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!

In South Korea, you can reach most cities by train. In many cases, it can be easier than flying when traveling within the country and stations are convenient to access.

Type of trains

■ General Trains

• ITX-Saemaeul

• ITX-Cheongchun

• Mugunghwa-ho

■ High-speed train

• KTX (KORAIL)

• SRT (SR)

KORAIL vs SRT

• Two companies operate railway trains: KORAIL and SRT.

• KORAIL runs both high-speed and regional trains while SRT mainly operates high-speed service on major routes.

• Routes can overlap but departure stations and schedules may differ, so check both when planning.

• In Seoul, KTX departs from Seoul Station or Yongsan, while SRT commonly uses Suseo.

KorailTalk

• Android

• iOS

• Website

SRT

• Website

How to use trains

• KORAIL and SRT both offer booking service in English on the official app and website (KorailTalk / SRT). International cards are accepted.

• Buy your ticket before boarding whenever possible. Peak times (commuting hours, weekends and holidays) can sell out quickly, so booking early is recommended.

• If a ticket is sold out, check the other (Korail or SRT) or try a different time. You can also check for cancellations through the apps or buy a ticket at the station (ticket counter or machines).

• Some fees may apply when you cancel, and cancellation fees increase closer to departure.

• If you miss the train, refunds may still be possible at the ticket counter. However, refunds are not available after the train’s scheduled arrival time at destination.

• Some station names look similar. Before you confirm your purchase, it helps to tap the station location in a map app to ensure you selected the right one.

• At train stations, you usually don’t need to show a ticket to enter the station area. Go to your platform and board, but keep your mobile ticket/booking confirmation as train crew may check it onboard.

Things to know about a standing ticket

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

2. 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.

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

Tips for finding your lost items

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 and over 600 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: Adult fares usually start around 1,250–1,650 won per ride and vary by city and route. A single journey ticket is usually about 100 won more than using a transportation card.

• Payment: Purchase a transportation card such as T-money a convenient store or buy a single journey ticket at the ticket vending machines.

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.

Download Subway Korea app

The Subway Korea app is helpful if you prefer seeing the full metro map at a glance. It can also show subway lines, routes, schedules and estimated travel time. For detailed directions, Naver Map or KakaoMap works well too.

• Android

• iOS

Rules for priority seating on buses, trains

Regular buses

Regular buses provide a great alternative to subways or trains, especially for reaching destinations that are not accessible by train or subway.

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: In many cities, adult bus fares start around 1,300 won–1,700 won per ride (transportation card is usually cheaper than cash). Fares may vary by city and route.

• Payment: A transportation card is the safest option. Some buses are card only and may not accept cash.

• 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 routes from Incheon Airport to Pyeongtaek Station are also very useful for those working on Camp Humphreys. Bus only lanes help reduce delays, but travel times can still vary depending on traffic.

■ Intercity vs. Express Buses

There are two main intercity bus services: Express Bus (Gosok) and Intercity Bus (Siwoe). Siwoe 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.

• Express (Gosok Bus): They usually run between major cities with fewer stops and depart from express bus terminals.

• Intercity (Siwoe Bus): They cover more regional destinations and may include more stops and depart from intercity bus terminals.

■ How to book

1. Use an official booking app and website.

• Express (Gosok Bus): KOBUS (Both app and website are available, but the website is easier for English users)

• Intercity (Siwoe Bus): Bustago or TxBus (T-money)

2. Search your route: Enter departure terminal/city, destination, date, time and passengers.

3. Pay and save your ticket: International cards are accepted for online/mobile payment.

Note: During weekends and holidays, seats sell out fast, but you can check again for newly canceled seats.

Learn more

• General guide

•  From Pyeongtaek to Seoul

Korea’s public transportation system offers transfer discounts when you transfer to another bus or subway within 30 minutes. The number of discounted transfers is usually limited up 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.

T-money is available on Android (via mobile transit/payment services) and on iPhone (via Apple Wallet).

T-money card

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

• Top-up locations: Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Emart 24 and more) 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)

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, silver 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 roof sign on a taxi shows whether it’s available or not. In Korea, it displays a Korean label, so it’s best to check the word on the sign.

• 빈차 (Bincha): Available (you can hail it)

• 예약 (Yeoyak): Reserved (not available)

• 휴무 (Hyumu): Off duty (not in service)

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: The most widely used taxi-hailing app in Korea. You can request a taxi to your current location through the Kakao T app, and it also offers English service. Depending on the option you choose, you can pay the driver in person (cash or card) at your destination. This is helpful if you don’t have a Korean payment method set up in the app.

• 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 Uber is less common than Kakao T, it’s available in major cities like Seoul and Busan.

How to use Kakao T

■ On base

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

• Exchange taxi website

Traveling by car in ROK is very convenient thanks to Korean Navigation 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 an OBU and a Hi-Pass card

• 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.

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

EV charging guide in Korea

In the 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 travel 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!

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 Gyeongju , 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

❶Incheon International Airport: The largest airport in Korea with two terminals. Make sure to check which terminal to go to before heading to the airport.

❷Gimpo International Airport: Located in Seoul, it’s a major airport after Incheon Airport.

❸Cheongju International Airport: Many use this airport when traveling from Camp Humphreys or Osan Air Base to Jeju Island. It operates domestic flights and some international routes.

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

❺Daegu International Airport: Mainly used for domestic flights and some international routes.

❻Gimhae International Airport: A hub for those seeking Busan from other cities. It operates numerous flights to domestic destinations and many international routes.

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. Express trains require a ticket with reserved seat. All-stop trains can be paid with a transportation card like T-money.

• Website

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. (Prices may vary by season.) 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 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 KorailTalk and SRT.

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

Camp Humphreys

Osan Air Base

Fleet Chinhae

USAG Daegu

Kunsan Air Base

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