You can easily reach almost any destination on the Korean Peninsula with minimal effort and at a reasonable cost, whether by train, taxi, bus, plane, or your privately owned vehicle. Here are the basics to help you get started!

TRAIN

In South Korea, you can travel to most towns by train. Railway trains are a great alternative to air travel, offering a wider selection of destinations and more flexible travel times than airlines.

Two companies operate railway trains in Korea: KORAIL and SRT. KORAIL is the national railway company that operates both general and high-speed trains, while SRT only offers high-speed train services.

SRT

Type of train

• High-speed train.

Reservations

• SRT offers English booking service only through its website. Check available schedule and seats.

Things to know about a standing ticket

If all seat tickets are sold out, you have the option to purchase a standing ticket. These tickets are only available on-site at any train station, regardless of your departure or destination.

For SRT trains, it’s recommended to secure a standing ticket in advance as they offer a limited number of standing tickets, which tend to sell out quickly during weekends or peak seasons.

The Mugunghwa-ho trains usually feature a café car with unreserved seats, and many KTX or SRT trains have folding chairs between the entrance and corridors.

KORAIL

Type of trains

General Trains:

• ITX-Saemaeul

• Saemaeul

• Mugunghwa-ho

High-speed train:

• KTX

Reservation for a ticket

1. Download KorailTalk app on your phone or check the website. (Both provide the same service) For the app, change the language setting to English as seen in the picture.

2. Search the departure and arrival stations and check the schedule.

3. Click “select” on the class and check the timetable and fare.

4. Purchase a ticket with your credit card. (If it doesn’t work, your bank probably blocks international usage or you might be using a VPN)

*The English service doesn’t offer a choice of seat. If you want to select your seat, purchase a ticket in advance at the station.

KorailTalk

• Android

• iOS

• Website

Tips for finding your lost items

SUBWAY

Several major cities operate subway systems with signs in both Korean and English. Taking the subway is a highly convenient choice for traveling within metropolitan areas. Seoul Metropolitan Subway has 24 lines with 654 stations. Many metro lines in Seoul have several different train routes, which can be complicated, so always check carefully before boarding.

• Areas: Seoul Metropolitan Area (Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi-do), Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju

• Hours: Approximately 5:30 a.m. - midnight

• Fare: 1,400 won-1,600 won (transportation card) / 1,500 won -1,700 won (single journey ticket) for adults.

• Payment: Purchase a prepaid transportation card at a convenient store or buy a single journey ticket at the ticket vending machines.

Download Subway Korea on your phone!

The Subway Korea app helps navigate the complicated metro system, providing information on all subway lines in Korea, including routes, schedules, fares, travel times and more. When you select your departure and arrival stations, you can check all available train schedules.

• Android

• iOS

Special Metro lines in Seoul

• Line 1 (Dark Blue): Those working at Camp Casey, Osan Air Base, and Camp Humphreys may have the opportunity to use Line 1. It’s the longest line, featuring various complex routes. Line 1 trains run from Soyosan, located north of Dongducheon (Camp Casey), to two different directions: Incheon or Seodongtan, with a separation point at Guro Station. Those returning to Osan Air Base or Camp Humphreys from Seoul should ensure to take trains toward “Sinchang” or “Cheonan.” To navigate your trip with Line 1 correctly, check the schedule of the train through the app and make sure to get on the right train.

• Line 2 (Green): This is the busiest metro line in the ROK, stopping at many famous destinations, including Jamsil, Gangnam, Hongdae, Dongdaemun, and Namdaemun (at City Hall Station). Make sure to board the right train, as going in the wrong direction for a full circuit will result in a very long ride to your destination.

• Sinbundang Line (Red): Sinbundang Line is essentially a shortcut from Gangnam Station down to the Seongnam/Bundang/Pangyo area. The fare is 2-3 times more expensive than other lines because it was built through private investment.

