Preparing For Your Korea Trip Part 3: Navigating Korea
South Korea has one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the world. Seoul is also one of the most walkable cities so it’s a great way to explore on your own. The earliest trains usually depart at 5AM and can run up to 1AM. Buses also follow a similar time frame.
There are no cash payments for public transportation. Instead, you use a cash transportation card that you can use for buses, the subway, taxis, and even convenience stores.
Cash Transportation Cards
While you can buy a disposable or one-use transportation card for your train trips, having a re-loadable one gives you more flexibility. You can purchase or print ones in a variety of designs, from patterns and cute characters to your favorite Korean celebrities.
There are two main types of cash transportation cards in South Korea: T Money and Cashbee.
T Money printing machines are usually available at major subway stations while every station has a T Money vending machine. Cashbee cards can usually be purchased at 7–11 or artist merch stores.
Remember, you are only paying for the card and you need to tap them up before using. You can tap up these cards at subway stations or any convenience store (7–11, GS25, eMart 24, CU) where you can find the T Money or Cashbee logo on the register.
I would recommend a transportation card budget of around ₩10,000 per day. If you’re super efficient and plan your trip so you don’t have to use the subway or bus that much, you might spend much less.
TIP: Always check your balance before the start of the day. You don’t want to find yourself short in between transfers!
Navigating the Bus and Subway
The best thing about the transportation system is that it’s technologically advanced. You can look up directions through Google Maps, Naver Maps, KakaoMap, or KakaoMetro.
Simply enter your current location or the nearest landmark, stop, or station then your destination. These apps work just fine in English but you might want to use your phone’s Korean keyboard for detailed addresses of places that are a bit more secluded.
These apps would let you choose between multiple routes: Subway only, Subway + Bus, or Bus Only. Some would require transfers or you can wait a little more so you only need to take one ride. You can also choose if you want to walk or take a car or taxi to these locations.
The app will immediately tell you which trains or buses are running and how many minutes until it arrives at the nearest stop. Simply walk to the nearest stop or station and the apps will update you how close they are in real-time.
This is super helpful because you know if you still have 5 minutes to take a quick bathroom trip or buy a snack! However, eating or drinking is not allowed inside the buses or trains.
Taking the Bus or Subway
You need to tap your card once when you get on the bus and again before getting off. Fare jumping isn’t possible since an alarm will go off and the driver will scold you!
For the subway, you also need to tap your card every time you pass through a gate or else you can’t go through.
Each bus and train has automated announcements as you approach different stops. Most of the central or popular locations have announcements in Korean, English, and Japanese. There are also visual guides in the LED boards across the train, also available in different languages.
In between stops, you may also hear safety messages and advertisements featuring your favorite celebrities.
You are advised to use earphones if you want to watch videos or listen to music but you should also pay close attention so you won’t miss your stop!
As part of commuter’s etiquette, avoid using the priority seats for the disabled, pregnant, and elderly and offer your seat to those who need it more.
Once you get off the train, simply follow the signs to the exit nearest to your destination. If you need to transfer to a different line, it won’t be difficult to follow the signs either.
The Seoul Metro
The Seoul subway system covers an expansive area but it is not as confusing as Japan’s. While the map below may look intimidating, your transportation app will tell you everything you need to know. It will be helpful to remember the corresponding numbers and colors for each line.
For example, Line 2 or the green line is a central route that goes through many important stations and locations. The AREX or Airport Express line is connected to Hongdae Station and Seoul Station on Line 2.
Once you enter a station, there will be a huge sign that will help you identify which train will go to the right direction. If you’re still not sure, you can check your navigation app of choice to see what is the next station from your current location.
TIP: Be aware of “inner line” and “outer line” trains for some stations! These trains will go the same direction but will not necessarily stop where you need them to.
There will always be amazing views during your train rides, even if it gets routine at some point. My personal favorite is when a train crosses the Han River!
Taxis
Taxis in Korea are very expensive and will always be more expensive than taking the bus or subway. You can split the fare with a few friends, of course.
In the event you get lost, are rushing, or the trains and buses have stopped running, here’s an overview of the different types of taxis in Seoul, South Korea.
Regular Taxi
The regular orange or grey taxi starts at ₩3,600 for the first two kilometers then ₩100 for every subsequent 132 meters. If the taxi is traveling at a speed lower than 15 kilometers per hour (such as in traffic), ₩100 is added to the meter every 31 seconds.
Late night trips are more costly, starting at ₩4,600.
Deluxe Taxis
There’s not much difference other than better upholstery and a slightly more comfortable ride but when regular taxis are full, you might find yourself hiring a Deluxe Taxi. These taxis can park in front of luxury locations and are usually the ones hotels will call for you.
Fare starts at ₩6,500 for the first three kilometers, then ₩200 is charged every 151 meters. In traffic, ₩200 is added to the meter every 36 seconds.
Kakao Taxis
You can hail a Kakao Taxi through Kakao apps and will find you using the GPS on your phone. It’s popular among those who speak little to no Korean too.
Other Fees
Taxis may charge a late-night surcharge of 20% between 11PM and 4AM with a base fare of ₩5,400. If you wish to take the taxi to a location outside Seoul, there is an additional 20% fee.
Some drivers may also charge you the toll fees, such as when traveling to the airport or other cities adjacent to Seoul,so it’s best to ask them about this first!
Must-Have Apps
Here are some apps that will be super helpful when navigating Korea!
Navigation Apps
These apps all work the same way as described above: enter your current location and destination to find the best way to get there. All of these are free!
- Google Maps — Already installed in most Android phones
- KakaoMaps — May contain more detailed addresses, available in Korean and English. Most taxi drivers would appreciate the Korean address, just show them your phone!
- KakaoMetro — Same as KakaoMaps, but more targeted for use of the subway.
- Naver Maps — Use the Naver app or website to use this. Many businesses are listed on Naver and may be easier to find through their app.
TIP: Take time to learn how to read or type in Hangul. I found myself changing my KakaoMaps language to Korean so I can better find certain addresses and locations. Taxi drivers also preferred using this app but they also have one built into their taxis.
Translation Apps
Translate signs, addresses, destination names, and even your live conversations through these apps! Koreans will be more familiar with the Korean name and pronunciation of your destination so it’s best to get familiar on how to say it right or get some help with the app!
- Google Translate is mostly community-monitored and can have some unfortunate translations so use with caution.
- Naver Papago is the most reliable English to Korean translation app. It’s accurate most of the time and you can scan text from your camera or photos in your gallery, or even translate audio.
Commuting in Seoul and even adjacent cities can be fun and hassle-free as long as you’re prepared. It’s even easier if you plan your itinerary well enough so you can visit places located close to each other and find accommodation at the heart of the city.
