Unfortunately, Grab nor Uber is available in Korea. Uber had launched in Seoul in 2013, however, due to regulations and taxi industry’s resistance, Uber was ordered to stop operations in 2015. Grab never entered the market. A local service, Kakao T (Android, iOS), is available. (The GPS in big cities is not always correct, so make sure to check the pick up point and destination. Taxi drivers mostly do not speak English) Taxi hailing on the street is more common unless you have gone out of town or at night time. For airport pick ups and longer travels, take a look at our English-speaking service. (Sample course, Booking site)
1. Transportation at the airport
South Korea has one of the best transportation systems on earth. Sure, the public transport can be crowded and the roads of South Korea can be daunting with the Seoul traffic but getting to places is very easy and affordable by any means if you know how. Let’s take a look at what options we have with transportation in South Korea.
1) Arex (Airport train):
First of all, the AREX is the cheapest option to get into Seoul from Airport. There is an express train and all-stop train. It costs around 4,150- 8,000 won (4-8 USD) and you may be eligible for the discounted rate depending on your destination and status. There are limited stops and it may require you to transfer a few times to get to your final destination.
You can go just about anywhere in Seoul with airport limousine. It is called “limousine”. Please don’t expect the black stretched limousine with some wine selections. In fact, it is a premium shuttle bus that travels from Incheon airport to many different places in and out of Seoul. However, it is very convenient and well-organized service. The drivers are very professional and helpful and the ride is affordable. The seats are spacious with arm and foot rests and safety seat belts (you have to wear the seat belts on the bus since it goes on the highway).
(1) Tickets:
As soon as exiting the baggage claim area at the Incheon airport, you will see signs where you can buy the airport limousine tickets. The cost range from 10,000-15,000 won (bout 10-15 USD) per ride, depending on which part of Seoul you are traveling to. It will cost around 20,000-40,000 won (20-40 USD) to travel outside of Seoul, depending on where you go. The bus will take you to major cities and areas in South Korea and it comes frequently. Also, you can pay Korean cash (the amount must be exact) or tab the T-money Card (Public transportation card) as you get on the bus. Buying the card at the booth will save you about a dollar for the ride. Airport Limousine to Alpensia or Yongpyeong Ski Resort(Click)
(2) Stops:
Once you get the ticket, you will know which bus to take. Each stop signs have letters and numbers, depending on the neighborhood. Find the appropriate number and you can get in line at the stop. The sign will also have the route where the bus is traveling and the timetable from the airport. You will have two free luggage to store in the cargo. After the 2nd luggage, it will cost 7,000 won. There’s a staff helping you to load your luggage. Also, you will get a sticker with numbers to identify your bag when you get off the bus. The driver will help you to find your luggage if you let him know that you stored it in the cargo.
3) Private Van:
Airports are quite far away from Seoul (1-1.5 hours away). It will cost quite a lot to grab a cab or call Uber (Uber service is limited in Korea). There’s a popular Korean hailing app, Kakao Taxi, but it is hard to navigate the app or talk to the driver if you have limited Korean language skills.
Nonetheless, if you want the most convenient and quality services, I would book a private vanin advance for the pick-up service at the airport. This will help you to get to the destination comfortable and safe. For this option, the drivers provide 5-star services and the price is quite reasonable for the services you get. You have options to choose different sizes of the car and those generally have more rooms for your luggage. You can book to use this services from or to the airport or you have an option to book a day tour with multiple destinations. If you have a limited time in South Korea, but still want to go as many places as possible, hassle-free, I would look into this option.
T-money card is a pre-paid transportation card. You can get this at any subway station bending machine and this works for all of the public transportation including taxi in Seoul.
2) Subway
Signs
The subway system in Seoul is excellent. The subway signs are well-organized. The subway is very timely, frequent, well-wired throughout the city and the price is affordable. The signs are self-explanatory but it may take some time to get used to them. You will see signs in English and Chinese including the subway maps in each station.
On the subway
1.Priority seats: The Korean people like to respect designated disability and pregnant seats. And you will often see that people give up their seats for elderly and children on the subway. 2.MultilingualAnnouncement: In each stop, you will hear the announcement where you are approaching in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese. Also, You will see the digital signs of where you are and which direction you are going above the door or near the door. 3. Rush hours: Rush hours are usually between 7 – 9 AM and 5 – 7 PM. Therefore, you will want to avoid rush hour as it tends to be extremely crowded where people stack up shoulders to shoulders.
