From buying a T-money card to transferring to the subway to riding the bus, this is an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide for foreigners. It contains all the most important transportation information for traveling and living in Korea.
Surprising discovery: Why South Korea's public transportation is the most accurate in the world
"The bus is really coming in one minute?" my friend Mark from Germany exclaimed as he looked at his smartphone app. Seoul bus 473 arrived exactly at the time the app showed. "This is more accurate than in Germany!" said Mark.
South Korea's public transportation systemhas a remarkable record. Seoul's subway has an on-time rate of 99.9%in Seoul. Seoul Bus Map 95% or laterof on-time performance. This is the highest of any city in the world.
Even more surprising is the T-money card. With one card, you can pay in the subway, bus, taxi, and convenience stores. This little card was launched in 2004. Foreigners call it the "magic card" because it has completely changed Korean life.
Read this guide and you'll be using public transportation like a Korean. You can get anywhere in Seoul in less than 30 minutes. Experience the world's most efficient transportation system for yourself!
Table of Contents
- 1. Korean public transportation essentials: A guide to buying and reloading T-money cards
- 2. Keys to Public Transportation in Korea: How to Use the Seoul Subway and Know How to Transfer
- 3. Completely conquered the Korean bus system
- 4. Etiquette and tips for using public transportation
- 5. Useful traffic apps and real-time information
- 6. Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting
1. Korean public transportation essentials: A guide to buying and reloading T-money cards
Public transportation in South Koreathe T-money card is the first step in accessing all modes of transportation. With this card, you can use all modes of transportation. It's very simple to purchase.
Where to buy T-Money cards
T-Money cards can be purchased in many places:
- Subway vending machines - The easiest way is to use
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, CU, GS25) - Available for purchase 24 hours a day
- Airports (Incheon Airport, Gimpo Airport) - Available for purchase upon arrival in Korea
- Subway Station Help Center - Staff help
How to buy a T-Money card step by step
How to use subway vending machines:
- Press the "English" button on the vending machine
- Select the "T-money Card" menu
- Select a card type (regular card 2,500 won)
- Pay with cash or credit card
- Take the card when it comes up
How to top up your T-Money card
Topping up your T-money card is very easy:
- Subway station chargers - We accept cash and cards
- Ask the bus driver - Say "Charge me"
- Convenience store - Say "Top up T-Money" to the employee
- Mobile apps - You can top up with the T-money app
Recommended top-up amount: For tourists, charge 30,000-50,000 won. I spend an average of 5,000-8,000 won per day.
For official T-Money card information, please visit T-money official websitefor more information.
2. Keys to Public Transportation in Korea: How to Use the Seoul Subway and Know How to Transfer
Public transportation in South Korea In the system, the Seoul Subway is organized into nine lines. Each line is marked with a different color. Remembering the number and color makes it easy to navigate.
Seoul Subway Line Guide
- Line 1 (blue) - Seoul Station, Dongdaemun, Cheongnyangni
- Line 2 (green) - Gangnam, Hongdae, Euljiro (Loop Line)
- Line 3 (orange) - Gyeongbokgung Palace, Anguk, Apgujeong
- Line 4 (light blue) - Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Sadang
- Line 5 (purple) - Yeouido, Mapo, Gwanghwamun
- Line 6 (brown) - Itaewon, Hapjeong, Constant
- Line 7 (Olive) - Gangnam Terminal, Kondae Entrance
- Line 8 (pink) - Jamsil, Seokchon
- Line 9 (gold) - Gimpo Airport, Yeouido, Gangnam
How to use the subway step by step
- Find the station entrance - Find the subway marker
- Check routes - Check the route to your destination
- T-money card tag - Tag your card at the turnstile
- Check orientation - Choose a direction by looking at the destination name
- Riding a motorized vehicle - Wait for the person getting off first
- Get off - Get off at your destination and re-tag your card
How to transfer
Transferring to the Seoul subway is very easy:
- Show transfers - Follow the "Transfer" or "Transit" sign
- Transfers in 30 minutes - No extra charge for transfers within 30 minutes
- No card re-tagging required - Don't re-tag cards for transfers
- Using the transit corridor - Use the transit aisle instead of going outside
Transit tips: Gangnam Station, Sadang Station, and Jamsil Station have complicated transfers. Watch for signs and move slowly.
Live subway information is available at Official website of the Seoul Metropolitan Transportation Authorityfor more information.
3. Completely conquered the Korean bus system
Seoul Bus Systemare color-coded. Each color plays a different role. Knowing the colors makes it easier to navigate the bus.
Separate buses by color
- Blue buses (fixed-route buses) - Connecting key regions. Comes fast and often
- Green buses (local buses) - Connecting neighborhoods and subway stations
- Red buses (local buses) - Connecting Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. Fares are expensive
- Yellow buses (circulator buses) - Cycle through a specific region
How to use the bus step by step
- Find a bus stop - Look for the blue indicator
- Check the bus number - Get the bus number to your destination
- Riding the bus - Ride to the front door
- T-money card tag - Tag your card to the driver's side machine
- Find a spot - Sit in an empty seat or grab a handle
- Preparing to drop off - Press the get off button 1-2 stops before your destination
- Get off - Retag your card on your way out the back door
Tips for taking the bus
- Real-time information - You can check bus arrival times at bus stops
- Drop-off notifications - Say "Get off at the next stop" or press the button
- Transportation card required - Transportation cards are cheaper than cash
- Transit discounts - Discounts for subway and bus transfers
Important tips: Be sure to re-tag your card when you get off the bus. Failure to tag will result in the maximum fare.
