Korea Public Transportation Guide: Subway, Bus, KTX Fares and T-money Card
Understanding Korea's public transportation system made easy. Learn how to navigate subways, buses, and KTX trains, use transportation cards, and follow local etiquette for a…
Korea public transportation is world-class—clean, punctual, affordable, and extensive. This complete guide covers everything foreigners need to know about using subways, buses, KTX trains, and T-money cards throughout Korea.
Korea Public Transportation: World-Class System
Korea public transportation ranks among the world’s best systems. The Korea public transportation network—clean, punctual, affordable, and extensive. Whether you’re commuting daily or exploring the country, mastering the subway, bus, and train systems will save you money and time.
T-money Card: Your Essential Transit Pass
Before diving into the details, check out our guide on essential Korea apps that will help you navigate public transportation easily.
What Is T-money?
T-money is a rechargeable transportation card that works on virtually all public transit in Korea: subway, bus, taxi, and even convenience stores.
Why you need one:
- Saves ₩100 per subway/bus ride vs. cash
- Free transfers between subway and bus (within 30 minutes)
- No fumbling for exact change
- Works in all major Korean cities, not just Seoul
Where to Buy
| Location | Card Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) | ₩2,500-4,000 | Most convenient, available everywhere |
| Subway station kiosks | ₩2,500 | Near ticket machines |
| Incheon Airport | ₩4,000-5,000 | Tourist versions with designs |
How to Recharge
- Convenience stores: Hand card to cashier, say amount (e.g., “만원 충전해주세요” – 10,000 won charge please)
- Subway machines: Insert card, select amount, pay cash or card
- Minimum charge: ₩1,000
- Maximum balance: ₩500,000
T-money Alternatives
| Card | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Cashbee | Similar to T-money, Lotte brand | Works the same, personal preference |
| WOWPASS | Prepaid card for tourists + T-money | Tourists who want one card for transit + shopping |
| Mobile T-money | Samsung Pay integration | Samsung phone users |
Seoul Metro: Korea Public Transportation Backbone
Basic Information
- Lines: 23 lines covering greater Seoul area
- Operating hours: 5:30 AM – 12:00 AM (varies by line)
- Frequency: Every 2-5 minutes during rush hour
- Language: Announcements in Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese
Fare Structure (2024-2025)
| Type | Distance | T-money Fare | Cash Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base fare | Up to 10km | ₩1,400 | ₩1,500 |
| Additional | Every 5km after 10km | +₩100 | +₩100 |
| Long distance | 50km+ (every 8km) | +₩100 | +₩100 |
Note: Fares may increase annually. Children (6-12) pay reduced fares; under 6 ride free.
How to Ride the Subway
- Find your station: Use Naver Map or Kakao Map apps (English available)
- Enter: Tap T-money card on gate reader (or insert single-use ticket)
- Find your platform: Follow signs showing line number and direction
- Board train: Let passengers exit first, then board
- Exit: Tap T-money card again at destination gates
Seoul Subway Tips
- Rush hours: 7:30-9:30 AM and 6:00-8:00 PM—extremely crowded
- Women-only cars: Pink-marked cars available during rush hour on some lines
- Priority seats: Marked in different color—always leave for elderly/pregnant/disabled
- Phone signal: Full 4G/5G coverage underground
- Free WiFi: Available throughout stations and trains
- Restrooms: Clean facilities in every station (before gates)
Major Lines to Know
| Line | Color | Key Stations |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 | Dark Blue | Seoul Station, City Hall, Jongno |
| Line 2 | Green | Gangnam, Hongdae, Jamsil (circle line) |
| Line 3 | Orange | Gyeongbokgung, Apgujeong, Express Bus Terminal |
| Line 4 | Sky Blue | Myeongdong, Seoul Station, Dongdaemun |
| Line 5 | Purple | Gwanghwamun, Yeouido, Gimpo Airport |
| Line 6 | Brown | Itaewon, World Cup Stadium |
| Line 7 | Olive | Cheongdam, Gangnam area |
| Airport Line (AREX) | Orange | Seoul Station ↔ Incheon Airport |
Bus System in Korea Public Transportation
Seoul Bus Colors
| Color | Type | Route | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | Trunk | Long-distance main routes | ₩1,500 |
| Green | Branch | Short routes connecting to subway | ₩1,200 |
| Red | Express | Seoul ↔ Suburbs (Gyeonggi-do) | ₩2,500+ |
| Yellow | Circulation | Loop routes within districts | ₩1,200 |
| Green (Maeul) | Village | Short neighborhood routes | ₩1,200 |
How to Ride a Bus
- Find your bus: Use Naver Map or Kakao Map—shows real-time bus locations
- Wait at marked stop: Buses only stop at official stops
- Board at front door: Tap T-money on reader
- Press button before stop: Red button signals driver you want off
- Exit rear door: Tap T-money again when exiting
Free Transfers
How it works:
- Transfer between bus and subway, or bus to bus
- Must tap out and tap in within 30 minutes
- Up to 4 free transfers per trip
- Doesn’t work: Subway to subway (different entrance)
Example: Bus → Subway → Bus = you pay base fare once plus distance-based additions
KTX (Korea Train Express)
What Is KTX?
Korea’s high-speed rail network connecting major cities at speeds up to 305 km/h (190 mph).
