How to Use Korean Transportation: T-Money, Subways, and Buses

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How to Use Korean Transportation: T-Money, Subways, and Buses (2025 Guide) | Korea Unpacked

How to Use Korean Transportation: T-Money, Subways, and Buses (2025 Guide)

South Korea has one of the most efficient, clean, and affordable public transportation systems in the world. Whether you're staying in Seoul, Busan, or another major city, you'll rely heavily on subways and buses. This guide covers everything you need to know about using T-Money cards, navigating the subway, and catching local buses in 2025.

1. What Is a T-Money Card?

T-Money is a rechargeable smart card used for public transportation—including subways, buses, some taxis, and even convenience stores.

  • Available at: 7-Eleven, GS25, CU, Emart24
  • Initial cost: KRW 2,500–4,000 (card only)
  • Top-up: Minimum KRW 1,000 at subway machines or convenience stores

Tip: You can also use mobile T-Money via NFC on Android phones (Samsung Pay or T-Money app).

2. How to Use the Subway in Korea

Subways are the fastest way to travel around major cities like Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju.

  • Use KakaoMap or Subway Korea App for live schedules and transfers
  • Tap your T-Money card at entry and exit gates
  • Fares: ~KRW 1,400 base fare (adjusted by distance)
  • Most signs and announcements are in English

Subway Etiquette:

  • Don't speak loudly on trains
  • Priority seats (usually colored) are for seniors, pregnant women, and the disabled
  • Stand to the right on escalators (except in Busan—stand left)

3. Taking Buses in Korea

Local buses connect neighborhoods, tourist spots, and areas not served by subway. They come in different colors:

  • Blue: Long-distance within city
  • Green: Neighborhood shuttle
  • Yellow: Downtown circular route
  • Red: Intercity commuter (suburban to Seoul)

Use your T-Money card when you get on and off. Tap again when exiting to get fare discounts on transfers.

Tip: Bus apps like KakaoBus show live arrival times and routes in English.

4. Getting to/from the Airport

Incheon Airport → Seoul options:

  • AREX Express Train: Non-stop to Seoul Station (43 min, KRW 9,500)
  • Airport Limousine Bus: Direct to major hotels and districts (KRW 17,000–19,000)
  • Subway (AREX All-Stop): Cheapest option but longer travel time

5. Useful Transportation Apps

  • KakaoMap: Real-time routes, bus/subway info
  • Kakao T: Taxi-hailing, fare estimate
  • Subway Korea: Subway-only route planner
  • KakaoBus: Live bus tracking in major cities

📌 Final Tips

  • Always carry at least KRW 5,000 on your T-Money card
  • Transfers between subway & bus are free (within 30 minutes)
  • If your card doesn’t work, use cash for buses (exact fare only)
  • Return unused balance at designated machines (small fee applies)

With just one T-Money card and a few apps, navigating South Korea’s public transport system becomes incredibly easy—even for first-time visitors.

Last updated: July 2025 | Source: Korea Transportation Safety Authority, Seoul Metro

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