🚇 How to Commute in Korea (Subway, Buses, and Apps)
🚉 Navigating Korea Like a Local: The Ultimate Public Transport Guide
Planning to travel or study in Korea? The public transport system is fast, safe, and efficient. Teacher Hoon teaches you the essential apps and phrases to navigate subways and buses with absolute confidence.
Why Korea's System is World-Class (EEAT Tip)
Korean public transport is incredibly affordable (starting at approx. $1.00 USD) and highly integrated. As a local teacher, my Top Tip is to get a T-money card immediately—this single card works for subways, buses, and even taxis nationwide. Let's look at how to master your commute.
📑 Tap to view Table of Contents
1. Mastering the Subway
Major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu have extensive subway networks. Announcements are made in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese.
Step-by-Step for Newcomers:
- Purchase a T-money card at any convenience store (CU, GS25, etc.).
- Recharge it (충전하다 - chung-jeon-ha-da) at the station kiosk or convenience store.
- Tap your card when entering AND exiting (crucial for transfer discounts!).
2. Understanding Bus Colors
Korean buses are color-coded for your convenience:
- 🟦 Blue: Major city-to-city trunk routes.
- 🟩 Green: Local routes connecting to subways.
- 🟥 Red: Rapid express routes to/from suburbs.
- 🟨 Yellow: Neighborhood circular routes.
3. Essential Apps for Getting Around
- KakaoMap / Naver Map: Far superior to Google Maps in Korea for walking and transit.
- KakaoMetro: Perfect for subway transfer times and exit numbers.
- Papago: The gold standard for instant translation in subway stations.
🗣 Essential Commuting Phrases
| Korean (한글) | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 지하철역이 어디예요? | jihacheol-yeogi eodieyo? | Where is the subway station? |
| 몇 번 출구예요? | myeot beon chulguyeyo? | Which exit number is it? |
| 티머니 카드 충전해주세요. | timoni kadeu chungjeon-hae-juseyo. | Please recharge my T-money card. |
| 잠시만요! | jamsimanyo! | Excuse me! (Passing through) |
💡 Teacher Hoon's Pro Shadowing Tip
While riding the subway, try shadowing the announcements! When you hear "이번 역은 강남, 강남역입니다" (This stop is Gangnam), repeat it out loud (quietly!). It’s the best way to practice formal intonation while you travel. Also, look out for the sign "조심하세요" (Be careful) – you'll see it everywhere!
💡 Did You Know? Free Transfer Secret
If you tap the same T-money card, transfers between subways and buses (and vice versa) are FREE within 30 minutes! This makes Seoul's transit one of the most integrated and cost-effective systems in the world.
Planning Your Trip to Korea?
Don't let transit anxiety stop you! Book a 1:1 "Travel Korean" session with Hoon on italki. We'll role-play using ticket machines, asking for directions, and reading bus maps so you can travel like a local from day one!
🚀 Master Travel Korean with Hoon
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