Using public transportation

① Subway

You will discover that the subway is the most efficient way to travel around the city. Schedules can vary depending on the line. Please remember to note the schedule in advance.

Subway payment methods

• Regular Tickets can be used only once and come in paper or plastic card form.
• Prepaid cards must be recharged. Passengers may use the card until the balances is empty.
• Deferred payment cards will appear as public transportation usage fees on your credit card bill.

② Intra-city buses

Various types of buses cover routes that connect every corner of the city. Bus routes can be very difficult for newcomers to master. However, once you get the hang of riding the bus, it may be easier to reach destinations not easily accessible by subway. Buses travel in intervals. However, they may take longer in busier parts of the city. One of the advantages of travelling by bus is that you can enjoy the sights and sounds of various neighborhoods around the city. If you are worried about traffic, it is a relief to know that some bus routes do not get very congested because of designated bus lanes, marked in blue. However, one drawback may be that it can be difficult to find a seat or a standing position on a moving bus filled with commuters. The experience becomes a bit more interesting when you must squeeze your way towards the rear exit.

③ Taxis

Taxis are a comfortable and convenient way to travel around the city. Compared to Ilban (general) taxis, Mobeom (deluxe) taxis are considerably more comfortable but expensive.
A call-van is a type of taxi that transports freight. Call-vans are a newly established transportation business adopted in Korea. They offer pickup and delivery truck services.

④ Express buses

If you are planning a trip to a regional city, an express bus provides an excellent, hassle-free way to travel around the country. The fares are relatively cheap. However, the routes are more diverse than other means of transportation.
You do not need to make a reservation in advance to obtain tickets as many buses travel each route. Many commuters return to their hometowns on major holidays or long weekends. Thus, it is a good idea to make reservations in advance to avoid waiting in a crowded terminal.
Two types of express buses are available: Ilban (general) and Udeung (premium). Although Udeung buses cost a bit more, they are more comfortable. They contain a row of single seats on the left side and double seats on the right side. This arrangement provides more legroom for long rides. It is imperative that you discover which terminal offers routes to your choice of destination. For example, not all terminals offer routes to Mokpo, Jeollanamdo. The best way to research bus schedules and make reservations is through www. kobus.co.kr [K, E] or www.easyticket.co.kr [K].

⑤ Trains & planes

Several options exist for those hoping to travel around Korea. Although express buses are one option, it might be better to use trains or planes for domestic travel.

Trains

Three types of trains operate in Korea: the KTX, the samaeul, and the mugunghwa. The KTX enables individuals to travel from Seoul to Busan in about two and one-half hours at speeds up to 300 km per hour.
Samaeul trains are the next fastest way to travel. They carry Seoulites to Busan in four and a half hours. Samaeul trains stop at all major cities.
Prior to the introduction of the KTX, samaeul were the fastest trains. These trains can be easily distinguished from one another by their blue (KTX, samaeul) and orange (mugunghwa) colors. Mugunghwa trains, named after the national flower of Korea, are the slowest trains. Standing is allowed on these trains. Mugunghwa trains are still widely used because they make many stops not serviced by KTX or Samaeul trains. www.korail.com [K, E] (For reservation, please visit Booking online).

Domestic Flights

Two major airlines, Korean Air (KAL), and Asiana Airlines, as well as several smaller airlines, serve domestic flight routes. Gimpo Airport services all domestic flights. Domestic destinations include Gwangju, Gunsan, Daegu, Busan, Yangyang, Yeosu/Suncheon, Ulsan, Jeju, Jinju/Sacheon, Pohang, and Cheongju.

The two major holidays celebrated in Korea are Chuseok, which occurs in September, and the Lunar New Year, which occurs in February. On these holidays, people often return to their ancestral hometowns for family gatherings. Travel schedules on those days are equivalent to the hectic transportation schedules around Christmas or Thanksgiving. Try to avoid travel on major holidays. If travel is an absolute neccessity, plan ahead and book your tickets early.