Ep.2 — 🚇 Getting Around: Mastering Seoul’s Public Transport

Seoul is one of the most connected and convenient cities in the world when it comes to transportation. For a visitor staying one month, learning how to move around the city quickly will make every day smoother and more enjoyable. From subways and buses to taxis and shared bikes, the city offers multiple layers of transport that are efficient, affordable, and surprisingly user-friendly—even if it feels overwhelming at first.

🌍 Why Transport Matters for a One-Month Stay

Living in Seoul is not just about where you sleep; it’s about how you connect with the city. Unlike smaller destinations where you can walk everywhere, Seoul is vast and spread out. You will likely cross the city several times during your stay, whether to explore palaces in Jongno, enjoy nightlife in Hongdae, or shop in Gangnam. Understanding transport is the key to unlocking Seoul’s full experience.

🚇 1. Subway: The Backbone of Seoul

The Seoul Metro is the beating heart of the city’s transportation. With 23 lines covering over 700 stations, it reaches every corner of the metropolitan area.

  • 🕒 Operating Hours: Typically 5:30 AM – midnight.

  • 💵 Cost: Around 1,400–1,600 KRW per ride (about $1–1.20), depending on distance.

  • 📱 Navigation Apps: KakaoMap, Naver Map, and Subway Korea provide real-time updates in English.

Subways are clean, safe, and punctual, with announcements in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese. Free Wi-Fi is available in most stations, and transfer between lines is seamless.

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🚌 2. Buses: Filling the Gaps

Seoul’s bus system complements the subway, reaching areas the trains cannot. Buses are color-coded:

  • 🔵 Blue buses: Long routes across the city.

  • 🟢 Green buses: Shorter neighborhood routes, often linking subway stations.

  • 🟡 Yellow buses: Circular routes within districts.

  • 🔴 Red buses: Express buses connecting Seoul to nearby suburbs.

Buses accept the same T-money card as the subway. They can feel confusing at first because routes are written in Korean, but apps like KakaoMap will tell you which bus to take and where to get off.

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🚖 3. Taxis and Ride-Hailing

Taxis in Seoul are abundant and relatively affordable compared to many global cities.

  • 💳 Payment: All taxis accept credit cards and T-money cards.

  • 📱 App: Kakao T is the go-to ride-hailing app (similar to Uber).

  • 🌙 Late Night: Be aware of late-night surcharges (midnight–4 AM).

Drivers may not always speak English, so it’s best to show your destination in Korean on your phone. If you’re in central areas like Gangnam or Itaewon, English-friendly drivers are more common.

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🚴 4. Bikes and E-Scooters

For short distances and leisure, Seoul offers plenty of eco-friendly options.

  • 🚲 Seoul Bike “Ddareungi”: A public bike rental system available via a mobile app. You can rent for about $1 an hour and drop it off at stations throughout the city.

  • 🛴 E-scooters: Available in central areas, easily rented via apps. Helmets are technically required, though not always enforced.

These options are perfect for exploring the Han River parks, trendy neighborhoods like Seongsu, or for a quick ride to a nearby café.

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💳 5. T-Money Card: Your Travel Passport

The T-money card is essential. It’s a rechargeable smart card used for subways, buses, and even taxis.

  • 🏪 Where to Buy: Convenience stores like GS25, CU, 7-Eleven.

  • 🔄 Recharge: Add credit at machines in subway stations or at stores.

  • 📉 Discounts: Offers cheaper fares for transfers between subway and bus.

Without T-money, transport can feel complicated; with it, you glide smoothly across the city.

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📱 6. Navigation Apps You Must Download

  • KakaoMap & Naver Map: The two most reliable navigation apps, available in English.

  • Subway Korea: A simple app dedicated to subway navigation.

  • Kakao T: For booking taxis or checking estimated fares.

Google Maps is not accurate in Korea because of mapping regulations, so local apps are the best choice.

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📝 Practical Transport Tips

  • 🧳 Avoid Rush Hour: 7–9 AM and 6–8 PM are extremely crowded.

  • 📶 Stay Connected: Pocket Wi-Fi or eSIM helps with app-based navigation.

  • 🏷 Always Carry Cashless Options: Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted; cash is rarely needed.

  • 🚇 First Ride Trick: Spend one full day riding subway and buses intentionally to get used to the system.

  • 🛑 Watch the Doors: Subways are fast and efficient, but the doors close quickly—stand clear!

🌟 Final Thoughts

Mastering Seoul’s public transport is the difference between feeling lost and feeling at home. Within a few days, you’ll find yourself navigating like a local: tapping your T-money card, hopping between subway and bus, and even grabbing a shared bike to ride along the Han River.

Transportation in Seoul is not just about moving—it’s about experiencing the pulse of the city. Each subway ride shows you another layer of urban life, each bus route takes you into hidden corners, and each taxi trip gives you a glimpse of Seoul at night. Once you adapt, you’ll realize that the city is yours to explore, comfortably and confidently.

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