Transportation in South Korea - Stay 14 Guide If you are a foreigner who is currently planning to visit or live in Korea, the first thing you need to know is its transportation system. It may seem complicated, but all you need to do is read this article and get ready for it. We will be focusing on the transportation system in Seoul, as that city is the heart of the country. 1. Bus In South Korea, city buses are widely available and highly convenient for transportation. They offer a straightforward means of reaching various destinations, and each bus route is easily identifiable through distinct colors or numbers. In Seoul, buses are categorized based on color, serving different purposes : blue buses operate on major roads, covering longer distances throughout the city https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TRP/TP_ENG_5_1.jsp green buses have shorter routes, connecting transfer points like subway stations and longer bus routes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seoul_City_Bus_7023.jpg red buses are express services connecting Seoul to suburban areas https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Seoul_city_bus_red_line_9701_20110327.jpg yellow buses operate within specific districts on closed circuits https://www.creatrip.com/en/blog/2041/Tips-on-Using-Buses-in-Korea Additionally, Seoul operates night bus routes, providing service from 23:10 to 06:00 the following morning. This efficient management system has inspired other regions in Korea to implement similar designated bus systems, ensuring the reliability of public transportation. (It has "N" in front of their bus numbers) https://www.creatrip.com/en/blog/724/Seoul-Night-Bus-Ride 2. Subway https://english.seoul.go.kr/service/movement/public-transportation/2-subway/ The subway system in Seoul, South Korea, is an integral part of the city's public transportation network. It is known for its extensive coverage, efficiency, and convenience. Here are some key points about the subway system in Seoul: Seoul has an extensive subway network consisting of multiple lines, each designated by a specific color and number. There are currently nine numbered subway lines (Line 1 to Line 9) along with several additional branches and extensions. Each line covers different areas of the city and connects major neighborhoods, business districts, and popular destinations. Many subway stations in Seoul are designed as transfer points, allowing passengers to switch between different subway lines without exiting the station. These transfer stations are well-marked with clear signage indicating the direction and platform for the desired line. Transferring between lines is usually a seamless process, and the transfer time is factored into the fare calculation when using a T-money card. Operation time : 5:30 - Midnight (it may differ by the line)Fare : 1350won ~ 2550won (depends on your travel distance) https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_ENG_2_10_2.jsp https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_ENG_2_10_2.jsp Subway line 1 and line 2 will be the line that you will use the most in South Korea, if you are living in Seoul. Line 1 has Seoul Station, Dongdaemun, City Hall, and other places that you may need to visit at least once during your travel in South Korea. Line 2 contains Hongdae and Gangnam which isfamiliar places for us to meet our friends and hang out in South Korea. How To Use These Transportation? At this point, you might be worried for the complex of transportation system in Seoul. However, all you have to do is downloading Naver App. It suggests the optimal way to reach your destination from your location. The interface includes details like station names, the train's intended direction, the correct train exit (right or left), the names of intermediate stations you'll pass by, and the specific subway station exit to get to your final destination. T-money https://www.lucasartor.com/en/t-money-the-rechargeable-card-for-public-transport-in-korea/ T-Money Card is the rechargeable card that you can use on the public transportation that will take you around Seoul and in several other cities like Incheon and Gyeonggi-do. In South Korea, buses are no longer accept cash. From last October, Seoul had a trial run of cashless buses on several routes and decided to operate the cashless buses as they planned. This sounds a bit frustrating for foreigner because that means you need to prepare one more thing when you visit South Korea. You don't have to worry much. The T-money card can primary be used for public transportation, including buses and subways. The users can simply tap their T-money card on a card reader when boarding or exiting a bus or a subway. The fare is automatically deducted from the card's balance. This will make your travel more convenient and efficient, as there is no need to purchase individual tickets for every ride. Moreover, it is also applied to discounts on travel fares. If you change your transport, within the half-hour limit between one transfer an another(from subway to bus, from bus to another bus, from bus to subway), the card reader will not deduct the fare from your balance or you will be charged only a small amount of money. Where to Buy? https://retailinasia.com/in-markets/japan-korea/korea/convenience-stores-in-korea-are-providing-delivery-services/ If you want to buy T-money Card, just get your money and go to the nearest convenience store. T-money card usually costs 3,000 won - 4,000 won (equivalent to $3~$3.5). You can also buy when you arrive at the airport or at every subway station. From Kakao Friends edition to BTS edition, there are various types of card. If you are lucky enough, you will get to see your favorite member or character T-money cards! https://blog.naver.com/kuma3036/220855037160 All right reserved Stay14 Bespoke
