Travel tips
Getting around Seoul is relatively easy thanks to the city’s well-planned pedestrian lanes and efficient public transport system. The subway is one of the best ways to travel within the city as there’s usually a station within a 10-minute walk of popular neighbourhoods and sightseeing spots.
Seoul’s public bus system is another popular method of getting around – 400 bus routes link the city’s shopping, entertainment and business districts. You can also flag down metered taxis in Seoul, with fares determined by distance and time. If you’re looking to explore other regions in South Korea, Seoul is also connected by a number of high-speed rail systems and express buses.
Seoul travel passes
Seoul travel passes are available at most convenience stores, subway stations, and tourist information centres. Carrying a pass helps you get around Seoul easily and avoid common travel hassles such as long queues and the lack of small change. These cards can be used to pay for subway, bus and taxi fares as well as certain transactions at convenience stores. There are 3 types of Seoul travel passes available, namely T-Money, T-Money Mypass, and Seoul Citypass Plus.
- T-Money Card The T-Money card is a standard transit card that can be used on any public bus, subway, taxi, or for purchases at many convenient stores in Seoul. T-Money cards also offer discounts for rides on buses and subways, as well as transfer discounts between both. Valid for 30 minutes between transfers, just tap your T-Money card on the sensors as you get on and off the subway or bus, and your total fare will be calculated as if you were on a continuous ride. T-Money cards have no expiration date and any unused balance will remain on your card until used. For small amounts, refunds can be made at convenience stores at a surcharge. Large amounts can only be refunded at the T-Money headquarters at Seoul City Tower Building.
- T-Money Mpass For multiple journeys, the best option is the T-Money Pass which is available at tourist information centres in Incheon International Airport, Seoul Global Culture & Tourism Centre in Myeongdong, and at Gangnam Tourist Centre. The card can be used a maximum of 20 times a day for subways and public buses.
- Seoul Citypass Plus The Seoul Citypass Plus has similar functions to a T-Money card but comes with additional benefits. Not only can travellers get around Seoul by public transport up to 20 times a day, but it can be also used for transactions at the royal palaces of Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Jongmyo Shrine, and for purchases at many convenience stores. Cardholders can also enjoy discounts at dozens of major attractions, restaurants, exhibitions, and beauty salons in the city.
Travelling on the subway in Seoul
The Seoul subway system offers a convenient way of getting around, with colour-coded subway lines, comprehensive maps, and display signs in Korean, English, and Chinese. Consisting of Seoul Lines 1 through 9, Jungang Line, Bundang Line, and Gyeongui Line, the trains here operate practically non-stop from 5.30 am until midnight.
A'REX is Seoul’s airport railway line that connects Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport to downtown Seoul. Operating from Incheon International Airport, express trains charter travellers to Seoul Station in just under 50 minutes.
Subway fares vary according to age range, where visitors can opt for the single-journey card or multiple-journey card. A deposit is required for the former, which you’ll get back by returning the ticket to a deposit refund device at your destination.
Seoul subway stations also have onsite amenities and facilities, including tourist information centres, currency exchange, self-storage lockers, and phone-charging stations. You can also find convenience stores, restaurants, and shopping outlets at these stations.
Travelling by bus in Seoul
Similar to the subway system, bus routes in Seoul are colour-coded. Blue-hued buses travel on major roads within Seoul while green buses travel shorter distances and charter passengers between transfer points, such as subway stations. Buses marked in yellow travel on a circulation route within central districts of the city, and red buses travel from central Seoul to suburban areas. Passengers can choose between paying cash when they get onto the bus or use a Seoul travel pass.
Taking a taxi in Seoul
Taxis in Seoul can be found just about everywhere in the city. There are 3 main types of taxis here, all of which are metred with fares determined by distance and time. Virtually all taxis operating in Seoul accept cash, credit card, and prepaid Seoul travel passes.
During peak hours and past midnight (when subways and buses are not operating), you can find taxi stands near major attractions, shopping and nightlife districts. Do note that rates are 20% higher during this time, so make sure to plan any late-night travels well in advance. Tipping is not necessary in Seoul, but rounding up the total fare and letting the driver keep the change is customary.
- Regular Taxi The cheapest taxis in Seoul are the regular or standard taxis, which are painted orange. Seoul taxis can be easily flagged down on the streets.
- Deluxe Taxi Deluxe taxis are often nearby established hotels and tourist destinations. Fares are usually 40% to 50% higher compared to regular taxis. The plus side of these vehicles range from English-speaking drivers and safer service to more spacious seats and no late-night surcharges. To identify a deluxe taxi in Seoul, look out for vehicles in black with golden stripes and the “Deluxe Taxi” insignia on each side.
International Taxi
For foreign travellers, Seoul offers special international taxis that are driven by taxi drivers who are proficient in either English, Japanese or Chinese. Similar to deluxe taxis, international taxis are black but are marked with an “International” insignia on both sides. These taxis usually operate on a reserved basis, but you can also often hail one on the streets.
