Life in Korea

Public Transport in Korea: 5 Mistakes to Avoid (2025)

KRPulse 2025. 4. 27. 21:10

2025 public transport tips in Korea — 5 common mistakes foreigners should avoid on subway and buses

Public Transport in Korea: 5 Mistakes to Avoid (2025)

Navigate Korea's Subway and Buses Like a Local

🚇 Introduction: Why Public Transportation is a Game-Changer

Korea’s public transportation system is one of the most efficient in the world. It’s fast, clean, and affordable—but also easy to misunderstand as a newcomer. Here’s what I learned during my first month as a foreigner navigating subways and buses in Seoul.

Table of Contents

💳 Must-Have Transport Cards (T-money)

Get a T-money card from any convenience store or subway kiosk. Recharge it easily and use it for almost every transport mode—buses, subways, taxis, and even some vending machines.

🚇 How to Master the Subway System

  • Kakao Metro: Real-time subway schedules, platform info, and transfer suggestions.
  • Color-coded lines: Each subway line is marked with its own color, making it easier to navigate.
  • Airport access: Use AREX Express to quickly travel from Incheon Airport to central Seoul.

🚌 Using Buses Like a Pro

  • Know your colors: Blue buses travel far, green ones are local, yellow circulate downtown, and red buses are for longer intercity trips.
  • Tap twice: Always tap your T-money card when boarding and when getting off to avoid overcharges.

📱 Best Apps for Navigation in Korea

  • KakaoMap: Great for pedestrian and public transport routes, including bus stop info.
  • Naver Map: Offers precise exit numbers and estimated arrival times for buses.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting to tap out: Especially on buses, this mistake can lead to extra charges.
  • Wrong exit: Some subway stations have over 10 exits. Always check your navigation app before choosing one.
  • Rush hour travel: Avoid 7:30–9:00 AM and 6:00–8:00 PM unless you like being squished.
🚍 Ready to explore Korea with confidence?
Save this guide and share it with a fellow expat or traveler today!

#PublicTransportationKorea #KoreaSubwayGuide #ExpatsInKorea #TmoneyCard #TravelTipsKorea #SeoulSubway #BusNavigationKorea #LivingInKorea #MovingToKorea #2025KoreaTravel