Buses

Buses are a convenient and cheap way to travel within and between cities in South Korea. There are four types of buses: local, express, intercity, and airport limousine. Local buses operate within cities and have different colors depending on their routes and speeds. Express buses connect major cities and have fewer stops than intercity buses. Intercity buses connect smaller cities and towns and have more stops than express buses. Airport limousine buses are comfortable and spacious buses that run between airports and major hotels or landmarks.

To use buses, you need to tap your T-Money card or Railplus Transport card when you board and when you get off. You can also pay with cash, but you need to have the exact amount. The fare depends on the distance and the type of bus, but it usually ranges from 1,200 won to 10,000 won. You can check the bus routes, schedules, and fares on apps like Kakao Bus or Naver Map. You can also visit this website for more information on transportation in Korea for tourists.

Subways

Subways are the fastest and most convenient way to get around Seoul and other major cities like Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju, and Incheon. The subway system is extensive, clean, and easy to use, with signs and announcements in English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese. You can use your T-Money card or Railplus Transport card to pay for the subway fare, which varies depending on the distance and the city, but it usually starts from 1,250 won. You can also buy single-journey tickets from vending machines at the stations.

To use subways, you need to tap your card or ticket at the entrance gate and at the exit gate. You can check the subway map, routes, schedules, and fares on apps like Kakao Metro or Subway Korea. In 2024, Seoul will launch a new service that enables unlimited subway and bus access for a monthly fee of 62,000 won. You can also enjoy a scenic ride on the Hangang River Bus that will connect Gangseo-gu and Yeouido in 30 minutes. You can also visit this website for more information on Seoul's subway system.

Trains

Trains are a comfortable and scenic way to travel between cities in South Korea. There are three types of trains: KTX (Korea Train Express), ITX (Intercity Train Express), and Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon). KTX is the fastest and most expensive train that runs at speeds of up to 300 km/h and connects major cities like Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju, Mokpo, Jeonju, and Gangneung. ITX is a semi-high speed train that runs at speeds of up to 180 km/h and connects Seoul with Chuncheon, Cheongnyangni, Yeongju, Taebaek, Gyeongju, Pohang, Andong, Suseo,

Pyeongchang, Jinbu, Gangneung. Mugunghwa is the slowest and cheapest train that runs at speeds of up to 150 km/h and connects smaller cities and towns.

To use trains, you need to buy a ticket online or at the station. You can use your T-Money card or Railplus Transport card to pay for the ticket online or at vending machines at the station. You can also pay with cash or credit card at the ticket counter or vending machines at the station. The fare depends on the distance and the type of train, but it usually ranges from 10,000 won to 60,000 won. You can check the train routes, schedules, and fares on apps like Korail Talk or SRT. You can also visit this website for more information on Korea's train system.

Taxis

Taxis are a convenient and affordable way to get around South Korea, especially at night when public transport is less frequent or unavailable. There are two types of taxis: regular taxis (ilban taxi) and deluxe taxis (mobeom taxi). Regular taxis are orange or silver in color and have a basic meter fare of 3,800 won for the first 2 km plus 100 won for every 142 m or 35 seconds thereafter. Deluxe taxis are black with a yellow sign on top and have a higher meter fare of 6,500 won for the first 3 km plus 200 won for every 164 m or 39 seconds thereafter. Deluxe taxis are more spacious and comfortable than regular taxis and do not charge extra fees for late-night hours, tolls, or luggage.

To use taxis, you can hail one on the street, call one by phone, or use apps like Kakao Taxi or UT. You can pay with cash, credit card, or T-Money card. You can also use your Railplus Transport card to pay for taxis that display the T-Money logo. You can ask for a receipt if you need one. You can check the taxi fare and route on apps like Kakao Taxi or Naver Map.

Public transport in South Korea is an excellent way to get around the country, with buses, subways, trains, and taxis connecting cities, towns, and neighborhoods. By using a T-Money card or a Railplus Transport card, transportation apps, and following basic etiquette rules, you can navigate the system with ease. In 2024, you can also look forward to new services like the unlimited public transportation pass and the Hangang River Bus that will make your travel experience more convenient and enjoyable.