South Korea: Transportation in Seoul
- berfinozelsel
- 14 hours ago
- 15 min read
SEOUL TRANSPORTATION - HOW TO GET TO SEOUL?
Our connecting flight from Istanbul to Seoul took 3+7.5 hours. We transferred via Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Many airlines, such as Turkish Airlines, also have direct flights to Seoul.
In Asian countries, transportation can be quite daunting at first because the alphabet is generally foreign to them. But as I've mentioned in Japan and Singapore , transportation is very easy in Asian countries. It can seem a bit confusing at first—colorful lines, Korean signs, crowds...
After 2-3 days, you'll feel like a local. Transportation in Asian countries isn't just generally comprehensive, it's incredibly logical and user-friendly. There's usually a main line, like the city center, with regular lines connecting to many destinations around it. This main line could be Line 2, the green line for Seoul, or even Seoul Station, if you had to choose a main stop. From this station, you can also go to Busan and the airport—the main stop for travelers like us. Once you have your T-money card, everything is ready; you can easily reach every part of the city.
The moment you arrive at Incheon Airport, used for long-haul international flights in Seoul, you realize how advanced Seoul's transportation network is. We didn't have to worry about getting from the airport to the city center, as we're used to in Turkey. You can reach Seoul Station in 43 minutes with the AREX (Airport Railroad Express) train. As I'll explain in more detail later, AREX has two different trains: one all-stop and the other express . The all-stop train stops at numerous stops before reaching Seoul Station, eliminating the need to lug luggage around on the subway. Because we booked our trip through our Airbnb in Hongdae, we were able to take the AREX train, get off at Hongik University Station, and go straight home in one ride. The Express train, on the other hand, goes directly to Seoul Station without stopping. This journey takes approximately 40 minutes to an hour. If you need to continue, you'll need to transfer to another vehicle at Seoul Station .
Transportation in Seoul: The Easiest and Most Affordable Ways to Explore the City
When you first arrive in Seoul, its sheer size and complexity can be a bit daunting. Seoul is a truly well-developed and easy-to-navigate city in terms of transportation. With its subway network, buses, taxis, and more, you can get anywhere easily and affordably.
Renting a car is also possible. In addition to your driver's license, you'll need a valid driver's license to rent a car. You can obtain an international driver's license through this link . It's best to apply at least a week before your departure, as your document will be shipped to your carrier, which can take some time. We were planning to rent a car for Busan, but we only learned about this document at the last minute, so we were late and couldn't rent it.
In addition to the metro, bus, taxi, and rental car, you can also use Uber for transportation. Let's discuss these options and offer some suggestions based on our own experiences.
SEOUL CITY TRANSPORTATION: SEOUL METRO
Metro: The Heart of the City
The Seoul subway is the backbone of transportation. With its all-encompassing lines, you can quickly reach almost all tourist attractions and major residential areas. Subway stations are clean, and with signs in both Korean and English, it's easy to get lost. Furthermore, the subway runs frequently, and waits are usually short.
I highly recommend getting a "T-money" card for the metro. You can buy this card at almost any metro station or convenience store and load it with as much money as you like. It's used on both the metro and buses.
The T-Money card is practically your magic key. You can buy it from any subway station machine for 2,500 won. You can even personalize your card by scanning a QR code with your desired image at the machine at the Hongdae subway exit for 6,000 won. This card can be used not only on the subway but also at buses, taxis, and even some convenience stores (like 7-Eleven and GS-25). You need one for each person. The machines have an English language option, and you can also load money with a credit card.
Of course, there are options like single-ride tickets and ALL-DAY tickets, but I won't go into any of them. Just buy a T-money card. Rest assured, it's the most convenient option. You'll even be able to board the AREX train with it.
Oh, and there's this whole "swiping your card again" thing here too; sometimes, if you've been to too many stops, you'll be charged a fee on the way out. Also, be sure to swipe your card when you get off the bus, because there's no fee for transfers. So, you take your T-money card, load it with 10,000 won, and swipe it every time you get on and off the bus.
