Korea Transportation Guide
Master T-Money, subway, buses, and getting around Korea
한국 대중교통 완벽 가이드
Quick Summary
- ✅ Get a T-Money card - works on subway, bus, taxis, and convenience stores
- ✅ Download Kakao Map or Naver Map for navigation
- ✅ Subway: ₩1,250-₩2,750 per trip
- ✅ Bus: ₩1,200-₩2,400 per trip
- ✅ Free transfers within 30 minutes
💳T-Money Card (티머니)
What is T-Money?
T-Money is a rechargeable transportation card that works on all subway lines, buses, and many taxis in Korea. It's the most convenient way to pay for public transportation.
Subway
Works on all subway lines nationwide
Bus
All public buses accept T-Money
Taxi
Most taxis accept T-Money payment
💡 Bonus: You can also use T-Money at convenience stores, vending machines, and some shops!
How to Get a T-Money Card
Buy at Convenience Stores
Visit any convenience store (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Emart24)
- Price: ₩2,500-₩4,000 (card cost + initial balance)
- Say: "티머니 카드 주세요" (T-Money kadu juseyo)
- Tip: Some cards feature K-pop idols or cute designs!
Buy at Subway Stations
Look for vending machines or information desks at subway stations
- Available at most major stations
- Some machines have English options
Use Your Phone (Mobile T-Money)
If you have a Samsung phone with NFC, download the "T-Money" app
- No physical card needed
- Recharge directly from the app
- Only works with certain Samsung and LG phones
How to Recharge T-Money
🏪 At Convenience Stores
- Give your T-Money card to the cashier
- Say "충전 주세요" (Chungjeon juseyo) + amount
- Pay in cash or card
- Done! Balance is updated immediately
Amounts: ₩1,000, ₩5,000, ₩10,000, ₩20,000, ₩50,000
🚇 At Subway Stations
- Find a recharge machine (충전기)
- Tap your card on the reader
- Insert cash (machines usually don't accept cards)
- Confirm the amount
Tip: Machines usually have English, Chinese, Japanese options
💡 How much to charge? ₩10,000-₩20,000 is enough for about 10-20 trips
🚇Using the Subway (지하철)
Seoul Metropolitan Subway System
Seoul has one of the best subway systems in the world - clean, safe, on-time, and easy to use. The system has 23 lines covering Seoul and nearby cities.
💰 Fares
- • Basic fare (10 km): ₩1,250
- • 10-50 km: +₩100 per 5 km
- • Over 50 km: +₩100 per 8 km
- • Children (6-12): 50% discount
- • Senior (65+): Free!
⏰ Operating Hours
- • Weekdays: 5:30 AM - 12:30 AM
- • Weekends: Same hours
- • Frequency: 2-5 minutes during peak hours
- • Peak hours: 7-9 AM, 6-8 PM
⚠️ No 24-hour service - plan your last train!
🗺️ Major Lines You Should Know
Step-by-Step: Taking the Subway
Find Your Station & Direction
Use Kakao Map or Naver Map to find the right line and direction
Enter Through the Gate
Tap your T-Money card on the card reader (it beeps and the gate opens)
💡 Keep your card in your wallet/phone case - it works through it!
Find the Right Platform
Follow signs with your destination's name. Look for the final station of that line.
Example: If going to Gangnam on Line 2, look for "순환선" (Loop Line) and direction "강남 방면" (Towards Gangnam)
Wait Behind the Screen Doors
All platforms have safety screen doors that open when the train arrives
🚇 Trains show the line number and destination on the front
Board the Train
Let passengers exit first, then board. Find a seat or hold the handles.
🪑 Priority Seats: Pink/gray seats at the ends are for elderly, pregnant women, and disabled persons. Please give them up if needed!
Check Your Stop
Announcements are in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese. Watch the electronic displays or use your map app.
Exit and Tap Again
Follow exit signs, tap your T-Money at the exit gate. Fare is automatically deducted.
⚠️ Don't forget to tap out! You'll be charged maximum fare if you don't.
🚌Using Buses (버스)
Bus Types in Korea
🔵 Blue Bus (간선버스)
Main routes connecting major areas
• Fare: ₩1,200 • Long routes • Good for crossing districts
🟢 Green Bus (지선버스)
Local buses within neighborhoods
• Fare: ₩1,200 • Short routes • Connect to subway
🔴 Red Bus (광역버스)
Express buses to suburbs
• Fare: ₩2,300-₩2,400 • Limited stops • Longer distance
🟡 Yellow Bus (순환버스)
Circle routes in specific areas
• Fare: ₩1,200 • Tourist areas • Shopping districts
How to Take a Bus
Find Your Bus Number
Use Kakao Map or Naver Map to find which bus goes to your destination
💡 The app shows real-time bus arrival times!
