Getting Around South Korea: T-money, KTX, Subways and Taxis

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South Korea has one of the best public transport systems in the world. Subways are clean and cheap, high-speed trains connect Seoul and Busan in under three hours, and one transport card works on buses and metros all over the country. The only challenge for visitors is understanding the system at the start. I lived in Seoul for a year as an exchange student and have been to Busan three times, and this guide explains everything you need to get around Korea easily.

T-money: The Card You Need First

T-money is a rechargeable transport card, similar to Suica in Japan or an Oyster card in London. You tap it when you enter and leave the subway and when you get on and off buses. It works in Seoul, Busan and most other Korean cities, and in many taxis and convenience stores.

Always tap off when you leave a bus. If you do not, you lose the transfer discount on your next ride.

WOWPASS and Climate Card

• WOWPASS is a prepaid card for foreigners that combines a debit card (you load it with foreign cash or through the app) with a T-money function. It is handy if you want one card for shopping and transport. You can order a WOWPASS online and pick it up at the airport.
• Climate Card tourist pass in Seoul gives unlimited rides on Seoul subways and city buses for 1 to 7 days, from about 5,000 won for one day. It only works in Seoul and not on airport trains, so it is worth it only if you ride a lot.

Seoul Subway and Buses

The Seoul subway covers almost the whole city with more than 20 lines, signs in English and announcements in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese. Trains run from early morning until around midnight.

If you are staying in Seoul, the subway makes every area easy to reach. My Sinchon guide covers the student area where I lived, and the Seoul Insider Guide gives an overview of the city.

Trains Between Cities: KTX, SRT and Korail Pass

For long distances, trains are the best option. The two high-speed services are KTX, run by Korail, and SRT, a separate operator.

For Busan, the trip is short and comfortable, and both stations are central. Busan Station is right next to the old town, and Seomyeon, the main shopping area, is only a few metro stops away. See my Busan travel guide and Seomyeon shopping guide.

Is the Korail Pass Worth It?

The Korail Pass, now sold as KORAIL PASS FX, gives foreign visitors unlimited rides on KTX and other Korail trains for 2 to 5 days within a 10-day period. Adult prices are about 131,000 won for 2 days, 186,000 won for 3 days, 234,000 won for 4 days and 275,000 won for 5 days. It is worth it if you take several long train trips in a short time, for example Seoul to Busan, Gyeongju and back. For a single return trip to Busan, a normal ticket is cheaper. You can buy the Korail Pass online before your trip.

Good destinations by train include Gyeongju, the ancient capital, Jeonju with its hanok village and food, and the east coast around Jeongdongjin and Sokcho and Seoraksan.

ITX and Express Buses

• ITX-Cheongchun trains run from Seoul to Gapyeong and Chuncheon in under an hour, cheap and popular for day trips.
• Express buses connect almost every town in Korea. Seoul to Busan takes about 4 hours or more and costs less than the train, from about 25,000 won. Premium buses have wide, reclining seats.

Getting Around Busan

Busan has four metro lines, a light rail line to Gimhae Airport and Korail commuter lines along the coast. The base fare is about 1,600 won with T-money, and there is a one-day metro pass. The city is long and hilly, so plan your days by area: Seomyeon and the centre, Haeundae and Gwangalli on the coast, Nampo and Jagalchi in the old port, and Gijang in the north-east for Haedong Yonggungsa temple.

• From Gimhae Airport: take the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail to Sasang (Line 2) or Daejeo (Line 3) and change to the metro. The whole trip to Seomyeon costs around 2,000 won.
• Buses fill the gaps, for example to Gamcheon Culture Village, which sits on a steep hill.
• Taxis are affordable for short distances and useful at night.

Airports: Incheon, Gimpo and Gimhae

You can book AREX Express tickets online at a discount. If you need mobile data from the moment you land, set up a Korea eSIM before your flight.