The Seoul Subway is quite easy to use because the lines are color-coded, and each station is labeled with a three-digit code. The first digit indicates the line number, and the last two digits indicate the station number. For example, Myeong-dong station has the code 424, which is the 24th stop on Line 4. The Seoul Subway consists of nine main lines and over 300 stations. Seoul Station may be the first stop you'll learn about because, as mentioned above, you'll likely transfer from the airport to another line there. You may also notice that some subway trains and platform designs are different because Seoul's public transportation system is operated by three different organizations: the Seoul Metropolitan Subway Corporation, the Korean National Railroad, and the Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation. Subway hours are from 5:30 a.m. to midnight. Estimated travel time between stations is approximately 2-3 minutes. Times vary by line, so it's a good idea to check the schedule in advance.
Outlines and Color Codes
Blue (Line 1): Seoul Station, Myeong-dong, Dongdaemun
Green (Line 2): Gangnam, Hongik University, Euljiro
Orange (Line 3): Apgujeong, Sinsa, Express Bus Terminal
Light Blue (Line 4): Myeong-dong, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park
Once you learn this color system, it's almost impossible to get lost. I recommend this link to view the subway map and other necessary details.
Gyeongui-Joungang Line
It connects Seoul to its northwestern suburbs.
Airport Railroad (AREX)
High-speed rail connection between Incheon International Airport and Seoul city center.
Gyeongchun Line
Between Seoul and the northeastern area (Chuncheon).
Uijeongbu, Everline, Wooe-Sinseul, Seohae, Gimpo, Sillim LRT
These lines are mostly light rail systems (LRT) and provide local transportation in the suburbs.
It is used for short and medium distance transportation around Seoul.
GTX-A (Gyeonggi Express Train - line A)
A new generation train line providing fast transportation between Seoul and surrounding cities.
Like every Asian country, there's a silence rule on the Seoul subway—but in my experience, it's not true. One time, the people next to me were talking so loudly that I had to wear headphones, but overall, it's peaceful. But you're never allowed to talk on the phone here; there's no such thing as a ban. Also, the seats reserved for the elderly and pregnant women are practically empty, with no one sitting down.
It's incredibly crowded between 7:30 and 9:00 in the morning and 6:00 and 8:00 in the evening. Even getting on the train can be difficult at popular stations like Gangnam and Hongdae during these hours. If possible, avoid these times. You might not be able to get on the buses; they're like our metro buses during these hours.
You will download one of the applications such as Naver map or Kakao map because unfortunately Google Maps does not work in this country, but you can still download the offline map. You may use it when you are in trouble, but you can find the locations, stops, which vehicle to take and when to get on it best with Naver map.
Each station has exit numbers (Exit 1, 2, 3...), and this is crucial! Different exits from the same station lead to completely different places. For example, if you exit Exit 6 in Myeong-dong, you'll be in front of the Lotte Department Store, while exit 9 will put you in the middle of a shopping street. Even Google Maps tells you which exit to use.
You might sometimes have to walk 5-10 minutes when changing lines, especially at larger transfer stations like Jongno 3-ga and Sindorim. There's no need to scan your card again during the transfer; once you're in, it's valid until you leave.
It finishes around midnight on weekdays and a little later on weekends. But don't wait to catch the last train back – only night buses leave after midnight, and they're not very frequent.
Most stations have elevators. If you have large luggage, using the elevators is much more convenient. Special waiting areas for disabled passengers are also marked on the platform.
All subway stations offer free Wi-Fi (Seoul Wi-Fi). Some newer trains even have USB charging ports. This is very useful on long journeys. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi reception is excellent on the KTX train and all buses.
Getting Around Seoul by Bus
Buses are available for places you can't reach by subway. Seoul's bus system is also very well-developed. Seoul has different colored bus lines: green buses are local, blue buses are longer-distance, and yellow buses provide transportation between surrounding areas. It might seem confusing at first, but you can easily find them using Google Maps or Naver Maps.
You can also use a T-money card on the bus; cash isn't accepted. I've always been afraid to use city buses abroad, but in this country, it was easy enough to tell me to take the bus instead of the metro. You can both see the city and get some fresh air while traveling. The journey to the Gangam district is especially long, so I recommend choosing this route.
No matter how developed the metro system is, you can only reach some places by bus.
🚌 Bus Types and Color Codes
Blue Buses : (Main Line Buses) It connects the outskirts of Seoul to the city center. It also operates longer distances within the city.