Major Routes and Travel Times
| Route | Time | Standard Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul ↔ Busan | 2h 15m | ₩59,800 |
| Seoul ↔ Daejeon | 50m | ₩23,700 |
| Seoul ↔ Daegu | 1h 40m | ₩43,500 |
| Seoul ↔ Gwangju | 1h 50m | ₩47,400 |
| Seoul ↔ Mokpo | 2h 20m | ₩55,300 |
| Seoul ↔ Gangneung | 1h 30m | ₩27,600 |
Booking KTX Tickets
Methods:
- Korail website: letskorail.com (English available)
- Korail Talk app: Mobile booking in English
- Station ticket office: In person at any KTX station
- Ticket machines: At stations, English option available
Booking tips:
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead for holidays and weekends
- Seollal and Chuseok: Book 1 month ahead (sells out fast)
- Standing tickets available when sold out (₩15% discount, no seat)
Train Classes
| Class | Features | Price Difference |
|---|---|---|
| First Class (특실) | Wider seats, more legroom, quieter | +40% |
| Standard (일반실) | Comfortable 2+2 seating | Base fare |
| Standing (입석) | No assigned seat | -15% |
Discount Options
- Korail Pass (foreigners only): 2-5 day unlimited travel, ₩121,000-185,000
- Youth discount: Ages 13-25, 20% off
- Off-peak: Certain trains, 5-15% off
- Round-trip: 10% discount
Other Train Options
ITX (Intercity Train Express)
- Slower than KTX but cheaper
- Seoul ↔ Chuncheon: 1h 10m, ₩8,600
- Reservation not always required
Mugunghwa (무궁화호)
- Standard intercity train
- Cheapest option, stops at all stations
- Seoul ↔ Busan: 5h 30m, ₩28,600
SRT (Super Rapid Train)
- Private high-speed rail, same speed as KTX
- Departs from Suseo Station (not Seoul Station)
- Often slightly cheaper than KTX
- Book at: srail.kr
Intercity Buses
Bus Terminals
Seoul major terminals:
- Express Bus Terminal (고속터미널): Subway Line 3/7/9—main hub for express buses
- Seoul Nambu Terminal: Destinations south of Seoul
- Dong Seoul Terminal: Eastern destinations (Gangneung, etc.)
Bus Types
| Type | Korean | Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express (Gosok) | 고속 | Direct routes, highway only | Standard |
| Premium Express | 우등 | 3 seats per row, more legroom | +40% |
| Intercity (Shioe) | 시외 | Stops at smaller cities en route | Cheapest |
Booking Bus Tickets
- Kobus: kobus.co.kr (express buses)
- Bus Tago: bustago.or.kr (intercity buses)
- Terminal ticket windows: Buy in person
Sample routes and prices:
| Route | Time | Express Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul ↔ Busan | 4h 20m | ₩23,000 |
| Seoul ↔ Jeonju | 2h 30m | ₩13,000 |
| Seoul ↔ Gyeongju | 3h 30m | ₩20,000 |
Taxis
Taxi Types and Fares
| Type | Color | Base Fare | Per 100m/31sec |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | Orange/Silver | ₩4,800 | ₩100 |
| Deluxe (Mobeom) | Black | ₩7,000 | ₩200 |
| Jumbo (Van) | Various | ₩7,000 | ₩200 |
Night surcharge: 20% extra between 10PM-4AM
Taxi Apps
- Kakao T: Most popular, English available, card payment in-app
- Tmap Taxi: Alternative option
- UT (Uber): Available but limited compared to Kakao T
Taxi Tips
- Tipping: Not expected or necessary
- Payment: Cash, card, or T-money all accepted
- Language: Most drivers speak limited English—have address in Korean ready
- Receipts: Ask for “yeongsujeung” (영수증) if needed
Airport Transportation
Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul
| Option | Time to Seoul Station | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AREX Express | 43 min | ₩9,500 | Fast, direct to Seoul Station |
| AREX All-stop | 66 min | ₩4,750 | Budget option, stops at more stations |
| Airport Limousine Bus | 60-90 min | ₩15,000-17,000 | Direct to hotels/neighborhoods |
| Taxi | 60-90 min | ₩65,000-80,000 | Door-to-door, late night |
| KTX (from T2) | Varies | Varies | Connecting to other cities |
Gimpo Airport (GMP) to Seoul
- Subway (Line 5, 9, AREX): 20-40 min, ₩1,400-2,000
- Taxi: 20-40 min, ₩20,000-35,000
Navigation Apps
Must-Have Apps
Naver Map:
- Best for public transit directions
- Real-time bus/subway arrival
- English interface available
- Download: App Store / Google Play
Kakao Map:
- Excellent for walking directions
- Integrated with Kakao T (taxi)
- English interface available
Google Maps:
- Works but less accurate for transit
- Better for general orientation
- Driving directions don’t work in Korea
Korea Public Transportation Etiquette
- Queue properly: Stand in marked lines on platforms
- Let people exit first: Wait beside doors, not in front
- Move to center: Don’t block doors on crowded trains
- Give up seats: Priority seats are taken seriously—always yield to elderly
- Keep quiet: Phone calls are frowned upon, especially on buses
- No eating: Not allowed on subway, generally avoided on buses
Korea public transportation makes car ownership unnecessary. Master Korea public transportation for most residents. Master these systems, and you’ll move through the country like a local—efficiently, affordably, and stress-free.
Related Guides
- Korea Address System Guide
- Essential Korea Apps
- Korea Payment Methods
- Korea Housing Guide
- Seoul Travel Guide
- What Everyday Life in Korea Is Really Like
- Korea Banking Guide for Foreigners
- Essential Korea Apps: Kakao, Naver, Coupang
- Korea Payment Methods Explained
- Seoul Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors
