Korea has one of the best public transport systems in the world: clean, punctual, cheap and far-reaching. Once you understand the T-money card and the right apps, you can get almost anywhere without a car. Here is everything you need.
The T-money card — your key to everything
T-money is a rechargeable transport card that you tap to ride buses and subways across the country, plus pay at many convenience stores and taxis.
- Buy one at any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) or subway station machine for a small card cost
- Charge (top up) it with cash at convenience stores or station machines, or link it in a payment app
- Tap on when you board and tap off when you leave
Many people now use T-money inside a phone app or a transport-enabled bank card instead of a physical card — equally valid.
The transfer discount (do not miss this)
Korea charges by distance with free or discounted transfers between buses and subways — but only if you tap out every time. If you forget to tap off a bus, you lose the transfer discount and may be charged the maximum fare on your next ride. Always tap on and off.
The subway
- Lines are colour-coded and numbered, with signs and announcements in English
- Stations show the next stops and transfer lines clearly
- It is fast, frequent and avoids traffic — usually the best choice in big cities
- Avoid the worst of rush hour (around 8 to 9 am and 6 to 7 pm) if you can
Buses
- Buses are colour-coded by type (e.g. blue for main routes, green for local, red for express)
- Tap on at the front and tap off at the back to keep your transfer discount
- They reach places the subway does not, and are great once you know your routes
Use the right maps
Google Maps is limited in Korea — it cannot give full driving directions and is patchy for transit. Use the local apps instead:
- Naver Map — excellent for transit, walking and place search
- KakaoMap — equally good, with clear bus and subway routing
- Kakao T — for taxis (hail, pay in-app) and other mobility
These show live arrival times, the exact platform and exit numbers, and the cheapest route.
Taxis
Taxis are reasonably priced and metered. Hail one on the street or, much easier, use Kakao T to call one and pay automatically. Note the exit number of subway stations — giving a driver or app a nearby landmark and exit makes pickup simple.
Intercity travel
- KTX / SRT high-speed trains connect major cities quickly; book via the Korail app or at stations
- Express and intercity buses are cheaper and reach almost every town
Tips
- Keep a little balance on your T-money so you are never stuck at a gate
- Stand on the right on escalators; offer priority seats to elders
- Late at night, check the last train time — missing it means a taxi
Buy a T-money card today, always tap on and off to keep your transfer discount, and install Naver Map or KakaoMap plus Kakao T. With those, the whole country opens up cheaply.