The T-Money Card requires payment for each trip, while the Climate Card gives you unlimited rides for a month. It can be tricky to figure out how to buy and load money onto the card, but once you do, you’re set!
The Naver and Kakao apps can help you find your way on the subway and bus, but definitely download a subway app too—just in case you get lost. Once you arrive at a subway station, things move quickly! People rush up and down the many steps, and you’ll swipe your card to enter.
Finding the right subway line can be confusing at first, but it gets easier with practice. Once you find your train, you won’t have to wait long for it to arrive. Be ready to hop on quickly because the doors close fast! There are a few seats, but they’re small, so you might be close to someone or touching the people around you. Some seats are reserved for pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities, so be mindful of that. If you don’t get a seat, there are handles overhead to hold on to during your ride.
Keep an eye on your map to know when to get off, and be ready to swipe your card again when you leave the station. The bus works similarly, but it’s better to find a seat because the bus drivers can drive a bit crazy! If you’re standing, you’ll need to hold on tight.
One important rule on both the subway and the bus is to be quiet. On my first bus ride with a group of students from the U.S., the driver got really upset with us for being too loud. So remember, keep conversations low, avoid phone calls, and don’t eat—just be respectful of everyone around you. Most people are commuting to or from work and may be tired, so it’s nice to let them relax!