Green Buses: (Intermediate Line Buses) Inter-neighborhood, short-distance. Runs between suburbs and the city center. These are feeder lines that connect to metro stations or main bus lines.
Red Buses: (Express Buses / Metro Line Buses) Express lines provide fast and long-distance service between long-distance (outside the city) Seoul and surrounding cities.
Yellow Buses: Circular routes loop around specific areas. They follow a circular route around Seoul's city center. They are short-distance, have frequent stops, and provide quick transportation within the city.
Night Buses (Owl Buses / N Buses) : Operate from midnight to 4:00 a.m. LED displays display the bus number and an owl symbol. Bus numbers begin with the letter "N." This is a great option for nighttime travel when the metro isn't operating.
The T-Money Card is another lifesaver. The same card you use on the Metro is also valid on buses. You have to scan your card when you board and disembark—this is important because fares are based on distance. If you forget, the maximum fee is charged. And let's say you want to scan the card for the person next to you. We thought that wouldn't be possible, but one time, the driver selected the "two people" option on his screen, and since my wife didn't have a balance, I was able to scan her too.
Language Barrier and Navigation
Bus stops often only have signs in Korean, which can be a bit difficult. However, you can use the "Bus Stop" app or Google Maps to figure out which bus goes where. There's also a QR code at the stop, which you can scan to get information in English. Bus drivers are generally very polite, but they don't speak English. Simply indicating your destination on your phone is the most effective method. If they know your drop-off location, they'll point you in the direction of the bus.
Night buses come into play after the subway ends. There are lines that start with N (like N16 and N26). They're a bit more expensive than regular buses, but they're a lifesaver at night. They connect major destinations like Gangnam, Hongdae, and Itaewon.
Metro vs Bus When?
Metro: Fast, reliable, operates even during rush hour
Bus: To places where the metro cannot reach, for short distances, to watch the scenery
In case you need it, we sell obilet style tickets. Here are some links from the site:
Taxi: Comfort and Speed
Taxis are quite affordable and reliable in Seoul. They're a good option, especially late in the evening or if you're traveling with luggage. English-speaking drivers are generally rare, so it's helpful to have your destination address written in Korean.
Taking a taxi in Seoul is very safe and convenient, but quite expensive compared to the subway. However, it's unavoidable in some situations—especially late at night or with large shopping bags.
Taxi Types
Regular Taxi (일반택시): White, grey or orange, the most economical option
Deluxe Taxi (모범택시): Black, larger, more comfortable but about 40% more expensive
Jumbo Taxi: 6-8 people, ideal for group travel
Taxi drivers generally don't speak any English. You can write and show your destination's address in Korean, share your location on Kakao Map, show your hotel card, or use the "Papago Translate" app.
Payment System
Your T-money card is accepted in taxis! They also accept cash, but paying by card is much more convenient. You can also use a credit card in most taxis.
Taxi Calling Applications
Kakao Taxi: Most popular, but requires a Korean phone number
UT (Urban Taxi): More suitable for tourists, English supported
It's also very easy to stop people by raising your hand on the street.
Price Expectations
Short distance (3-4 stops): 4,000-6,000 won
Medium distance (Myeong-dong to Gangnam): 8,000-12,000 won
Airport to city center: 60,000-80,000 won
Pedestrian and Bicycle: Feel the City
Walking distances are short in Seoul, and walking is a great way to explore the city. There are also bike rentals in some areas. Cycling along the Han River, in particular, is great for both the city views and the fresh air.
💳 Transportation Card Usage and Transfer Discounts
🔋 Card Top-Up: Every metro station has card top-up machines, usually with foreign language options like English. You can easily top up your T-money or Cashbee card with these machines.
🚇 Using your card: When entering the metro, scan your card against the "Insert Card Here" sensor on the turnstile. The fare will be deducted automatically with a beep. You must scan it the same way upon exiting.
🚌 On buses: If more than one person will be traveling with a single card, inform the driver how many people are there and have them scan your card when the driver directs you.
🔁 Transfer and Discount Information
• To receive a transfer discount, be sure to scan your card again when getting off the vehicle and transferring to another bus or metro line.
• ❗ If you do not scan your card, an extra fee may be charged.
