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!

Travel by 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.

- 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.

Website

Android, iOS

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- Type of trains

• High-speed train

- Reservation for a ticket

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

Website

Things to know about a standing ticket

• If all seat tickets are sold out, you have the option to purchase a standing ticket on-site. These tickets are available at any train station, regardless of your departure and 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 trains usually feature a café car with unreserved seats, and many KTX or SRT trains have folding chairs between the entrance and corridors.

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Travel by 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.

- AREAS

Seoul Capital Area (Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi-do), Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju

- Hours

Approximately 5:30 a.m. - midnight

- Fares

1,250 won - 1,450 won (T-Money card) / 1,400 won - 1,550 won (Ticket) for adults

- Ticket

Use a T-Money card 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.

• Sinbundang Line (Red): The 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.

- How to ride and transfer the metro of Korea

The Metro system in Seoul can be very complicated for foreigners. Many metro lines have several different train routes, so it’s easily to get lost. I recommend you trying this useful app to find out the directions, train routes, fares, travel times, schedules and more. When you select the departure and arrival station, you can check all train schedules.

Android, iOS

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Travel by Bus

- Regular buses

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 T-money card upon boarding. 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. The bus fare ranges from 1,250 won to 1,500 won for adults.

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 fare, routes, detailed schedules, bus arrival times, and estimated travel durations. Information about bus arrival times, schedules, and routes is also displayed at bus stops.

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

• Blue buses serve major roads between downtown Seoul, its outskirts and sub-centers. Routes are usually direct and efficient, with few detours from main roads.

• Green buses run between blue bus routes and subway lines, usually using less direct routes. Their terminal stops will be in adjacent zones.

• Another type of green bus are community buses that run in small residential areas.

• Red buses serve wide areas on express routes and connect the outlying suburbs with Seoul’s sub-centers.

• Yellow buses move through the downtown areas and shopping districts of the metropolitan area. They usually follow circular routes in limited zones.

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 (BUSTAGO) provide English services. However, reservations are currently only available in Korean. You can still check bus schedules and the number of available seats.

• Bustago: Android, iOS

• Intercity Bus 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.

Kobus website

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T-Money Card: A must-have item in Korea

Having a T-Money card is the first step to master the mass transit system in ROK. It can make your life here much easier and more convenient, and even save your money. T-Money card can be used for a bus, taxi, metro and convenience stores. It offers a 100 won discount for every ride as well as a huge discount when you transfer to another bus or metro line within 30 minutes (Limited to 4 times a day).

Also, 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)

- 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.

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Travel by Taxi

- Type of tAxi

• General (Ilban) taxi with fares starting at 4,800 won. The color is usually orange or white.

• Deluxe (Mobeom) taxi starts at 7,000 won. It’s usually black color with a yellow sign on top. There is no late-night fare differential. Many of the deluxe taxis have stands at major hotels, subways, and bus stations.

• Large taxis for 6 to 13 passengers with a van starts at 4,000-7,000 won. They can usually be called through the Kakao-T app.

• There are various taxi options available through the Kakao-T app and the fare is displayed on the app.

- Fare

Rates begin with the basic fare and increase based on either the distance traveled or the time elapsed. Regular taxi fares rise by approximately 20 percent between the hours of midnight and 4 a.m.

Ensure that the driver is using the meter at the beginning of your trip, unless you have agreed upon a set price beforehand.

- Payment options

Cash or T-Money card

- 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 cab

• 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.

• Call taxi through Kakao-T app to your current location. This foreigner-friendly app offers English service and is must-have for using taxis in Korea. It also provides parking-finding services and more.

- Exchange taxis are available on base, making life easier around bases.

DIAL: 1544-9080

Exchange Taxi Dispatching Service website

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Travel by 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 planning to drive on the highways with your personally owned vehicle (POV), use the Hi-Pass system, which allows 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) and a Hi-Pass Card. Both can be purchased at highway business offices, shopping malls, most highway rest stops, and at Hi-Pass Service in the Main PX (Bldg. 5700) or the Supply Service Center (Bldg. 449) on Camp Humphreys.

The Hi-Pass card requires a 5,000 won deposit upon purchase, and it can be charged in amounts ranging from 5,000 to 500,000 won.

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Travel by 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. Many travelers take domestic flights when heading to Jeju Island, where round-trip journeys typically range from 55,000 to 150,000 won.

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!

- International airport vs. domestic Airport

• International airports: Incheon Airport, the largest airport in ROK, operates flights connecting to destinations worldwide. The 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: These airports usually operate flights to Seoul or Jeju Island. Travelers often fly to Seoul to connect to Incheon or Gimpo Airport for international travel. For those heading to Jeju Island, flights are a more convenient option compared to taking a ferry.

- Useful airports

• Incheon International Airport / Gimpo International Airport: Two major airports in ROK located near Seoul.

• Cheongju International Airport: Many use this airport when traveling from Camp Humphreys or Osan Airbase to Jeju Island. It operates flights to Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asian countries.

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

• Daegu International Airport: Mainly used for flights to Jeju Island, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

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

- Airport Express-AREX

AREX offers a quick train ride from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station, taking about 45 minutes. The fare to Seoul Station is just around 11,000 won (8,000 won for children), making it a more affordable choice than taking a bus or taxi. Additionally, there is a regular train option that stops at other destinations, including Gimpo Airport, Hongdae, and Seoul Station. Tickets can be purchased on-site or via a mobile device. Check the schedule and purchase the ticket.

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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 and 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

Android, iOS

Android, iOS

Android, iOS

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