Subway
Consistently voted as one of the best in the world for its ease of use, cleanliness, and frequency of service, the Seoul subway system is one of the most efficient ways to travel around the city. Trains run non-stop from approximately 5:30 am until midnight. All subway lines are color-coded and stations display signs in Korean, English, and Chinese.
To ride the subway, you must use -
- single journey ticket (at ticket vending machines located within the station) or
- multiple journey pass - also called Tmoney can be purchased at most convenience stores. Transfers between subway lines as well as between bus and subway lines are free.
Taxis
Taxis in Seoul are an inexpensive and useful means of transportation. It’s easy to flag one down on the streets or find one of the many taxi stands located around major tourist destinations. All taxis use a meter, with slightly different base rates for regular, international, deluxe, and jumbo cabs.
Bus
Seoul’s public bus system is a well-developed, cheap, and convenient form of transportation. All buses are color-coded:
- blue buses (connect different districts of the city along the main route) | green buses (connect subway stations and main blue bus routes with residential areas) | yellow buses (travel in a circulation route in the city center) | red buses (connect the city with surrounding areas).
However, due to the lack of English signs and information at bus stops, Seoul’s buses can be more difficult to use for first-time travelers to Korea. Major stops are usually announced in English and Korean.
Travel Pass
TMoney Card is a standard transit card that can be used on any public bus, subway, taxis, and even many convenient stores. The TMoney card can also be used to purchase items at Seoul's traditional markets.
The TMoney Mpass is a transit card specifically designed for international visitors that require the use of public transportation multiple times a day. The card can be used up to 20 times a day for most subways and public buses.