Korea’s transport network is dense and safe. Most travelers combine air or KTX between regions with metro, bus, and occasional taxis. A rechargeable T-money (or compatible) card simplifies taps on buses, subways, and many taxis.
Getting around Korea
Airports (ICN, GMP, and beyond)
Incheon (ICN) is the main international hub: follow signs for AREX (airport railroad) to Seoul, airport buses, or official taxis from marked ranks. Gimpo (GMP) handles more domestic and some regional flights—often closer if your hotel is western Seoul.
Allow time for immigration, baggage, and peak-hour traffic. Bus and train screens usually show Korean and English; major hubs have information desks. Check your airline terminal—ICN has multiple terminals connected by shuttle.
Intercity buses
Express bus terminals (Seoul Express Bus Terminal, Central City, Nambu, etc.) sell tickets to most cities. You can often book online or at kiosks; peak seasons (Chuseok, Lunar New Year, summer) sell out early.
Coaches are generally on time, clean, and luggage-friendly. Keep your ticket until arrival; stops are announced (sometimes bilingual on major routes). For Jeju without flying, overnight ferries exist from some ports—schedules weather-dependent.
City buses
Local buses use T-money taps when boarding (and sometimes again when exiting—watch what locals do). Naver Map or KakaoMap shows real-time arrivals better than many global apps.
Eating on buses is uncommon; give seats to elders, people with disabilities, and pregnant riders when marked. At night, note which exits stay busy; apps help you pick well-lit stops.
Taxis & ride-hailing
Street taxis are metered; orange, silver, and black “luxury” tiers exist with different base fares. Have your destination in Korean map pins or exact names—drivers in residential areas may know landmarks better than English addresses.
Kakao T (ride-hailing) is widely used: set up a payment method that works for you; surcharges can apply late night or in rain. Uber availability is limited compared to some countries—Kakao T is the default for many visitors who use apps.
Rent a bike & bike share
Major cities run public bike schemes (e.g. Seoul’s “Ddareungi” style systems). You typically register in an app, pay a deposit or pass, and unlock docks via QR. Helmets are not always included—bring one if you care about safety.
Rules: ride in allowed lanes, yield to pedestrians, and don’t ride on sidewalks where prohibited. For longer trips, river paths (e.g. along the Han) are popular; summer heat and winter ice change comfort levels quickly.