Transportation @ Korea

TRANSPORTATION

Subways Subways serve as a convenient mean of transportation, probably the most favored public transportation by both Koreans and international visitors. Subways are currently available in five major cities including the Seoul Metropolitan Area, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Daejeon. Seoul Metropolitan Area subway system covers an expansive area, including Line 1 to 9 with additional lines, such as Sinbundang Line, Gyeongchun Line, Gyeongui-Jungang Line, Ever Line, Uisinseol Line, and more branching throughout the metropolitan area. Subway lines are color-coded for convenience, allowing passengers to use the subway with ease.

Photo: Seoul Metropolitan Subway Map (Credit: Seoul Metro)

Subway Fares by Region

1. Busan Subway Fares
1. Transportation Card user: 
1. Adults - 1,300 won for Section 1 / 1,500 won for Section 2 
2. Teenagers - 1,050 won for Section 1 / 1,200 won for Section 2 
3. Children – 650 won for Section 1 / 750 won for Section 2
2. Single Journey Ticket user: 
1. Adults - 1,400 won for Section 1 / 1,600 won for Section 2 
2. Teenagers - 1,150 won for Section 1 / 1,300 won for Section 2 
3. Children – 700 won for Section 1 / 800 won for Section 2
3. * Fare structure: Section 1 (within 10.5 km) / Section 2 (exceeding 10.5 km)
2. Daejeon Subway Fares
1. Transportation Card user: 
1. Adults - 1,250 won for Section 1 / 1,350 won for Section 2 
2. Teenagers - 880 won for Section 1 / 960 won for Section 2 
3. Children – 550 won for Section 1 / 600 won for Section 2
2. Single Journey Ticket user: 
1. Adults - 1,400 won for Section 1 / 1,500 won for Section 2 
2. Teenagers - 1,400 won for Section 1 / 1,500 won for Section 2 
3. Children – 600 won for Section 1 / 650 won for Section 2
3. * Fare structure: Section 1 (within 10 km) / Section 2 (exceeding 10 km)
3. Daegu Subway Fares
1. Transportation Card user: Adults 1,250 won / Teenagers 850 won / Children 400 won
2. Single Journey Ticket user: Adults 1,400 won / Teenagers 1,400 won / Children 500 won
4. Gwangju Subway Fares
1. Transportation Card user: Adults 1,250 won / Teenagers 900 won / Children 500 won
2. Single Journey Ticket user: Adults 1,400 won / Teenagers 1,400 won / Children 500 won

Trains One of the most convenient ways to travel between cities in Korea is by train. Bus schedules can vary depending on traffic, but that is hardly the case for the railroad, allowing passengers to make more exact travel plans and move to destinations on time.

Korean trains are classified based on their speed and the amenities offered onboard. There are generally seven classifications: KTX express trains, KTX-Sancheon, Saemaeul, ITX-Saemaeul, ITX-Cheongchun, Mugunghwa, and KORAIL tourist trains. The two main railway lines are Gyeongbu Line and Honam Line but other railway lines also include Jeolla and Gyeongjeon Lines, which reach as far as Yeosu and Changwon on the southern coast.


For an affordable vacation traveling around Korea, the KORAIL Pass, an exclusive railway pass for foreign visitors, allows unlimited use of all trains, including KTX express trains, for a select number of days.

 Photo: Mugunghwa train passing Jeongdongjin Station

Major Train Station in Seoul Korea:

• Seoul Station - Address: 405, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Yongsan Station - Address: 55, Hangang-daero 23-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Cheongnyangni Station - Address: 214, Wangsan-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
• Yeongdeungpo Station - Address: 13, Gyeongin-ro 102-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
• Suseo Station (SRT) - Address: 99, Bamgogae-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Train Classifications

• Korea Train Express (KTX)
  
• ITX-Saemaeul
  
• Mugunghwa
  
• Super Rapid Train (SRT)
  

BUSES

CITY BUSES In Korea, city bus is one of the most convenient and readily available mean of transportation. Throughout the country, city buses provide an easy way to reach any destination, with special colors or numbers to designate each route.

Buses in Seoul are classified by color to designate the bus types: blue buses travel on major roads and run for relatively long distances through Seoul; green buses travel shorter distances and carry travelers between transfer points such as subway stations and longer bus routes; red buses are express buses that travel from Seoul to suburban areas; yellow buses operate on a closed circuit within a district of Seoul. Promoting this efficient management system, many other regions in Korea have also introduced similar designated bus systems to ensure the punctuality of public transportation.

Bus fare can be paid either by cash or transportation card when boarding. If using a transportation card, passengers can get a transfer discount when changing to the subway system or another bus line. To receive the discount, be sure to tap your card on the card reader by the exit doors before getting off the bus. As passengers paying with cash cannot receive any transfer discount, it is highly recommended to use a transportation card.

Photo: Bus in downtown Seoul

Transportation Cards Korea has not only a great public transportation system but also a well-developed payment service that is widely accepted for payment on buses, subways and taxis operating throughout the country. These transportation cards can be purchased from subway stations and convenient stores. The best part of this service is that it is available to all citizens and international visitors, allowing everyone who uses a transportation card to save 100 won on each trip, based on adult fare, compared to paying with cash, as well as receiving a discount when transferring.

EXPRESS BUSES run on expressways and make stop at a rest area but seldom make a stopover in a city other than its destination. Different fares apply for ilban (regular or standard) and udeung (luxury) buses. Udeung buses offer additional comfort with wider seats.

Express Bus Terminals in Seoul

• Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gyeongbu/Yeongdong Line)
• Central City Express Bus Terminal (Honam Line)

Photo: Exterior of Seoul Express Bus Terminal

INTERCITY BUSES usually make stopovers at smaller cities while on its way from one region to another region. An intercity bus that runs directly from one region to its destination without any stopover is referred to as jikhaeng (direct route) or mujeongcha (non-stop). Ticket price for nighttime buses that run late at night usually cost more than daytime buses.

Intercity Bus Terminals in Seoul

• Seoul Nambu Terminal
• Sangbong Terminal

FLIGHTS

Photo: International and Domestic Airport at Seoul Korea

References: Imagine Your Korea. (N.D.). Retrieve from http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TRP/TRP_MAIN.jsp