π Getting Around Korea
Korea has one of Asia's best public transport systems β fast, affordable, and easy to use even without Korean.
π³
T-money Card β Your Essential Card
Works on subways, buses, and taxis nationwide
Where to Get It
- βIncheon Airport (Arrivals level)
- βConvenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven)
- βSubway station machines
- βPre-loaded via Klook (skip the queue)
Key Facts
- βCard costs β©2,500 (~$1.90)
- βSave ~10% vs cash fares
- βFree transfers within 30 minutes
- βRefundable balance at departure
π
KTX β High-Speed Rail
Seoul β Busan in 2h 15min. Seoul β Gyeongju in 2h
| Route | Time | Price (approx) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul β Busan | 2h 15min | $40β55 | Every 30 min |
| Seoul β Gyeongju | 1h 56min | $38β50 | Every hour |
| Seoul β Daegu | 1h 40min | $32β45 | Every 30 min |
| Seoul β Mokpo | 2h 58min | $40β55 | Every hour |
Book at Korail.com
Or via Klook/Viator
Reserve seats in advance
π
Seoul Metro
23 lines, 700+ stations β fastest way to get around Seoul
β©1,400
Base fare with T-money (~$1.05)
5:30amβ1am
Operating hours (varies by line)
Naver Maps
Best app for route planning
Tip: All stations have English signage and announcements.
App: Naver Map or Kakao Map β both have English modes and give real-time directions.
π¬
Incheon Airport β Seoul
Multiple options to reach the city center
| Option | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AREX Express Train | 43 min | β©9,500 (~$7) | Solo travelers |
| AREX All-stop Train | 66 min | β©4,950 (~$3.70) | Budget travelers |
| Airport Bus (limousine) | 60β90 min | β©8,000β17,000 | Hotels/neighborhoods |
| Taxi | 60β90 min | β©60,000β80,000 | Groups with luggage |
| KAL Limousine Bus | 70 min | β©18,000 | Luxury option |
π Taxis & Ride Apps
π‘
Kakao T
Korea's Uber β English interface, safe, metered
β«
UT (Uber)
Uber operates in Korea via local partner UT
π΅
International Taxi
At Incheon airport β English speaking drivers, fixed rates
π
Regular Taxi
Hail on the street, metered, very affordable