3) Bus
Signs
Most of the major stops have digital signs indicating which bus numbers are approaching and how long you will have to wait. It is updated real-time which I find it extremely convenient.
On the bus
1.Priority seats: You want to respectful of the disability or pregnant seats as people tend to be very respectful about it. 2.Not so foreigner-friendly: I recommend riding the bus if you are comfortable with the Korean language and the destination. On the bus, you will hear where you are approaching in Korean and some bus may have English digital signs near the entrance. However, I found the bus system is less catering to the foreigners than the subway system. 3.Don’t forget to tap again: If you are using the T-money Card(prepaid card), make sure to tab again before leaving the bus to avoid the over-charge.
4) Taxi
Regular taxi service
Taxi is a convenient transportation if you can manage to communicate your destination in Korean to the driver. All taxis run on meters and there’s a base fare. The fare goes up 20% between 12am-4am.
Base Fare
Additional
Regular Taxi
3,000 won (2km)
100 won / 142m
Premium Taxi (Black Cab, Van)
5,000 won (2km)
200 won/ 164m
Also, try to avoid traffic hours, Seoul traffic can be brutal during the rush hours. Taxis are everywhere in Seoul and you will see a plant of them on the street any time in 24 hours. You can simple hail when you see a car with a taxi sign on top of the car on the street.
5) Private Van
If you are looking for premium transportation services without any hick-ups, I highly recommend booking a ➡private van. Tolls, parking, fuel costs, even tips are included to the cost so there’s no hidden fee. In addition, the drivers speak basic English and they are very friendly and professional.
In conclusion,
Time is precious when we travel. Make smart choices depending on times available, comfort level you are looking for or price concerns by mix and match the transportation options in South Korea. Consider cutting out the hassle by taking the shuttle services available at indiway.com. You will be able to focus on observing, discovering, and enjoying by not having to worry about so much how to find a place or language issues.
Cities like Seoul and Busan have passes that operate on subways or trains. Subway systems are the most efficient and easiest way to get around the large cities. Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Daejeon each have their own systems. Taxis in South Korea are safe, clean, and relatively inexpensive.
Travelling around the country is simple – even if the train won't take you where you want to go, there's almost always a bus that will; should you have a choice, it's usually faster but more expensive to take the train.
The Metro is the fastest and most affordable way to get around Seoul. With 22 subway lines making 302 stops across the city, the Seoul Metro is a highly efficient way to get around the city. Download the Seoul Metro Subway app for iPhone or Android, and you'll find the entire process quite straightforward.
Buses are one of the most popular means of transportation in Korea. Buses began operating in 1912, and were operated first in the provinces. There are also types of buses, including city buses, intercity buses, and express buses.
Catch a bus to smaller towns and for short trips within cities. Intercity buses are a great way of getting around Korea and can get you to many places trains can't. Just about any town you'd want to visit is reachable within a transfer or two.
Between its vast and affordable transit system, wide range of dining options, and abundance of low-cost activities and attractions, South Korea can prove a relatively inexpensive travel destination.
You should plan to spend around ₩118,323 ($89) per day on your vacation in South Korea, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, ₩30,541 ($23) on meals for one day and ₩17,227 ($13) on local transportation.
The basic fare for taxis is 3,800 KRW and it goes up to 4,600 KRW at late night (usually starting from 11pm). You will also notice that fares work with a rounding system, if the fare is 4,040 KRW, you will only have pay 4,000 KRW. And if it is at 4,050 KRW, you will have to pay 4,100 KRW.
While virtually all taxis operating in the Seoul area accept credit cards or transportation cards, it is possible that some taxis in the outlying or isolated regions may request cash only. Keep this in mind and make sure to have some cash (in Korean won) with you if you plan to use a cab in remote areas.
Bus fare can be paid either by cash or transportation card when boarding. If using a transportation card, passengers can get a transfer discount when changing to the subway system or another bus line.
Bus is the major transportation in Korea. Bus is based on a flat rate and you can pay bus fares with cash or transportation card. You can get a discount when you use transportation cards. Especially if you pay fares with a transportation card, you don't need to bring cash, keep changes and buy subway ticket.
