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The Ultimate Guide to Public Transportation in Korea (2025 Edition)

· 6 min read
Elena Vance
Elena Vance
Editor-in-Chief & Logistics Expert

You’ve landed at Incheon Airport. You have your bags. You step out into the arrival hall. Now, how do you get to your hotel?

If you open Google Maps, you might panic. It works... sort of. But it won't give you walking directions, and it might tell you to take a bus that hasn't existed for two years.

South Korea has one of the world's most advanced, clean, and punctual public transportation systems, but it runs on its own digital ecosystem. If you try to use Western apps and logic, you will get lost. If you use the local tools, you can cross the entire city of Seoul for $1.50 in 45 minutes flat.

This guide is your cheatsheet. We'll cover the Holy Trinity of Apps, the new 2025 Climate Card, and exactly how to transfer without paying extra.

The Ultimate Guide to Public Transportation in Korea (2025 Edition)

1. The Holy Trinity of Transport Apps​

Before you leave the airport, download these three apps. This is not optional.

Why you need it: Google Maps cannot provide walking or driving directions in South Korea due to national security laws (server data cannot leave the country).

  • The Solution: Naver Map is the "Google Maps" of Korea. It has a full English interface.
  • Key Feature: It tells you exactly which subway car (e.g., "Car 4-3") gets you closest to the escalator for your transfer.
  • Tip: Always search by phone number or Korean name if the English address fails.

Kakao T​

Why you need it: Hailing a taxi on the street is getting harder.

  • The Solution: This is the "Uber" of Korea. You can call standard taxis, deluxe taxis, and even vans.
  • Key Feature: You can link a foreign credit card, or select "Pay to Driver" if you want to use cash/T-Money. It prevents price gouging because the route is tracked.

Subway Korea​

Why you need it: For pure subway navigation.

  • The Solution: It works offline and has the clearest map. It calculates the fastest route vs. the simplest route.

2. Payment: T-Money & The New Climate Card​

You cannot pay with cash on many buses anymore. You need a card.

T-Money Card (The Standard)​

This is a reloadable IC card used for everything: Subway, Bus, Taxi, and even buying water at convenience stores.

  • Where to buy: Any convenience store (GS25, CU) or subway stations.
  • Cost: 3,000 KRW (Card) + whatever you load on it.
  • How to load: CASH ONLY at machines or convenience stores. You generally cannot load it with a credit card.

The Climate Card (Gihoo-donghaeng) - New for 2025​

Seoul recently launched an unlimited transit pass to encourage green travel.

  • What it is: Unlimited rides on Seoul Subways, City Buses, and public bikes (Ttareungi).
  • Tourist Pass Prices:
    • 1-Day: 5,000 KRW
    • 3-Day: 10,000 KRW
    • 5-Day: 15,000 KRW
  • Verdict: If you plan to ride the subway 4+ times a day, this is cheaper than T-Money. If you are just doing 1-2 rides, stick to T-Money.
  • Note: It does NOT work on the Shinbundang Line (Red line) or intercity buses.

The "Transfer Rule"​

You get free transfers between subways and buses.

  • Condition: You must transfer within 30 minutes.
  • Crucial Step: You MUST TAP OUT when you leave the bus or subway gate. If you don't tap out, the system doesn't know your trip ended, and you won't get the discount on your next leg.

3. The Subway: Seoul's Underground Labyrinth​

Seoul's subway is massive, with over 20 lines. But it's logical.

Color Coding​

  • Line 2 (Green): The "Circle Line." It loops around the key centers (Hongdae, Gangnam, Dongdaemun). You will use this the most.
  • Line 1 (Dark Blue): The oldest line. Goes to Seoul Station and Jongno.
  • Line 3 (Orange): The "Culture Line." Goes to Gyeongbokgung, Insadong, and Gangnam.

The Numbering System (Your Lifeline)​

Korean station names can be hard to remember. Use the Exit Numbers.

  • Do not say: "Meet me at Hongik University Station."
  • Say: "Meet me at Exit 9."
  • Exit numbers are universally used for navigation. "Out of Exit 3, walk straight 20m" is how every business gives directions.

Etiquette​

  • Priority Seats: The ends of each car are for the elderly, pregnant, or disabled. Do not sit here, even if the train is empty. You will get dirty looks (or a scolding).
  • Pink Seats: Reserved for pregnant women.
  • Quiet: Koreans are dead silent on the subway. No phone calls.

4. Buses: Decoding the Colors​

If the subway doesn't go there, the bus does.

  • Blue Buses: Main lines connecting districts (Long distance).
  • Green Buses: Feeder lines connecting neighborhoods to subway stations (Short distance).
  • Red Buses: Intercity express. They go to satellite cities like Suwon. More expensive (~2,800 KRW).
  • Yellow Buses: Loop buses for downtown/tourist areas.
  • Night Buses ('N' prefix): run from midnight to 4 AM. A lifesaver after a night of soju.

5. Taxis: How Not to Get Scammed​

Taxis are affordable (~4,800 KRW base fare) and safe, but miscommunication happens.

Types of Taxis​

  • Silver/Orange: Standard taxis. Most common.
  • Black: Deluxe taxis. More comfortable, safer driving, but ~50% more expensive.
  • Jumbo: Large vans for groups.

How to Hail​

  1. Use Kakao T: This is the safest way. You input your destination in English, so the driver knows exactly where to go.
  2. Hand Signals: If hailing on the street, stick your arm out (palm down) or wave.
  3. Red Light ("Bin-cha"): This means "Empty Car." If the light is off, it's occupied.

Avoiding "Black Taxis" (The Illegal kind)​

Occasionally, at airports or tourist traps, huge black vans will approach you offering a ride for a fixed price (e.g., "50,000 won to Myeongdong"). Ignore them. Always use the meter or the app.

6. Intercity Travel: Leaving Seoul​

Going to Busan or Jeonju?

KTX (Korea Train eXpress)​

  • Speed: 300km/h. Seoul to Busan in 2.5 hours.
  • Booking: Use the KORAIL Talk app.
  • Tip: Tickets open 1 month in advance. For weekends/holidays, they sell out immediately. Book early.

SRT (Super Rapid Train)​

  • Same speed as KTX, but departs from Suseo Station (Gangnam area) instead of Seoul Station.
  • Often slightly cheaper ($2-3 difference).

Express Buses (Gosok Bus)​

  • Don't look down on the bus. The "Premium" buses have lying-down seats, private curtains, and TV screens. It's like flying business class on the road.
  • Uses Express Bus Terminal Station (Goto Mall).

Final Thoughts​

Navigating Korea is intimidating for the first hour and intuitive for the rest of the trip. Download Naver Map anywhere you go, buy a T-Money card at the airport CU, and remember to tap out.

You are now ready to explore.

Check out our How to Travel South Korea on a Budget to see how much money you can save using these transit tips.