• You have the right to transfer a maximum of 4 times a day (including metro-bus and bus-bus transfers).
• Transfer time: After getting off the vehicle, you must board the other vehicle within 30 minutes. This time can be extended up to 1 hour between 21:00 and 07:00.
• No discount is applied when transferring to the same bus line (e.g. the same bus number).
• Single-use tickets are only valid for the metro and do not grant transfer rights.
Quick Tips: Secrets to Traveling Like a Local
Time Management
The metro is very crowded between 7:30-9:00 in the morning and 6:00-8:00 in the evening, avoid it if possible
Weekend mornings are the most comfortable time, ideal for visiting tourist attractions
All means of transportation are busier on rainy days
Cost Comparison
Metro/Bus: ~1,500 won (most economical)
Taxi (short distance): 4,000-6,000 won
Airport express: 9,000 won
Taxi (airport): 60,000+ won
Life-Saving Apps
Subway Korea: Works offline, shows transfer routes
Citymapper: Real-time information tells you which train station you should be in
Papago Translate: Translates with a camera to understand signs
KakaoMap: Korea's Google Maps, in more detail
Navermap: works in real time
Night Transportation Strategy
Last metro: ~00:30 (weekdays), ~01:00 (weekends)
Night buses operate between 00:30 and 05:00
Night taxi prices are 20% more expensive
You can easily find a night bus from Gangnam, Hongdae
Emergencies
There are always security guards at subway stations
If you get lost, show your hotel card to the station attendants
"Help me" Korean: "도와주세요" (dowajuseyo)
Tourist hotline: 1330 (24 hours, free)
Latest Recommendations
Don't overload yourself in the first few days, focus on seeing 2-3 places.
Take a photo of the subway map for situations without internet
Line up while waiting for the subway during rush hour, Koreans are very organized
You can keep your T-money card as a souvenir when you exit, you cannot get the card fee back anyway
While Seoul's transportation system may seem complicated at first, you'll get used to it within two or three days. The city is so well-planned that it's almost impossible to get lost. Just be patient and focus on exploring!
Attention: Small Details
Metro Gates and Security
The doors close really fast on the Seoul subway! There's no "wait a second longer" mentality here like in Türkiye. Don't rush when you hear the door closing; just wait for the next train. They arrive every 2-3 minutes anyway.
Eating and drinking inside the metro isn't technically prohibited, but it's frowned upon. Drinking water isn't a problem, but eating, especially anything smelly, isn't. Even coffee should be consumed with caution; if you spill anything, it's your responsibility to clean it up.
Elderly/Pregnant Seats
Reserved seats are truly reserved! Don't just sit in these seats and get up when necessary. Leave them empty, but don't take them. Young Koreans prefer to stand.
Luggage and Rush Hour
Don't take large luggage during rush hour; it's inconvenient for both you and others. Avoid using the subway with large luggage between 7:30 and 9:00 am.
Waiting in Front of the Door
Don't stand in front of the door! Get on after everyone else has gotten off. The "Wait for people to get off, then get on" rule is strictly enforced.
HOW DO I GET FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTER?
AREX Treni: Havaalanından Şehre En Hızlı YolOne of the first transportation options you'll encounter when you first arrive in Seoul is AREX (Airport Railroad Express). It's one of the most comfortable and fastest ways to get from Incheon Airport to the city center.
AREX, short for Airport Railroad Express, is the express train system connecting the airport to the city center. It opened in 2007 and has carried millions of passengers since then.
Two Different Options There are two different train types in AREX:
Express Train: Direct to Seoul Station, only 43 minutes, no stops
All Stop Train: Stops at all stops, takes a little longer but is cheaper
The Express Train Experience: The Express AREX is a truly luxurious experience. It's got ample seating, Wi-Fi, luggage space, and a quiet ride. It's a bit like the Shinkansen in Japan, but not as fast. It's especially comfortable if you have large luggage.
Price and Purchase: You'll pay approximately 9,000 won for Express and 4,150 won for All Stop. You can also pay with your T-money card. You can buy tickets from machines at the airport or book online.
When to Choose?