The best and easiest way to explore South Korea is by car. Once you leave the major cities like Seoul, having a car is a huge advantage and allows you to easily visit some incredible places which are not easily accessible via public transport.
Tmoney and Cashbee are transportation cards that can be used on public buses and subways in several different metropolitan cities and locations throughout the nation.
A foreigner with a foreign issued driver license can drive legally in Korea with an international Driving Permit for 1 year. But, the foreign license must not expire during that period. An international Driving Permit is for a foreigner not residing in Korea (visitor).
South Korea is much more than Seoul and the other major cities where you can get quickly and easily by train. Get ready to explore the less-touristy spots of this rugged gem. Driving in South Korea is not difficult at all.
USFK Regulation 190-1 allows you to drive the first 30 days after arrival on your state side driver's license. Beyond the first 30 days, you must have a valid International Driver's Permit, a Korean driver's license or a USFK Driver's License (USFK 134EK).
This depends on your style of travel, but a mid-range budget for a solo traveler would be about $65USD per day. If you're willing to stay in cheap hostels, stick to more free activities in Seoul, and eat local foods, then you could get it down to maybe $40USD per day.
For those on a mid range budget, 120 000 krw should be enough and for those on a luxury budget, a minimum of 200 000 krw should be ok. It is recommended to bring at least around 200$ in cash. You can use this in places that don't accept cash or in emergencies.
Although a week may seem like a long time, you'll just barely get the flavor of the country in 7 days. Still, you'll be able to experience the hustle and bustle of the capital city, explore ancient temples and other historic sites, and enjoy South Korea's endlessly fascinating culture.
The best time to visit South Korea is between March and May if you want to see the vibrant pink of the cherry blossoms in bloom. If you want to see the landscapes come alive as the leaves change in the cooler weathers, then we'd recommend visiting between September and November.
Korean food doesn't have as high of an international profile as some other national cuisines, so once you arrive in South Korea, you will have plenty of new food to try. Fortunately, the food price in Korea is exceptionally low (and the food is delicious), making the cost of traveling in South Korea a pretty good deal.
Koreans go to bed after 11 p.m. Koreans go to bed after 11 p.m., and sleep for 7 hours and 59 minutes per night. They spent less than 40 minutes for each meal, and more than 2 hours for house chores every day.
Tipping in bars and restaurants is not expected in South Korea, unlike in most countries in Europe and in the United States. The general rule is the service should be exceptional at all times, and with no expectation of extra pay. Tipping in South Korea can be considered rude and frowned upon.
Are taxis expensive in Seoul? Surprisingly, taxis in Seoul are often cheaper than other transportation modes in the city – especially if you're travelling in a group.
Buses and bus stops are color-coded to reflect different routes. Blue buses (main line buses) travel long distances within Seoul city limits and cost 1,300 won ($1.17) for a single journey ride. Green buses, which cost 1,000 won (90 cents), cover the same area but travel shorter distances.
We recommend that you bring your home currency to Korea and exchange just a little to won at the airport (just enough for transportation costs from the airport to the hotel and then to the currency exchange).
ATMs in the city are safe, just use them the same way as you would at home. Unless you have an ATM card from South Korea, you will most likely have to pay a transaction fee for using the ATM along with another fee by your bank at home.
Where to Buy Your T-money Card. You can easily purchase the basic T-money Card at retail convenience stores, such as CU, GS25, Ministop, and 7-Eleven. The card itself costs KRW 2,500. There is a variety of T-money cards with cute designs of Kakao Friends, BT21, and many more.
To purchase a card from a convenience store, ask for a 교통 카드 (gyo-tong ka-deu). “Tmoney” is the English name for these cards; Koreans just call them “transportation cards”. This rechargeable Korean public transportation card is available to all citizens and international visitors.
There are two primary ways to pay for your train ticket – by cash or the T-Money Card. “Cash” means you'll need to purchase single-journey tickets for every train ride that you take. If you only intend to use the subway less than five times, this would be a better option.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has decided to step up its publicity campaign to inform citizens they are no longer allowed to bring food on buses. This is because most passengers are only aware that coffee and other drinks are subject to the ban, not hamburgers and other food items.
Dollars you can take it with you. But in Korea, shops do not take dollars depends on shops but they do not have changes in dollars. You can make exchange when you have dollars. You can ask where are the best exchange shops from the hotel reception.