Rules for priority seating on buses, trains

BUS

Regular buses provide a great alternative to subways or trains, especially for reaching destinations that are not accessible by train or subway. The fare can be paid either in cash or with a transportation card upon boarding.

Each city has its own bus system, and you can easily plan your journey using Kakao or Naver Map apps. These apps offer comprehensive information, including fares, detailed schedules, bus arrival times and estimated travel durations. This information is also displayed at bus stops.

• Fare: 1,500 won (transportation card) / 1,500 won -1,700 won (single journey ticket) for adults.

• Payment: Cash or a transportation card (If paying with cash, make sure to use coins or 1,000 won bills. Some buses may not accept cash, so the best way is to own your T-money card.)

In Seoul, there are four different color-coded bus systems (bus numbers indicate specific routes):

• Blue buses: Operate on long-distance routes within Seoul.

• Green buses: Operate on short-distance routes, connecting blue buses and subway stations for transfers. Another type of green bus is the community bus, operating in small residential areas.

• Red buses: Express buses connecting Seoul, Incheon, and cities in Gyeonggi-do on long-distance routes.

• Yellow buses: Operate short-distance circular routes within the city and between sub-centers.

Express buses: ticket required

Taking an express bus is also a convenient and affordable alternative to railway trains. Depending on the departure and arrival locations, express buses can sometimes be even more efficient than trains. The bus routines from Incheon Airport to Pyeongtaek Station are also very useful for those working on Camp Humphreys. Thanks to bus lanes, express buses can promise you almost consistent arrival times regardless of traffic.

There are two types of express buses, each operated by different companies: Sioe Bus and Gosok Bus. It’s important to note that depending on the company, they use different terminals and websites. Due to this reason, there are often two express bus terminals in the same area within a few minutes distance from each other. So, be sure not to get confused about which terminal to head to depending on the destination.

Intercity Bus (Sioe Bus-시외버스)

Intercity Buses may make stops at various points between the departure and destination, which could make the travel time longer compared to Express Buses.

Both the website and mobile app provide English services. However, reservations are currently only available in Korean. You can still check bus schedules and the number of available seats.

• Bustago (Mobile app)

• Website

Express Bus (Gosok Bus-고속버스)

The website offers English services, and booking with a foreign credit card is available. Express Buses provide a direct journey without intermediate stops while traveling from the departure point to the destination.

Website

Learn how to use express buses

• General guide

•  From Pyeongtaek to Seoul

TRANSPORTATION CARD: A MUST-HAVE ITEM IN KOREA 

Korea’s public transportation system allows you to transfer to another bus or subway for free within 30 minutes. The number of free transfers is limited to 4 times a day in Seoul Metropolitan Area and 2-4 times in other metropolitan cities depending on the region. To take advantage of this benefit, you must have a transportation card which offers a discount of about 100 won per ride in addition to the transfer discounts.

Several prepaid transportation card options are available, including T-money, EZL, Wowpass and more. However, the T-money card is the best option as it can be used across all regions in Korea for various purposes. T-money cards can be used not only for buses, subways, and taxis, but also at convenience stores, High-Pass tollgates, parking lots and more.

For transportation card mobile apps, only Android phones support mobile T-money and EZL cards via Samsung Pay and the mobile T-money app. Currently, there is no mobile system for Apple phone users.

T-money card

• Price: From 3,000 won – more (The price goes up depending on the design and type)

• Top-up locations: Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, MINISTOP, Story Way, Emart24, 365PLUS) and subway stations

How to use

1. Purchase a card at top-up locations and add 1,000 won to 90,000 won on the card.

2. Scan the card at a bus and metro when you enter. Make sure to scan it again before you exit to get a transfer discount.

*You can request a refund for the charged money at any time at top-up locations and T-money Town in Seoul Station. (A 500-won service fee is charged)

TAXI

Types of taxi

• General (Ilban) taxi: Fares start at 4,800 won for the first 1.6 km with an additional charge of 100 won for every 131 meters or 30 seconds. These taxis are usually white and orange in color and many display Kakao T mark.