4. Etiquette and tips for using public transportation
South Korean Public Transportation Etiquetteto make you feel more comfortable. Following the same manners as Koreans will make a good impression.
Subway etiquette
- Whoever gets off first - Wait for people exiting motorized vehicles first
- Senior Seat Concessions - For pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities
- No loud sounds - Avoid phone calls and loud conversations
- Backpack Forward - Carry your backpack in front of you or in your hands
- Don't stand in the doorway - Standing at the door makes others uncomfortable
Bus riding etiquette
- Exiting through the back door - Use the back door to get off the bus
- Empty the seniors seat - Give way when an elderly person gets on
- Preparing for drop-off - Prepare to get off 1-2 stops before your destination
- Greeting the driver - Say hello when you get on and off
Special tips for international users
- If you lose your transportation card - You can get your balance back if you report it lost
- Check the last train time - The last subway train is around midnight, and the last bus is around 11:30
- Avoiding rush hour - 7-9am and 6-8pm is very busy
- Ask for directions - Ask "Where am I?" or "Where is the subway station?"
Cultural differences: In South Korea, it is preferred to be quiet on public transportation. Avoid talking on the phone whenever possible and use voice messages or texting.
For more information on Korean cultural etiquette, see the Every corner of South Koreafor more information.
5. Useful traffic apps and real-time information
Smartphone appsmakes using public transportation in South Korea much easier. You can check real-time information. Here are some apps that are easy to use even for foreigners.
5 must-have transportation apps
- Citymapper - English support, live directions
- Subway maps - Available offline
- Bus When and - Real-time bus arrival information
- T-money Go - Check your T-Money card balance
- KakaoMap - The most accurate map app in Korea
How to use Citymapper
The most recommended app for foreigners:
- Download the app and select Seoul
- Enter your origin and destination
- See multiple path options
- Choose the fastest path
- Follow the live instructions to get there
How to get real-time information
- Subway billboards - Next train arrival time
- Bus stop signage - Estimated bus arrival time
- Smartphone apps - Live rerouting announcements
- In-station announcements - English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese
Utilize the transportation fare calculator
Useful for budgeting your trip:
- Base rate - Subway 1,550 won, bus 1,500 won
- Transit discounts - 100 off transfers within 30 minutes
- Distance charges - Surcharge beyond 10 kilometers
- Late-night overdoses - Buses after midnight are surcharged
Interactive calculator ideas: We're going to build a tool that will calculate the exact fare and travel time when you enter your departure and destination.
For more transportation information, see Seoul Traffic Information System TOPISfor more information.
6. Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting
Foreigners Public transportation in South KoreaWe've compiled a list of frequently asked questions about using the Knowing this information can help you avoid getting caught off guard in a problem situation.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
Q1. I lost my T-money card, what should I do?
A: Call T-Money Customer Care at 1644-0088. If it's a registered card, you can transfer the balance to a new card. You must report it lost within 24 hours.
Q2. I'm lost on the subway, who should I ask for help?
A: Ask a station attendant for help. Say "Help me please" or "Please help me". Most station staff speak basic English.
Q3. I forgot to tag my card on the bus, what should I do?
A: Tell the driver when you get off. Say "I couldn't tag your card" and they'll help you. You may be charged an additional fee.
Q4. What transportation should I use during late night hours?
A: The subway stops running at midnight. Take a late-night bus (N-bus) or taxi. Late night buses run from midnight to 5am.
Q5. I have a wheelchair or stroller, how do I access it?
A: All subway stations have elevators. By bus, use low-floor buses. Ask a station attendant for help and they will be happy to assist you.
How to handle emergencies
- Transportation card errors - Immediate resolution from the reverse help desk
- Subway delays - Listen to announcements and take alternate routes
- Missed buses - Check the next bus time in the app
- Language issues - Communicate with translation apps or hand gestures
Korean for asking for help
- "Help me" - Help me please
- "Where am I?" - Where am I?
- "Where's the subway station?" - Where is the subway station?
- "Is this the right bus?" - Is this the right bus?
- "How much?" - How much is it?
Important tips: South Koreans are very friendly to foreigners. Don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
Wrapping up: A journey to master Korean public transportation
Congratulations, you now have a Public transportation in South Koreain Seoul. A T-money card is all you need to get around Seoul.
Summary of key takeaways
- T-money card - The starting point for all public transportation
- 9 subway lines - Easily distinguish by color and number
- Bus Color System - Blue (trunk), green (branch), red (wide area)
- Etiquette and manners - How to adapt to Korean culture
- Smartphone apps - Real-time information makes life easier
Next step action plan
- Purchase a T-Money card upon arrival in Korea
- Download the Citymapper app
- Try a simple route for your first trip
- Take a lap around the subway line 2 loop
- Plan a trip using a combination of bus and subway
🌟 Next steps after mastering public transportation
Once you've mastered public transportation, it's time to start living the real Seoul life! Here's everything you need to know about living in Seoul for foreigners.
For a deeper understanding of Korean culture, try making kimchi, and we'll show you how to do it without any special equipment.
Need more K-Life information?
Check out 365 Days of K-Life for more guides to living in Korea:
We hope you enjoy your trip to Korea!
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with your friends. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments.
This information is current as of July 2025. Transportation fares and systems are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
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