Transportation Information

1. Train

Trains are one of the fast and efficient ways to travel across regions in Korea. From high-speed trains like KTX and SRT to ITX-Cheongchun, ITX-Saemaeul, Mugunghwa, and even tourist trains, there are a variety of options. Train tickets can be reserved through the Korail website and other train platforms.

1) Major Train Stations

-Seoul Station: Seoul Station is connected to the Airport Railroad (AREX), Seoul Subway Line 1, and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line. It is a key transportation hub in Korea and the starting point of the Gyeongbu Line.

-Yongsan Station: Yongsan Station is linked to Subway Line 1 and serves as the starting point of the Honam Line, connecting Seoul to Mokpo.

2) Types of Trains

- KTX (Korea Train eXpress): KTX is a high-speed train running up to 300 km/h. It departs from Seoul Station, Yongsan Station, and Cheongnyangni Station, connecting to cities like Busan, Gyeongju, Gangneung (Donghae), Andong, and Mokpo.
[KTX - Korea Train eXpress]

- SRT (Super Rapid Train): SRT is another high-speed train similar in speed to KTX. It departs from Suseo Station and travels to Mokpo or Busan.
[SRT - Super Rapid Train]

- ITX (Intercity Train eXpress): While not as fast as KTX, ITX provides a faster and more comfortable service than regular trains like Mugunghwa. It connects Yongsan Station to cities like Chuncheon.

[ITX- Intercity Train eXpress]

- Saemaeul, Mugunghwa: These are regular trains. You can take the Gyeongbu Line from Seoul Station or the Honam Line from Yongsan Station. From Cheongnyangni Station, you can reach Andong or other East Coast destinations. These trains are slower than high-speed ones but stop at smaller stations that KTX or SRT do not serve. Some of these trains offer café and snack bar cars.

-Tourist Train: Tourist Trains are themed trains for tourists, such as the Gugak Wine Train, V-Train (Valley Train), and Namdo Marine Train. These offer unique experiences with a variety of themes.

3) How to Book

You can check schedules and make reservations on the following websites:

KORAIL: www.letskorail.com / SRT: https://etk.srail.kr

Tourist Train Reservation: Tourist Train Reservation link
 

2. Subway

1) How to use the Subway

Seoul, Gwangju, and Busan all have multiple subway lines, with Seoul boasting 9 lines. Each line is distinguished by a unique name and color. Transfers between different lines are free at transfer stations via internal connecting passages. (However, an additional fare may be charged when transferring to the Shinbundang Line, depending on the section.) Transportation cards can be purchased at convenience stores, and single-use tickets can be bought from ticket vending machines at each station. You can tap your card on the terminal at the entrance to board the subway.

2) Subway Map

You can refer to the subway maps on the following websites:

3. Bus

1) Types of Buses

- City Buses

City buses in Korea are a useful mode of transportation for travelers. They provide access to areas that are difficult to reach by subway. If you have a transportation card, you can transfer between buses for free within 30 minutes after getting off, though this may vary depending on the region. Be sure to check the local bus information for details on additional fares. Bus routes can be checked at bus stops or via map apps.
 

- Intercity Buses / Express Buses

Intercity buses operate on highways and national roads, with many stops along the way. Some routes do not use highways and only run on national roads. Intercity buses cover more routes than express buses, making them suitable for travel to smaller cities.

Express buses, on the other hand, use highways and travel long distances without stopping in between. Bus fares vary depending on facilities and seat types, and additional fees may apply during late-night hours. Premium express buses offer wider seats and more comfort, though they come at a higher cost.

2) How to Use the Bus

Tickets can be purchased via online reservation sites, mobile apps, or at ticket counters in bus terminals. Tickets can be printed at the departure terminal’s ticket counter, and you will need to bring the credit card used for the purchase. If the ticket does not show a platform number, check the bus platform number in the terminal’s waiting area before boarding your bus at the designated platform.