• Deluxe (Mobeom) taxi: The fare starts at 7,000 won for the first 3 km with an additional charge of 200 won for every 151 meters or 36 seconds. These taxis are usually black with a yellow sign on top. Many deluxe taxis are stationed at major hotels, subway, and bus stations.

• Large taxi: A large taxi can accommodate between 6 and 13 passengers. The fare system is the same as deluxe taxis.

Night Fare

It can be challenging to catch a taxi just before night fares begin as many drivers expect to be paid a higher rate, so it’s important to be aware of the rules. Night fare rates and times vary depending on the region. In Seoul, the night fare applies from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. with an additional charge of 20-40%. In Gyeonggi-do, the night fare starts from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. with an additional charge of 30%. In other regions, night fares generally apply from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. with a surcharge of 20-40%.

Payment options

 Cash, transportation card and credit card (foreign credit cards are accepted)

Lights on a taxi

The light on a plate located at the upper center of the windshield indicates whether a taxi is vacant or occupied. A red sign (빈차 - Bincha) signifies that the taxi is vacant, while a green plate (예약 - Yeoyak) indicates that the car is occupied or reserved. A blue sign (휴무) means that the taxi is off for the day. If there is no light, it means the taxi is already taken or not available.

How to grab a taxi

On the street

• Hail cabs on the street by waving your hands when the red light on the plate is visible.

• Line up at taxi stations. Most subway stations have taxi stations nearby.

On mobile

Kakao T: monopolizes nearly 95% of the domestic taxi-calling market, making it an essential app for grabbing a taxi in Korea. You can call a taxi to your current location through Kakao T app, and it offers English service as well. “General request” option allows in-person payment by cash or card when you arrive at your destination so those who don’t have a Korean credit card can still use Kakao T services. For more details, check out how to use Kakao T.

How to use Kakato T

Uber: In Korea, only licensed drivers with special plates can operate taxis, so car-sharing services are not permitted. All Uber drivers in Korea are legal taxi drivers. Although it’s not as common as Kakao T, Uber still works well, especially in major cities like Seoul and Busan.

On base

Exchange taxis are available on base, making life easier around bases. (Dial: 1544-9080)

Exchange taxi website

CAR

Traveling by car in ROK is very convenient thanks to Korean GPS apps such as Kakao or Naver Map available in both English and Korean. They provide all necessary information including recommended travel routes, expected travel time, toll fees and more.

If you plan to drive on the highways with your POV, use the Hi-Pass system, allowing you to pay tolls without having to stop and count out money each time. The Hi-Pass system requires two items: an On-Board Unit (OBU – a card reader device) and a Hi-Pass card.

Places to buy

Online shopping malls (Gmarket, Coupang – both sites accept foreign credit cards)

Most convenience stores (OBU – only at GS25 & Hi-Pass card – GS25, CU, E-Mart, 7-Eleven)

Most rest stops (kiosk or inquire at the Information Center)

Hi-Pass centers at most tollgates

 Hi-Pass Service in the Main PX (Bldg. 5700) on Camp Humphreys

OBU

Check if your vehicle already has an OBU installed as most vehicles produced in recent years come with one. If not, purchase a device, which generally costs around 40,000-50,000 won. Keep in mind that you need to register the OBU at Hi-Pass centers at tollgates or ask the OBU seller to handle the registration process for you. Registration requires your ID and vehicle registration with your name on it.

Hi-Pass card

There are two types of cards: prepaid and auto-charge cards. Auto-charge cards require a Korean bank account, so the prepaid option may be easier for you. The card usually costs between 5,000 won and 6,000 won, and it can be topped up with amounts from 10,000 to 500,000 won. Top-up locations include convenience stores (GS25, CU, E-Mart, 7-Eleven) and rest stop kiosks, and mostly only cash is accepted.

