Korea has one of the best public transport systems for visitors anywhere, and you can do an entire trip without renting a car. The pattern is simple: take the train from the airport, use a transit card for subways and buses, take the KTX between cities, and grab taxis for the last mile. This guide ties the pieces together with the T-money card and the apps you need.
Quick facts
- From the airport
- Airport Railroad (AREX)
- In the city
- Subway + bus with T-money
- Between cities
- KTX high-speed train
- Short hops
- Taxi (Kakao T)
- Pay with
- T-money card
From the airport
From Incheon, the Airport Railroad (AREX) runs into Seoul. The all-stop train is cheaper and takes longer; the express is faster to Seoul Station. Limousine buses also serve many hotels.
Subways and buses
City subways are clean, signed in English, and easy to navigate with a map app. Buses cover the gaps. Tap a T-money card on entry and exit — buses and the subway both require tapping out.
Between cities by train
The KTX high-speed train links Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan, and more. Seoul to Busan is about two and a half hours. Book in the KorailTalk app or at the station; reserve ahead on holidays.
Taxis
Taxis are reasonable for short trips or late nights. Use Kakao T to hail one and see the fare and route, which sidesteps the language barrier. Most accept cards or a T-money balance.
Useful phrases for getting around
A few polite phrases for taxis, subways, and buses.
Show the driver the address or a map pin as you say it.
Polite여기로 가 주세요
yeo-gi-ro ga ju-se-yo
Please take me here.
Korean audio isn't available on this device or browser — use the romanization above to say it.
Use this to ask a taxi driver to pull over.
Polite세워 주세요
se-wo ju-se-yo
Please stop here.
Korean audio isn't available on this device or browser — use the romanization above to say it.
Ask a fellow passenger on the subway or bus.
Polite이 역에서 내려요?
i yeo-ge-seo nae-ryeo-yo?
Is this my stop?
Korean audio isn't available on this device or browser — use the romanization above to say it.
Maps make it work
Use Naver Map or KakaoMap for routing — Google Maps transit is unreliable in Korea. Search the place name, pick transit, and follow the car or exit numbers it gives.
Common mistakes
- Using Google Maps for transit and getting no usable route.
- Forgetting to tap out and getting charged a penalty fare.
- Leaving KTX booking to the last minute on a holiday weekend.
Sources
- KORAILOfficial transport site
- Airport Railroad (AREX)Official transport site
- Seoul Metropolitan Government Open DataOfficial government site
- Visit KoreaOfficial tourism site
Information is compiled from official sources. Details such as prices, hours, and schedules can change — confirm time-sensitive facts before you travel.
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