendly signs
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Affordable fares
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Real-time arrival information
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Wide coverage to major attractions
🔹 How to Use the Subway
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Purchase a T-money or Cashbee card.
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Tap in at the turnstile and tap out when exiting.
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Follow color-coded lines and English maps.
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Use apps for the fastest transfer routes.
🔹 Average Subway Cost
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₩1,400–1,550 for adults (distance-based)
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Transfers between subway–bus are free within the transfer time limit
🚌 2. Korean Public Buses: Local & Express Options
Buses reach areas the subway doesn’t, making them perfect for sightseeing.
Types of Buses in Korea
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Blue Buses (Main Routes)
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Green Buses (Local/Neighborhood)
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Red Buses (Express & Commuter)
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Airport Limousine Buses
How to Use
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Tap your T-money card when boarding and again when getting off.
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The bus screen displays stops in English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese.
Average Bus Fare
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₩1,200–1,500 per ride
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Free transfer with the same transportation card
🚕 3. Taxi Tips for Foreigners
Korean taxis are safe, widespread, and affordable compared to many countries.
Best Taxi Apps
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Kakao T (most popular)
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Uber (Korea version integrates with Kakao drivers)
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T MAP Taxi
Approximate Taxi Costs
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Standard taxi: ₩4,800 base fare
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International taxis (Seoul): Slightly higher but English-friendly
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Payment: Card, T-money, or cash
Tip: Most drivers do not speak English, so using an app is recommended.
🚄 4. Long-Distance Travel: KTX, ITX, and Express Buses
🔹 Korea Train Express (KTX)
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Connects major cities like Seoul ↔ Busan in 2.5 hours
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Clean, punctual, and comfortable
🔹 Express & Intercity Buses
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Cheaper than KTX
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Frequent departures
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Modern rest stops
Average Long-Distance Costs
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KTX: ₩30,000–₩60,000 depending on distance
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Express Bus: ₩10,000–₩30,000
💳 5. Transportation Cards: T-money & Cashbee
Why You Need One
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Works on subway, buses, taxis, convenience stores
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Easy reload at CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, subway stations
Cost Breakdown
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Card price: ₩2,500–₩4,000
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Reload minimum: ₩1,000
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Refund available at major convenience stores (small fee applies)
📱 6. Must-Have Apps for Travel in Korea
⭐ Essential Apps
| Category | Recommended App | Why It’s Useful |
|---|---|---|
| Subway Navigation | Kakao Metro, Subway Korea | Real-time arrivals, best transfer routes |
| Maps | Naver Map, Kakao Map | Google Maps is unreliable in Korea |
| Taxi | Kakao T | Easiest way to book taxis |
| Public Transport | Kakao Bus, Korea Tour Card App | Bus arrival times and travel discounts |
🙏 7. Transportation Etiquette in Korea
Korean public transport is polite and quiet. Here are important rules:
✔ Subway & Bus Etiquette
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Do not sit in priority seats unless needed.
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Keep your voice down (phone calls discouraged).
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Queue in lines—Koreans are orderly when boarding.
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Eating inside buses/subways is generally not allowed.
✔ Taxi Etiquette
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Enter and exit through the right side rear door when possible.
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Seatbelt is mandatory.
✔ Escalator Manners
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Stand still; avoid blocking people in a hurry.
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In some cities, standing rules vary (right vs. left), so follow local flow.
🧳 8. Money-Saving Tips for Visitors
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Use Korea Tour Card for tourist discounts.
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Download TABA for real-time travel cards and taxi access.
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Transfers are free—plan routes to reduce costs!
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Consider regional passes like KR Pass for KTX discounts.
🌟 Conclusion: Korea Is One of the Easiest Countries to Travel Without a Car
With clean subways, reliable buses, convenient payment systems, and foreigner-friendly apps, traveling in Korea is stress-free.
Whether you're exploring Seoul's nightlife, Busan's beaches, or Gyeongju’s history, Korea’s public transportation will get you there quickly and cheaply.
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