Unified Express Bus Reservation Website: www.kobus.co.kr

3) Major Bus Terminals

- Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gyeongbu Line, Yeongdong Line)

Address: 194 Sinbanpo-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul

- Central City Express Bus Terminal (Honam Line)

Address: 176 Sinbanpo-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul

- Seoul Integrated Express and Intercity Bus Terminal - Dong Seoul Terminal

Address: 50 Gangbyeonyeok-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul

- Seoul Nambu Terminal

Address: 292 Hyoryeong-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul

4. Domestic Flights

Korea has 8 international airports and 7 domestic airports. Airlines include Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and six low-cost carriers (LCCs). One of the most popular domestic routes is the Gimpo-Jeju route. Enjoy a fast and comfortable flight to distant areas from Seoul!

For more details on airports, please refer to the following websites.

1) Major Domestic Airports

- Gimpo International Airport :  www.airport.co.kr/gimpo

Location: (Domestic) 112 Haneul-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, (International) 38 Haneul-gil, Gangseo-gu, Seoul

- Gimpo International Airport is located in Seoul and operates routes to Jeju, Gimhae, Ulsan, Yeosu, and more. Various transportation options are available to reach Gimpo Airport, including the Airport Railroad Express (AREX), Seoul Subway, airport limousine buses, city buses, or taxis.
 

- Gimhae International Airport : www.airport.co.kr/gimhae

Location: (Domestic) 2764 Daejeo 2-dong, Gangseo-gu, Busan, (International) 108 Gonghangjinip-ro, Gangseo-gu, Busan

Gimhae International Airport is located in Busan and operates routes to Gimpo, Jeju, and other destinations. You can take city buses or the light rail (subway) to reach downtown Busan from the airport.
 

- Jeju International Airport : www.airport.co.kr/jeju

Location: 2 Gonghang-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

Jeju International Airport is centrally located on the northern part of Jeju-do Island. It operates flights to Gimpo, Gimhae, Gwangju, Daegu, Cheongju, Sacheon, Muan, Yeosu, Gunsan, Pohang, Gyeongju, Wonju, Ulsan, and Yangyang. Buses to other parts of the island are available, and the airport is also a hub for car rentals. As weather conditions can sometimes affect flight schedules, it's recommended to have a flexible travel itinerary when visiting Jeju-do.

- Yangyang International Airport : www.airport.co.kr/yangyang

Yangyang International Airport is located in Yangyang, Gangwon State, and operates flights to Yeosu and Jeju. Nearby cities include Sokcho and Gangneung.

- Cheongju International Airport : www.airport.co.kr/cheongju

Located in Cheongju, Chungbuk, Cheongju International Airport operates routes to Jeju and other destinations. Nearby cities include Cheongju, Sejong, and Daejeon, making it convenient for travel within the Chungcheong Province.

- Muan International Airport : www.airport.co.kr/muan

Location: 970-260 Gonghang-ro, Mangun-myeon, Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do

Muan International Airport, located in Muan-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province, operates flights to Jeju and other destinations. You can take a bus from the Muan Bus Terminal to Mokpo or Gwangju.

- Gunsan Airport : www.airport.co.kr/gunsan

Location: 2 Sandong-gil, Okseo-myeon, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do Daegu International Airport

5. Taxis

Taxis are a convenient way to reach destinations that are difficult to access by subway or bus, especially in unfamiliar areas. Most taxis charge passengers based on the meter, and tipping is not required. Passengers can pay the fare using cash, credit cards, or transportation cards. Recently, taxi-hailing apps have also become available.

1) Types of Taxis

Taxis in Korea are generally divided into two types: regular taxis and deluxe taxis. Regular taxis are easily recognizable by their yellow license plates and the roof sign that says “TAXI.” Deluxe taxis consist of higher-end vehicles, offering more premium services at a higher fare compared to regular taxis. These taxis are usually black and do not have a roof sign.

There are also international taxis, driven by drivers who speak foreign languages such as English, Chinese, or Japanese. International taxis can be reserved in advance for airport pickup services. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance through the website, email, or phone.

Website: www.intltaxi.co.kr
Reservation: reserve@intltaxi.co.kr
 

2) Taxi Fares

Taxi fares vary depending on the city and the type of taxi. Typically, the fare includes a base fare plus additional charges based on the distance traveled. Additional fees may apply for late-night hours or trips to specific areas. Night fares usually apply from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM, with different rates based on time and distance. The highest charges are from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Recently, it has also become possible to hail a taxi using mobile apps like Kakao T.