How to Use Public Transportation in Korea

Korea has a well-developed public transportation system, especially in major cities such as Seoul. The main forms of public transportation are buses, subways, and taxis.

If you are traveling around Seoul or other major cities, using public transportation is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get around.

Transportation Cards

For convenient use of public transportation in Korea, it is highly recommended to get a transportation card.

One of the most widely used transportation cards is the T-money Card.

T-money Cards can be purchased at subway stations, convenience stores, and other T-money retailers. The price of a physical card generally ranges from around KRW 2,000 to KRW 5,000, depending on the card type and design.

After purchasing the card, you simply add money to the card and use the balance to pay for transportation.

A transportation card is especially useful for travelers because it eliminates the need to purchase a ticket or pay separately for every bus or subway ride.

Why Should You Get a Transportation Card?

A transportation card is not technically mandatory for every type of public transportation, but it is strongly recommended for travelers.

For example, Seoul buses generally use transportation cards for payment, while subway passengers can also purchase a single-use transportation card. However, using a single-use card each time can be inconvenient because you need to purchase a new one for each journey and return it afterward to receive the refundable deposit.

If you plan to travel around Seoul or other major cities in Korea, getting a transportation card will make your trip much more convenient.

How to Use Buses

When boarding a bus, tap your transportation card on the card reader near the entrance.

When getting off, tap the card again on the reader.

The tap when you get off is important because it records the end of your journey and allows the transfer discount system to work correctly.

If you are transferring to another bus or subway, make sure to tap your card when getting off the bus. Otherwise, you may not receive the applicable transfer discount.

How to Use the Subway

Using the subway is also very simple with a transportation card.

Tap your card when entering the subway station through the ticket gate, and tap it again when leaving at your destination.

If you need to change to another subway line, you usually do not need to exit the ticket gates. Simply follow the signs for the connecting subway line and transfer within the station.

Transfers between subway lines within the subway system do not require you to pay a separate fare simply because you change lines.

Korea’s Public Transportation Transfer System

One of the convenient features of public transportation in Korea is the transfer discount system.

Depending on the transportation system and transfer conditions, you can receive a transfer discount when changing:

• Bus → Bus
• Bus → Subway
• Subway → Bus

The key is to use the same transportation card and correctly tap the card when boarding and getting off.

For buses, remember to tap your card both when you board and when you get off.

For the subway, tap when entering and exiting the station.

This system allows you to transfer between different forms of public transportation without having to pay the full fare separately for every ride, when the applicable transfer conditions are met.

Using T-money for Other Purchases

T-money is primarily known as a transportation card, but it can also be used at some participating stores and convenience stores for purchases.

However, T-money is not accepted at every store, so check whether T-money payment is available before making a purchase.

Intercity Buses and KTX

T-money is mainly used for local public transportation such as city buses and subways.

For intercity and express buses, you generally need to purchase a separate bus ticket, depending on the route and terminal.

For KTX and other trains, you also need to purchase a separate train ticket.

Reservations are recommended or required for many intercity bus and KTX journeys, particularly during busy travel periods.

Since the booking process and travel procedures can be more complicated, intercity buses, express buses, and KTX will be covered separately in another guide.

Transportation for Your Trip to Korea

If you are planning to travel around Seoul or other major cities in Korea, getting a transportation card is highly recommended.

It makes using buses and subways much easier, eliminates the need to purchase individual tickets for every journey, and allows you to take advantage of Korea’s public transportation transfer discount system.