Getting Ready: T-Money and Navigation Apps
If you’ve ever wondered how to ride subway and bus in Korea, this guide will walk you through the essentials. From buying a T-money card to mastering transfers and navigating Seoul’s subway maze, you’ll learn exactly how locals move through the city with ease. Whether you’re traveling in Seoul, Busan, or Jeju, public transportation in Korea is one of the most efficient systems in the world — and with just a bit of preparation, it’s incredibly easy to use.
Before you start your journey, the most important thing you’ll need is a T-money card — your all-in-one ticket for buses, subways, and even taxis. You can purchase one at convenience stores like CU, GS25, or 7-Eleven and recharge it on the spot.
Next, download KakaoMap or Naver Map. Both apps display bus stops, subway lines, and real-time vehicle locations in English. Plan your route before heading out, and even if you take the wrong line, there’s no need to panic. Buses and trains arrive every few minutes, and with a quick recheck of your app, you’ll be back on track in no time.
In Seoul, buses and subway lines connect like a spider web — no matter where you start, you’ll almost always find an easy route to your destination.
How to Ride the Bus in Korea: A Step-by-Step Guide
Korean city buses are straightforward once you know the system. Each bus has two doors — the front door for boarding and the rear door for exiting. During rush hours, passengers sometimes mix it up, but the polite rule is always to let others off before you board.
When you board, tap your T-money card on the card reader near the driver. Before your stop, press one of the red stop buttons located on poles or handrails. The driver will then stop at the next station.
Before getting off, tap your card again on the rear reader. This “tag out” step records your trip and allows free transfers to other buses or subways within 30 minutes — up to four times in a single journey. Forget to tag out, and you’ll be charged full fare again.
How to Ride the Subway in Korea
The subway in Korea is just as simple — and impressively efficient. Tap your T-money card on the gate reader to enter, and tap again when you exit. Subway lines are color-coded and numbered, making it easy to identify where to transfer.
If your route requires changing lines, follow the color-coded transfer signs — they’ll guide you seamlessly through connecting corridors without ever leaving the station.
Before exiting, check the exit number on the station map. Many stations have 10 or more exits, and choosing the right one can save you a long detour above ground.
Public Transport Etiquette and Tips to Remember
Korea’s public transport system is fast, reliable, and built on quiet courtesy. Follow these unspoken rules to blend in like a local:
- Always tap in and out with your T-money card — it ensures your discounts and transfers are tracked.
- Exit first, enter second — this applies to buses, subways, and even elevators.
- Respect priority seats reserved for the elderly, disabled, or pregnant.
- Avoid loud conversations and silence your phone on public transport.
By following these small rules, you’ll find how to ride subway and bus in Korea is not just easy — it’s a part of the everyday rhythm of Korean life.