SUBWAY The subway is easy to use, multi-lingual, and comprehensive throughout Seoul and its satellite cities (
Metro Map). You can either purchase single tickets at kiosks or get a T-Money Card (recommended).
Seoul usually has heavy and unpredictable traffic on roads, so we recommend taking the subway whenever possible.
BUS More adventurous travelers may choose to take a bus. For certain destinations the bus is the fastest way to travel. The system is simple but is more complicated than the subway. So, if possible, try to go your first time with a friend who can explain or find an instructional blog. If you want to take a bus, the T-Money Card (below) is necessary.
TAXIThe best ride-hailing apps are:
KakaoT - Larger network; more difficult
Uber (UT) - Easier for tourists; smaller network
There are many taxis on the streets of Seoul and they charge reasonable prices (they accept T-Money Cards too). The best way to get a taxi is through the app KakaoT (
Android,
Apple). This app is difficult for tourists to use because many features are gated behind requiring a Korean phone number. If you'd like to try, detailed instructions to get around those limitations are found
here. Otherwise, your best option is to try Uber, flag a taxi down on the street, or ask hotel staff for help.
COMMUTER CARDIf you're going to ride the subway and/or bus more than once or twice, buying a
T-Money Card (
Web Link) is essential. These prepaid transit cards can be purchased at any convenience store or subway station kiosk in Korea and
greatly simplify using public transit. They also offer discounts when transferring between subway and bus in a single trip. These cards can be recharged at any point of purchase.