In order to rent a car in Korea, you must have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) or a valid driver's license issued in Korea. An IDP allows citizens of a foreign country with a valid driver's license to drive while in Korea. You must obtain your IDP in the same country that issued your driver's license.
As a thumb rule, men should wear shorts above the knee and to the end of their fingertips. Although women can show as much leg as they like, men have restrictions on leg exposure. Not to mention shorts are usually reserved for casual outings than they are as formal wear.
You can use the T-Money Card to pay for buses in Seoul and other cities in Korea. Touch the card on the card reader by the driver when you enter. Touch another card reader as you leave the bus. This card reader will tell you the fare, as well as how much money you have left.
Most major credit cards are accepted with Visa and MasterCard being the most widely so, but many shops and banks charge a transaction fee of between 2-4%. Amex is also accepted in a few places in the major tourist areas, but will not be quite as useful.
Transit. In general, travelers in transit do not require a visa to transit through South Korea for less than 24 hours (for Incheon Airport) or when departing on the same calendar day (for all other airports) as long as they stay within the transit area.
The South Korean passport ranks 5th in the world as of December 2022 according to VisaGuide Passport Index. This means that South Korean citizens can travel visa-free or get an eVisa, or a visa on arrival, to 192 countries in the world.
While it is possible to go around South Korea using public transportation, driving around is a lot more convenient and fun. It definitely saves you travel time and if you plan your trip right, it can save you money. Plus: it's a lot easier to do than you think – even if you don't speak their language.
With an easy way of life, bustling city culture mixed with laidback countryside, and a reasonable cost of living, The Land of the Morning Calm is a popular destination for foreigners from across the globe. When moving to South Korea, there are many practicalities to consider.
It's generally not a very widely spoken language in South Korea. However, you'll have better luck finding a local who can speak English in main tourist neighborhoods, such as Myeongdong, Dongdaemun and Hongdae.
Starting September 1, 2021, U.S. citizens traveling to Korea must have a valid visa or an approved Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) to enter Korea.
For Non-U.S. citizen(e.g. China, Mongol, Vietnam, Philippine, India, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Armenia, etc), Tourists in transit to another countries via Korea, can visit Korea without a visa for up to 30 days.
Do US Citizens Need A Visa For South Korea? US citizens traveling to Korea must have a visa or an approved Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) to enter Korea.
Guns, narcotics, p*rnography, subversive material, treasonous material, and counterfeit goods are prohibited from entering Korea. Click export controls to the Republic of Korea to get more detailed information about export controls and the list of export control items.
USFK Regulation 190-1 allows you to drive the first 30 days after arrival on your state side driver's license. Beyond the first 30 days, you must have a valid International Driver's Permit, a Korean driver's license or a USFK Driver's License (USFK 134EK).
Foreigners are largely exempt from the code of conduct that would be required of both parties following their knowledge of age, employment and background, and little is expected of them in such terms, but this does have its drawbacks – in such an ethnically hom*ogeneous society, those that aren't Korean will always ...
The average cost of living in Seoul for one person is 1,600,000 won ($1411), with around 743,000 won ($657) of it falls under the Rent & Utility category. Seoul is included in the top 30% of the most expensive cities in the world, ranked 2788th out of 9294 on Livingcost.
You might not know it if you walked around Seoul, but a lot of people can actually speak English at quite a good level. If you need help, you can often try asking in English and you'll likely manage to communicate even if you don't know much Korean.
Tipping in bars and restaurants is not expected in South Korea, unlike in most countries in Europe and in the United States. The general rule is the service should be exceptional at all times, and with no expectation of extra pay. Tipping in South Korea can be considered rude and frowned upon.
#1 안녕하세요 (annyeong haseyo) - “Hello” in Korean (formal) “Hello” in Korean literally means “to do peace/well-being”. It's used as both a question and an answer almost as though asking “Are you doing well?” and replying 네, 안녕하세요 (ne, annyeong haseyo, “yes, I'm doing well”).
Address: Apt. 935 264 Abshire Canyon, South Nerissachester, NM 01800
Phone: +9752624861224
Job: Forward Technology Assistant
Hobby: Listening to music, Shopping, Vacation, Baton twirling, Flower arranging, Blacksmithing, Do it yourself
Introduction: My name is Nathanial Hackett, I am a lovely, curious, smiling, lively, thoughtful, courageous, lively person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