Taxis in Korea

Taxis are cheap compared with Europe. In Seoul, a standard taxi starts at around 4,800 won, with surcharges late at night. Black “deluxe” taxis cost more. The easiest way to get a taxi is the Kakao T app, which shows the price and lets you enter your destination in the app, so you do not need to explain it in Korean. Tipping is not expected.

Maps and Apps

Google Maps has long been limited in Korea because of rules on map data. That has started to change, but Naver Map and Kakao Map are still the most reliable for directions. Download one before you arrive.

Before You Travel: K-ETA

Many visitors who do not need a visa must apply online for a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before they fly. Korea has temporarily exempted visitors from a list of countries from the K-ETA requirement, but the list and the end date can change, and not all visa-free countries are included. For example, Switzerland has not been on the exemption list, so Swiss travellers need a K-ETA. Always check the official K-ETA website a few weeks before your trip.

My Tips for Getting Around Korea

• Buy a T-money card at the first convenience store you see, and keep some cash for top-ups.
• Install Naver Map or Kakao Map before you land.
• Avoid the subway at rush hour (about 8 to 9 am and 6 to 7 pm) with big luggage.
• Book KTX tickets in advance for weekends and holidays, especially Chuseok and Lunar New Year.
• Give up priority seats for elderly people and pregnant women; Koreans take this seriously.
• If you compare Korea and Japan, my guide to living in Japan vs Korea covers transport, costs and daily life in both countries.

Before you fly, check whether you need a K-ETA in my K-ETA guide, plan your budget with how much a trip to South Korea costs and pick the season with the best time to visit South Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Around Korea

What is the best way to get around Seoul?

The subway, combined with buses for short gaps. With a T-money card, rides are cheap and transfers are discounted. Taxis are useful late at night or with luggage.

Where can I buy a T-money card?

At convenience stores like GS25, CU, 7-Eleven and Emart24, at subway stations and at Incheon Airport. A basic card costs a few thousand won.

Can I top up T-money with a credit card?

Convenience store top-ups are usually cash only. Some subway machines have started accepting foreign cards, but it is safer to carry some cash.

Does T-money work in Busan?

Yes. T-money works on the Busan metro, buses and many taxis, as well as in most other Korean cities.

How do I get from Seoul to Busan?

The fastest option is the KTX from Seoul or Yongsan Station, or the SRT from Suseo, both in about 2 hours 15 to 2 hours 30 minutes. Express buses are cheaper but take around 4 hours or more.

Is the Korail Pass worth it?

Only if you take several long train trips within a few days. For a single return trip from Seoul to Busan, regular tickets are usually cheaper. The pass is not valid on SRT trains.

How do I get from Incheon Airport to Seoul?

The AREX Express train goes non-stop to Seoul Station in about 43 minutes from Terminal 1. The cheaper all-stop train takes about an hour. Limousine buses go directly to many hotels.

Does Google Maps work in Korea?

It works for finding places, but directions have historically been limited. Naver Map and Kakao Map are the most reliable apps for walking and public transport directions.

Are taxis expensive in Korea?

No, they are affordable compared with Europe or the US. In Seoul, standard taxis start at around 4,800 won. The Kakao T app makes ordering easy without speaking Korean.

Do I need a K-ETA for South Korea?

Many visa-free visitors need a K-ETA, but some nationalities are temporarily exempt. The rules change, so check the official K-ETA website before your trip. Swiss travellers, for example, have needed a K-ETA.

What is the difference between KTX and SRT?

Both are high-speed trains with similar speeds. KTX is run by Korail and leaves from Seoul and Yongsan stations; SRT leaves from Suseo in south-east Seoul and is a bit cheaper. The Korail Pass only works on KTX and other Korail trains.

How do I get from Gimhae Airport to Busan city?

Take the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail to Sasang or Daejeo and change to the metro. It costs around 2,000 won to the centre. Taxis and airport buses are also available.

Final Thoughts

Once you have a T-money card and a Korean map app, getting around Korea is easy, fast and cheap. Take the subway in the cities, the KTX between them, and a taxi when you are tired. For more trip ideas, start with my South Korea guide and the Korean food guide.