If you want to go directly from the airport to Seoul Station
If you have heavy luggage
If you are tired due to jet lag and looking for comfort
If you have time constraints
A little more expensive than other options (metro, bus), but definitely worth it in terms of comfort and speed. 🚄
HOW DO I GET FROM SEOUL TO BUSAN?
KTX: Kore'nin Hızlı Treni🚄KTX (Korea Train eXpress) is South Korea's high-speed rail system and the country's main transportation network connecting different cities. KTX, which entered service in 2004, was developed based on France's TGV technology.
The KTX can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h. You can travel from Seoul to Busan (the largest city in the southernmost tip of the country) in just 2.5 hours – a journey by car would take 5-6 hours.
Popular Routes
Seoul ↔ Busan: Most popular line, approximately 2.5 hours
Seoul ↔ Daegu: 1.5-2 hours
Seoul ↔ Gwangju: 2 hours
Seoul ↔ Mokpo: 3 hours
KTX trains are quite comfortable. They have Economy and First Class options. Even Economy offers spacious seats, Wi-Fi, and electrical outlets. They are quiet, clean, and on time—not as good as Japan's Shinkansen, but still very high quality.
Advance reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. The Seoul-Busan fare is approximately 50,000-60,000 won. You can purchase tickets from the Korail website or at the stations.
Tourist Pass (KR Pass) There's a KR Pass for tourists, offering unlimited KTX use for a limited period. Options are available for 1-7 days and are a great option if you're planning a long-distance trip.
When to Use?
For a seafood experience in Busan
For plane connection to Jeju Island (via Busan)
For historical tours in Gyeongju
For weekend trips
Skycapsule: Busan'ın İkonik DeneyimiLocated on Busan's Haeundae Beach, Skycapsule is arguably one of the most Instagrammed Korean experiences. This train ride along the beach in colorful, little capsules is both romantic and scenic.
Mini train capsules, seating 2-4 people, operate between Haeundae Beach and Songjeong Beach. They travel on a track running along the beach at a height of approximately 7-8 meters. Each capsule comes in a different color—pink, blue, yellow, and green.
The 4.8km route starts from Haeundae and goes all the way to Songjeong. Throughout the journey, you'll have the ocean on one side and Busan's modern skyline on the other. Sunset is especially captivating.
Because it's so popular, advance reservations are essential! You can book online, but you generally need to plan 1-2 weeks in advance. Walk-ins can be a long wait.
One-way fare is around 15,000-20,000 won, and the journey takes 30 minutes. You can get off and on again at any station, but a separate ticket is required.
Best Time
Sunset time: The most romantic but most crowded
Early morning: Less crowds, clearer photos
Autumn: The air is clear, the scenery is magnificent
Pro Tips
There is no air conditioning in the capsule, dress appropriately for the weather
Charge your phone battery fully, you will take many photos
There may be glass reflection, adjust the photo angle
If you're going to Busan, you should definitely try it! It's one of those rare experiences that feels like a K-drama scene 🚡✨
Songdo Cable Car: Busan'ın Panoramik MacerasıSongdo Cable Car, located in the Seo-gu district of Busan, is the city's oldest cable car system. Opened in the 1960s, this cable car offers both a nostalgic experience and stunning views. It's located on Busan's west coast, near Songdo Beach. It's a bit far from the city center but easily accessible by subway and bus. It's also close to Jagalchi Fish Market, so you can combine the two in the same day.
Small, 2-4 person cabins take you from Songdo Beach to the Songdo Skywalk at the top. The ride takes about 3-4 minutes, but the views are truly breathtaking. The ocean on one side, and Busan's cityscape on the other.
Once you're at the top, you'll find the Songdo Skywalk, a glass platform extending over the sea. It's a great experience for adrenaline junkies. There's also a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Difference with Haeundae Sky Capsule
Songdo: More nostalgic, old-style cable car, city + sea view
Haeundae: Modern, along the coast, longer route
Songdo: Less crowded, more affordable
Haeundae: More popular, reservations required
A round trip costs around 10,000-12,000 won. It's cheaper than Haeundae Sky Capsule and you'll have fewer waiting times.
When to Go
Sunset: The most beautiful view
Weekdays: Less crowded
Clear air: For clear view
If you experience both the Haeundae and Songdo cable car rides in Busan, you'll see the city from different perspectives! 🚠
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