Tips on Transportation and Integrated Transfer System in Korea
Coming to Korea for the first time and looking at all the transportation available looks confusing but it only takes about 2 days to know how to get around Korea easily (at least for me). Transportation is pretty cheap compared to other countries and depending on how far you go the cost will vary.
While using the subway/bus you will have to pay via T-money card which you can get at the convenience store and upload at the convenience store or the subway.
Here are some ways you can travel without having a vehicle:
Taking the bus
Source: Travelvui There’s the city bus which depending on distance, area, and age a trip can range from 1,200-2,300 won, and intercity buses will take you to different regions very quickly through highways, and expressways without taking as many stops. Here’s a link in detail on how to take the bus.
Taking the subway
Source: Travelvui The larger cities like Seoul, Daegu, Busan, Gwangju, and Daejeon have the subway system, which is what most people use for transportation, very convenient and easy. Seoul metro goes up to 18 lines while the other cities can have about 1-3 lines. Here are two apps to help you through the subways Kakao/Naver Map. And here's a link to using Kakao/Naver Map in detail.
Taking a Taxi
Source: KKday Blog Taxis in Korea are inexpensive, comfortable, and helpful modes of transportation. When the taxi car is black that would most likely be the most expensive when riding while silver and yellow are more common. When trying to call a taxi try to look for a red light dashboard. If the dashboard is red light means the taxi is empty, if it has a green light that means it’s booked, and blue light means they are off for the day. If you want to take a taxi via KakaoTaxi, which is like Uber/Lyft for Korea, here’s a blog on how to Kakao Taxi app which I find easier to get a taxi as a foreigner.
Extra Tips:
Tip 1: While you are in the subway/bus be sure to not seat on reserved seating for people in need. It will usually be in pink or yellow (pregnant women, elderly, sick, or young children)
Source: 10MagazineTip 2: Before 2004, you used to have to pay for every transfer, but now with each transfer, you make up to five transfers you will not be charged a fee only charged by distance.
Tip 3: You can use your T-money card for many things taxis, subway, buses, and even for toll gate fee payments.
Source: TrazyBlogTip 4: Apps that I like to use to help get me across are Kakao Map, Naver Map (foreigner friendly), KakaoMetro, KakaoT
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