Bus and Subway: Everything You Need to Know About Transportation Cards in Korea
To use buses and subways in Korea, you’ll need a transportation card. While you can pay with cash, having a transportation card is much more convenient as you can simply tap it on the card reader to access public transport. The most common transportation cards are T-money and Cashbee, which you can easily purchase at convenience stores, subway stations, and bus terminals. The card deposit ranges from ￦4,000 to ￦6,000 depending on the type, and you can top it up with your desired amount. If you run out of balance, you can recharge it anytime. You can also refund the card deposit and remaining balance when you return the card after your trip.
Daily Pass for Foreigners
There’s also a Daily Pass available for foreigners, known as the M-Pass. This card allows you to use metropolitan subways, Seoul buses, and the Incheon Airport Railroad up to 20 times a day. The prices for the M-Pass vary by the number of days.
Different Colors for Different Buses: How to Use Them
When you stand at a bus stop, you’ll notice buses in various colors. In Korea, buses are categorized by colors based on their routes. The blue buses, called trunk buses, travel long distances and run on major roads. The green buses, or branch buses, travel shorter distances and go through local neighborhoods. The red buses are express buses that connect cities over long distances. The yellow circular buses circulate between major points in a specific area. Remembering these bus colors will make your travel much more convenient.
Boarding and Exiting Buses
Remember the boarding rules: enter through the front door and exit through the back door. Tap your transportation card when you board, and press the bell to signal when you want to get off. Easy, right?
Conquering the Subway: From Line 1 to Line 9
Navigating Seoul’s complex subway system is easy with a few tips. Seoul has subway lines numbered from 1 to 9, each with a distinct color and number, making it easy to identify. Look for the subway map at the station, which is available in multiple languages. Don’t worry about getting lost; the next station and transfer stations are announced in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese. Enjoy your ride comfortably inside the train.
Taking Taxis in Korea: Safe and Smart
Is there somewhere you can’t reach by bus or subway? Taking a taxi is your best option. Korean taxis come in orange, white, and gray colors. In Seoul, orange taxis are the most common. When you take a taxi, always check the meter. Korea does not use a negotiated fare system. The base fare is ￦4,800, with additional charges during late-night hours. Also, if there’s heavy traffic, additional time charges may apply.
For safety, always fasten your seatbelt. Clearly tell the driver your destination and ask to take the main roads whenever possible. Credit card payment is also available, so don’t worry if you don’t have cash.
Convenient Taxi App: Kakao T Taxi
If you find it hard to hail a taxi on the street, use the Kakao T Taxi app. This app, serviced by Kakao, allows you to enter your starting point and destination, matching you with the nearest taxi. It provides the driver’s information and estimated fare in advance, ensuring a safer and more convenient ride. No need to worry about getting lost in unfamiliar places; just use Kakao T Taxi.
Tips for Using Public Transportation in Korea
Worried about finding your way around an unfamiliar city? Korea has reliable navigation apps like Kakao Map and Naver Map. These apps provide detailed public transport routes from your starting point to your destination, including real-time traffic updates and exact arrival times. Follow the app’s instructions to reach your destination without hassle.
For English support, Naver Map is slightly better, but if you can read basic Korean, Kakao Map offers more detailed information. Choose the one that suits your needs best.
Enjoying Your Trip with Korea’s Public Transportation
Now you’ve learned how to use Korea’s public transportation system, from buses and subways to taxis. Remember, you can travel freely anywhere with just one transportation card. The color-coded buses and the smart subway system will enhance your travel experience. Don’t forget the safe and convenient taxi tips. If you ever feel lost, just open Kakao Map or Naver Map. Now, unfamiliar streets won’t seem daunting.
Enjoy the freedom of exploring Korea using public transportation. From the bustling morning commute to lively city streets, buses and subways offer a glimpse into the daily lives of locals. Taxis let you easily visit places you’ve been wanting to see. The excitement of traveling by public transport will create unforgettable memories. Have a fantastic trip in Korea!
