They go into almost every nook and cranny of the city and the best part is the buses are really fast, despite there being so many of them. The bus drivers’ determination to follow their schedules can be a little scary sometimes due to their hasty driving and quick stops, but you get used to it sooner than you’d expect. The public transportation runs from 5:30 AM to midnight every day. After midnight, taxis are the life force connecting people to the different places they want to go in the city. Much like buses, taxis are not for people who feel car-sick easily. The taxi drivers get you to your location quickly and cheaply, however, taxi drivers will reject your ride if they think the destination is too close. Time for a walk then?
I love using public transportation whenever I go somewhere new because it allows me to experience the everyday life of a local person. When I take the subway or bus in Seoul, I instantly feel more connected to the people around me. I get to see what books people on the subway like to read, groups of students going home on the bus after school and even workers taking quick naps on the way to work. In a way, taking public transportation in Seoul feels comforting and familiar, but that may just be my inner New Yorker speaking!
Seoul’s transportation system may seem similar to those of other major cities, but there are small elements that make the experience feel uniquely Korean. Take the T-money card for example. T-money cards are one of the main transportation cards used in Korea. With just one tap, you can pay for a subway, bus or even taxi ride.
