Getting Around Korea: A Practical Transit Guide

Korea's dense network of subways, buses, and high-speed trains makes it easy to travel the country without a car. Knowing how transit cards work and what each mode offers goes a long way. Fares and schedules can change, so check each operator's official website for the latest details.

Subways in Seoul and other cities

The Seoul Metropolitan Subway is a vast network serving Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province, run by several operators including Seoul Metro and Korail. Each line has its own number and color, station signs are in Korean and English, and many stations also have Japanese and Chinese information.

Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Daejeon also have urban rail systems. Tap a transit card such as T-money at the gate to enter; single-journey tickets are also available.

City buses and transfers

Board city buses at the front door and tap your transit card on the reader, then tap again on the reader near the rear door when you get off. In the Seoul metropolitan area, using a transit card gets you a transfer discount when you switch between buses and the subway within a set time.

If you forget to tap out, you may miss the transfer discount. Naver Map and KakaoMap show bus routes and real-time arrival information.

High-speed and conventional trains: KTX, SRT, and Korail

KTX is the high-speed train run by Korail, connecting Seoul Station, Yongsan Station, and other stations to major cities such as Busan, Mokpo, and Gangneung. SRT is a separate high-speed service run by SR, departing from Suseo Station in southeastern Seoul.

Besides KTX, Korail operates conventional trains such as ITX-Saemaeul and Mugunghwa. Tickets are sold at station counters and ticket machines and on each operator's official website and app, and they often sell out early during major holidays.

Express and intercity buses

Express and intercity buses link most cities and towns across the country. Seoul has several terminals, including Seoul Express Bus Terminal, Central City Terminal, and Dong Seoul Terminal, and departures for a given destination may leave from a specific terminal, so check in advance.

Tickets are sold at terminal counters and kiosks and through official booking websites and apps.

Taxis and Kakao T

You can hail a taxi on the street or find one at a taxi stand, and in Korea it's very common to call one with the Kakao T app. Most taxis accept card payments, and many also accept transit cards such as T-money.

In addition to regular taxis, there are deluxe and larger taxis with different fare structures. When telling the driver where to go, showing the name or address in Korean is the most reliable option.

AREX: Incheon Airport to Seoul Station

The AREX airport railroad connects Incheon International Airport with Seoul Station. All-stop trains call at every station, while express trains run nonstop between Seoul Station and the airport. All-stop trains pass through stations such as Gimpo Airport and Hongik University, where you can transfer to the subway.

All-stop trains accept transit cards, while express trains require a separate ticket. Check the official AREX website for current timetables and fares.

FAQ

What's the difference between KTX and SRT?

Both are high-speed trains, but they have different operators and Seoul departure stations. KTX is run by Korail and mainly departs from Seoul and Yongsan stations, while SRT is run by SR and departs from Suseo Station. Tickets are booked separately through each operator.

Can I use T-money on the airport train?

Yes, on AREX all-stop trains. The nonstop express train between Seoul Station and Incheon Airport requires a separate ticket.

Can foreigners use Kakao T to call a taxi?

Kakao T can be used to call taxis, though sign-up and payment requirements depend on the app's current policies. If the app doesn't work for you, you can still hail a taxi on the street or at a taxi stand.

Sources

Last reviewed: 2026-10-28