Note

If you don’t want to use the Hi-Pass system, you can always tap your T-money card at a tollgate.

PLANE

In ROK, there are eight international airports and seven domestic airports. When traveling within Korea, various transportation options such as high-speed trains, buses, and cars are available, offering affordable prices and a wide choice of schedules. In some cases, domestic flights can be a good choice with a quicker travel time at an affordable price depending on the situation.

Moreover, you can enjoy very cost-effective travels around Asia from Korea. Round-trip journeys to numerous Asian countries, including Japan, China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, come at very reasonable prices, often below $200. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Pacific area and make the most of your time during your stay in Korea!

Airport Express-AREX

Airport Railroad (Arex) connects Incheon Airport to other areas in Seoul, offering two types of train services: Express trains and all-stop trains. Express trains go directly to Seoul from Incheon Airport, taking only 43 minutes from Terminal 1 and 51 minutes from Terminal 2. The fare to Seoul Station is 13,000 won for adults and 9,500 won for children. Tickets can be purchased on-site or via a mobile device. All-stop trains stop at other destinations, including Gimpo Airport, Hongdae, and Seoul Station. You can purchase a ticket or tap your T-money card.

International Airport vs Domestic Airport

• International airports: International airports include Incheon, Gimpo, Jeju, Gimhae, Cheongju, Daegu, Yangyang and Muan. Besides Incheon Airport that connects destinations worldwide, other international airports mainly serve flights to locations close to Korea, including domestic destinations, Japan, China, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, as well as Guam and Hawaii.

• Domestic airports: Domestic airports include Gunsan, Yeosu, Pohang, Ulsan, Wonju, Sacheon and Gwangju. These airports operate flights to Seoul, Jeju Island and other major cities. Travelers often use domestic airports to fly to Incheon or Gimpo airports for international travel.

Useful airports

❶ Incheon International Airport

The largest airport in Korea with two terminals. Make sure to check which terminal to go to before heading to the airport.

❷ Gimpo International Airport

Located in Seoul, it’s the second biggest airport after Incheon Airport.

❸ Cheongju International Airport

Many use this airport when traveling from Camp Humphreys or Osan Air Base to Jeju Island. It operates flights to Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asian countries.

❹ Gunsan Airport

A small domestic airport located near Kunsan Air Base mainly used when traveling to Jeju Island.

❺ Daegu International Airport

Mainly used for flights to Jeju Island, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

❻ Gimhae International Airport

A hub for those seeking Busan from other cities. It operates numerous flights to Seoul, Jeju Island and various Asian countries.

Tips for traveling to Jeju

Many travelers take domestic flights when heading to Jeju Island, and round-trip journeys typically range from 55,000 to 150,000 won. Flights are a much cheaper and a quicker option than taking a ferry. You don’t have to use international airports for flying Jeju, so plan your trip from the nearest airport. Also, car rentals at Jeju Airport are very affordable with costs starting from 25,000 won per day.

LET’S PRACTICE TOGETHER!

Let’s say you’re a newcomer who has never used public transportation in Korea. Let’s make a trip plan together step by step.

1. Download Naver Map or Kakao Map

These apps will guide you what transportation to use and where to take them. You can also see the arrival time of buses, subways and trains. They are mostly very accurate.

2. Search the departure and arrival location

For subways: Try to check the arrival time of the subway on the app, and make sure you’re taking the right train in the right direction.

For trains: Try to make a reservation with KorailTalk or the SRT website.

3. Leave the base and start your journey!

1) Take a taxi from your location directly to the station and buy a T-money card there. (Exchange taxi: 1544-9080)

2) Get a T-money card at a convenience store near your location and take a bus to get to the station!

GPS apps

Kakao Map: Android / iOs

Naver Map: Android / iOs

Waze (on-base): Android / iOs

Camp Casey

USAG Yongsan

Osan Air Base

Camp Humphreys

USAG Daegu

Fleet Chinhae

Kunsan Air Base

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