Taxis in South Korea are generally clean, safe, and reasonably priced, making them a great option when you're in a hurry.
Subways and City Buses
The most popular way to get around in South Korea is by subway or bus. To use them, most people buy a T-money card, which is a rechargeable card used for public transportation and even some purchases. For example, my friend paid for her ice cream at Baskin-Robbins using her T-money card! You can buy one at the airport, convenience stores, or inside subway stations. Once you have a card, you can easily load money onto it at a store or a machine, and then you're ready to ride!
Since Google Maps and Apple Maps don't work as well in South Korea as they do in the U.S., the best way to find your way around is by using Naver Map or KakaoMap. These apps show you which subway line or bus number to take, where to get on and off, walking directions to your final destination, and how long your trip will take.
Riding the Bus: When you board a bus, you scan your T-money card at the front, near the driver. Hopefully, you will find an open seat. Lucky you! If not, you'll need to hold onto a handle so you don't lose your balance. A voice announcement will tell you which stop is next, first in Korean and then in English. If your stop is coming up, you press a red button to let the driver know you want to get off. You exit through the middle doors and scan your card again to complete your ride.
Taking the Subway: When entering a subway station, you follow the signs for your line. Each line has a number and a color—like Line 2, which is green.