Wait at the Bus Stop
Look for the bus stop pole with your bus number listed
✋ Wave your hand when you see your bus coming!
Board Through the Front Door
Tap your T-Money on the card reader near the driver
The reader will beep and show your remaining balance
Find a Seat or Hold On
Korean bus drivers can drive fast! Hold handles tightly.
Press the Stop Button
Press the red button before your stop. You'll hear a "ding" sound.
🔴 Electronic display shows the next stop in Korean and English
Exit Through the Back Door
Tap your T-Money again at the back door reader before exiting
⚠️ You MUST tap out to get free transfers!
💡 Free Transfers
If you transfer to another bus or subway within 30 minutes, you don't pay again! Just tap your T-Money card - it automatically applies the discount. You can transfer up to 4 times.
🚕Taking Taxis (택시)
🟡 Regular Taxi (일반택시)
- • Color: Silver, white, or orange
- • Base fare: ₩3,800 (2 km)
- • Additional: ₩100 per 132m or 31 seconds
- • Late night (12 AM -4 AM): +20% surcharge
- • Best for: Short trips within the city
⚫ Deluxe Taxi (모범택시)
- • Color: Black with yellow sign
- • Base fare: ₩6,500 (3 km)
- • Additional: ₩200 per 164m or 39 seconds
- • No late night surcharge
- • Best for: More comfort, better English
📱 Taxi Apps (Recommended!)
Using taxi apps is much easier than hailing on the street, especially if you don't speak Korean.
🟨 Kakao T (카카오 T)
Most popular taxi app in Korea
- English interface available
- Shows fare estimate before booking
- Pay with cash, card, or Kakao Pay
- Can track your taxi in real-time
- Download: Search "Kakao T" in App Store or Google Play
🔵 Uber
Available but only for premium black cars (expensive)
💡 Kakao T is much cheaper and more convenient in Korea
💳 Payment: Most taxis accept T-Money, credit cards, and cash. Just point to the card reader!
📱Essential Navigation Apps
Naver Map
The most accurate map for Korea, better than Google Maps
Features:
- ✅ Real-time public transit directions
- ✅ Shows bus arrival times
- ✅ Walking, driving, and transit modes
- ✅ English interface available
- ✅ Works offline (after downloading)
Download: Search "Naver Map" in App Store or Google Play
Kakao Map
Alternative to Naver, also very accurate
Features:
- ✅ Real-time traffic information
- ✅ Integrated with Kakao T for taxis
- ✅ Voice navigation in Korean
- ✅ Shows parking availability
- ✅ Restaurant and store information
Download: Search "Kakao Map" in App Store or Google Play
💡 Pro Tip: Download both apps! Naver is better for public transit, while Kakao is better for finding specific places and calling taxis.
💬Useful Transportation Phrases
🚇 Subway Phrases
어디에서 내려요?
Eodie-seo naelyeoyo?
Where do I get off?
환승하는 곳이 어디예요?
Hwanseung-haneun gosi eodiyeyo?
Where do I transfer?
몇 번 출구예요?
Myeot beon chulguyeyo?
Which exit number?
🚕 Taxi Phrases
여기 가주세요
Yeogi gajuseyo
Please go here (show address)
카드 돼요?
Kadeu dwaeyo?
Can I pay by card?
여기 세워 주세요
Yeogi sewo juseyo
Please stop here
🚌 Bus Phrases
이 버스 [장소] 가요?
I beoseu [place] gayo?
Does this bus go to [place]?
다음 정류장에서 내릴게요
Daeum jeongnyujangeseo naelilgeyo
I'll get off at the next stop
💳 T-Money Phrases
충전 해주세요
Chungjeon haejuseyo
Please recharge (my card)
만원 충전해 주세요
Manwon chungjeon haejuseyo
Please charge ₩10,000
💰Money-Saving Tips
✅ Use Free Transfers
Transfer within 30 minutes = Free! Plan your route to maximize transfers instead of separate trips.
✅ Get a Check Card with Cashback
Some bank cards give 10-20% cashback on transportation. Ask your bank!
✅ Avoid Peak Hours
If flexible, travel outside 7-9 AM and 6-8 PM to avoid crowded trains and buses.
✅ Walk When Possible
Korea is very walkable! Save money and explore by walking short distances (1-2 subway stops).
✅ Use Kakao T for Taxis
Sometimes offers discounts and coupons. Always check the app first!
✅ Monthly Pass (Climate Card)
₩65,000/month for unlimited subway and bus rides in Seoul area (if you commute daily).
📚 Related Guides
Need More Help?
Watch video guides to see exactly how to use Korean transportation!