South Korea boasts one of the most efficient and user-friendly public transportation systems in the world. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, getting around the country is a breeze - and yes, that includes the areas outside of Seoul!
If you're planning a trip to South Korea, then check this out. This guide will equip you with everything you need to know to navigate like a local, from the different types of transportation to the essential travel cards.
Modes of Public Transportation
There are two main modes of public transportation in South Korea: subways and buses. They're very affordable, and rides can cost as little as KRW1,400 or PHP60. So, if you can navigate the system through apps like Naver Map, you can avoid relying on taxis and save a lot of money.
Subways: South Korea's subway systems, particularly the Seoul Metropolitan Subway, are renowned for their cleanliness, efficiency, and affordability. Color-coded lines and multilingual signage make navigating the network a breeze.
Buses: Buses complement the subway network, reaching areas that subways might not. There are various types of buses, including local buses, express buses, and circulation buses serving tourist areas. While some buses might have announcements in English, be prepared to rely on a translation app or ask locals for help if needed.
Essential Travel Cards: Your Ticket to Ride
To make your public transportation experience even smoother, consider getting a travel card. While single-journey tickets are always available at ticketing machines in train stations, a travel card is the most convenient and cost-effective option, especially for extended stays.
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| BTS T-Money Cards |
Here are some options:
T-money Card
This rechargeable card is widely accepted on most buses, subways, and even taxis and bicycles in major cities. You can top up your T-money card at convenience stores and subway stations. It offers transfer discounts between buses and subways within a specific timeframe. Additionally, it can be used to pay in convenience stores and some restaurants. It's available in various designs and you can even buy one with your favorite cartoon characters or K-pop idols on it.
Cost: from KRW4,000 with no credit included
Minimum Top-up Amount: KRW1,000
Top-up Payment Method: Cash only
Cashbee Card
Similar to the T-money card, Cashbee offers similar functionalities and can be used in some metropolitan areas. It used to be the main travel card in Busan and surrounding areas. Nowadays, there's not a lot of difference between T-Money and Cashbee as both of them work in all areas of South Korea.
Cost: from KRW2,500 with no credit included
Minimum Top-up Amount: KRW1,000
Top-up Payment Method: Cash only
NAMANE Card
Get a travel card and a cute souvenir all at once with the NAMANE Card. It's a customizable card that you can create using any image that you want. You can even use your photo on it. You can get it at a NAMANE kiosk located in major locations, including Incheon Airport and Seoul Station. You can also purchase it online here and redeem the physical card at a kiosk. This card can be used for all public transportation and as a mode of payment when shopping or dining in South Korea.
Cost: from KRW7,000 with no credit included
Minimum Top-up Amount: KRW1,000
Top-up Payment Method: Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card
Rail+ Card
Similar to T-Money and Cashbee, the Rail+ Card is an integrated transportation card that you can use for public transportation and taxis. If you’ll mainly use the card within Seoul and other metropolitan cities, there's not much of a difference. It can also be reloaded in subway stations or convenience stores. If you get the Discover Seoul Pass, then the physical card can actually be used as a Rail+ card, which helps you save money as you won't have to buy a T-Money or Cashbee card anymore.
Cost: from KRW4,000 with no credit included
Minimum Top-up Amount: KRW1,000
Top-up Payment Method: Cash only
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