The T-money Card — Your First Stop
The T-money card is a rechargeable contactless card that works on almost every subway line, city bus, intercity bus and taxi in Korea. Buy one at any CU, GS25, 7-Eleven or Emart24 convenience store for ₩2,500-4,000 and top it up at subway station kiosks. It gives a small fare discount compared to single tickets and saves enormous time.
A single T-money card can be used across cities, so one card covers Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gyeongju and even Jeju. You can also pay at convenience stores and some vending machines with it.
Bring a Wise or Revolut card for ATM withdrawals to top up T-money with minimal foreign-exchange fees.
KTX & Intercity Trains
The KTX is Korea's high-speed train, reaching 305 km/h and connecting Seoul to Busan in about 2h40 for around ₩60,000. Other key routes include Seoul to Gwangju (1h45), Seoul to Mokpo (2h20) and Seoul to Singyeongju (2h00). SRT is a competing high-speed service from Suseo Station in southeast Seoul.
For scenic or slower routes, ITX-Saemaul, Mugunghwa and Nuriro trains are cheaper and serve more stations. Book all trains via the Korail website or Let's Korail app. Reserved seats are recommended on weekends and peak travel dates.
| Route | Train | Time | Price |
|---|
| Seoul → Busan | KTX | 2h40 | ₩60,000 |
| Seoul → Gwangju | KTX | 1h45 | ₩47,000 |
| Seoul → Singyeongju | KTX | 2h00 | ₩50,000 |
| Seoul → Mokpo | KTX | 2h20 | ₩53,000 |
| Seoul → Gangneung | KTX | 1h55 | ₩27,000 |
City Subways, Buses & Taxis
Subways
Seoul has one of the world's best subway networks with 23+ lines covering the metro area. Stations have English signage and announcements. Fares start around ₩1,400 with T-money. Busan, Daegu, Daejeon and Gwangju also have subway systems.
City & Intercity Buses
Intercity buses (express and regular) reach almost every town. They're often cheaper than trains and sometimes faster for smaller destinations. Book at kobus.co.kr or txbus.com, or just show up at the bus terminal.
Taxis
Taxis are plentiful and affordable. Regular taxis start around ₩4,800 in Seoul. Use Kakao T (Korea's Uber-equivalent) to book in English — it shows the fare estimate and avoids language issues. Tipping is NOT customary — do not tip drivers.
Airports & Airport Transfers
From Incheon (ICN) the AREX Express takes 43 minutes to Seoul Station for ₩11,000. The All-Stop AREX costs ₩4,500 but takes 58 minutes. KAL and other limousine buses serve major hotel districts. Gimpo (GMP) handles domestic flights to Busan (PUS), Jeju (CJU) and other regional airports.
Apps You Actually Need
- Naver Map or KakaoMap — essential, as Google Maps walking directions don't work well in Korea.
- Kakao T — for taxis, shuttle booking and bike rentals.
- Let's Korail or SR — for KTX/SRT booking and ticketing.
- Papago — Naver's translation app, far better than Google Translate for Korean.
- KakaoTalk — used for restaurant reservations, tour confirmations and contacting locals.
Get an eSIM or local SIM the moment you land. Most Korean apps require phone-based verification or location services, and CCTV-free taxi payments work best with mobile data.
Country code for Korea is +82 (Seoul +82 2, Busan +82 51). Emergencies: 112 police, 119 fire/medical, 1330 24/7 tourist helpline (free, English).
The T-money Card — Your First Stop
The T-money card is a rechargeable contactless card that works on almost every subway line, city bus, intercity bus and taxi in Korea. Buy one at any CU, GS25, 7-Eleven or Emart24 convenience store for ₩2,500-4,000 and top it up at subway station kiosks. It gives a small fare discount compared to single tickets and saves enormous time.
A single T-money card can be used across cities, so one card covers Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gyeongju and even Jeju. You can also pay at convenience stores and some vending machines with it.
Bring a Wise or Revolut card for ATM withdrawals to top up T-money with minimal foreign-exchange fees.
KTX & Intercity Trains
The KTX is Korea's high-speed train, reaching 305 km/h and connecting Seoul to Busan in about 2h40 for around ₩60,000. Other key routes include Seoul to Gwangju (1h45), Seoul to Mokpo (2h20) and Seoul to Singyeongju (2h00). SRT is a competing high-speed service from Suseo Station in southeast Seoul.
For scenic or slower routes, ITX-Saemaul, Mugunghwa and Nuriro trains are cheaper and serve more stations. Book all trains via the Korail website or Let's Korail app. Reserved seats are recommended on weekends and peak travel dates.
| Route | Train | Time | Price |
|---|
| Seoul → Busan | KTX | 2h40 | ₩60,000 |
| Seoul → Gwangju | KTX | 1h45 | ₩47,000 |
| Seoul → Singyeongju | KTX | 2h00 | ₩50,000 |
| Seoul → Mokpo | KTX | 2h20 | ₩53,000 |
| Seoul → Gangneung | KTX | 1h55 | ₩27,000 |
City Subways, Buses & Taxis
Subways
Seoul has one of the world's best subway networks with 23+ lines covering the metro area. Stations have English signage and announcements. Fares start around ₩1,400 with T-money. Busan, Daegu, Daejeon and Gwangju also have subway systems.
City & Intercity Buses
Intercity buses (express and regular) reach almost every town. They're often cheaper than trains and sometimes faster for smaller destinations. Book at kobus.co.kr or txbus.com, or just show up at the bus terminal.
Taxis
Taxis are plentiful and affordable. Regular taxis start around ₩4,800 in Seoul. Use Kakao T (Korea's Uber-equivalent) to book in English — it shows the fare estimate and avoids language issues. Tipping is NOT customary — do not tip drivers.
Airports & Airport Transfers
From Incheon (ICN) the AREX Express takes 43 minutes to Seoul Station for ₩11,000. The All-Stop AREX costs ₩4,500 but takes 58 minutes. KAL and other limousine buses serve major hotel districts. Gimpo (GMP) handles domestic flights to Busan (PUS), Jeju (CJU) and other regional airports.
Apps You Actually Need
- Naver Map or KakaoMap — essential, as Google Maps walking directions don't work well in Korea.
- Kakao T — for taxis, shuttle booking and bike rentals.
- Let's Korail or SR — for KTX/SRT booking and ticketing.
- Papago — Naver's translation app, far better than Google Translate for Korean.
- KakaoTalk — used for restaurant reservations, tour confirmations and contacting locals.
Get an eSIM or local SIM the moment you land. Most Korean apps require phone-based verification or location services, and CCTV-free taxi payments work best with mobile data.
Country code for Korea is +82 (Seoul +82 2, Busan +82 51). Emergencies: 112 police, 119 fire/medical, 1330 24/7 tourist helpline (free, English).