A shortlist of five quick tips on how to negate public transportation in South Korea.
1. Google Maps does NOT work in Korea.
Well it does but it doesn’t. You can find some businesses and restaurants on Google maps, but the navigation doesn’t work. Due to national security laws, Google Maps public transport directions are unreliable. Interested in learning what travel apps do work? Check out our list of must-download apps for South Korea!
2. Buy a T-Money card as soon as you arrive at the airport.
-The T-Money card is a reloadable card that is used for public transportation. They can be used to pay for the subway, bus, taxi, and even convenience stores and some cafes!
-You can buy a T-Money card at convenience stores or metro stations for KRW 2,500 using a credit card but need to use cash to reload the card.
3. There are priority seats at the end of train cars that are meant for those that are handicapped, pregnant, or elderly, so try your best not to sit there!
-Even if you are sitting in a non-priority seat, it’s common etiquette to give up your seat for someone that looks like they need it more than you (like the elderly).
4. The KTX high-speed rail is the quickest way to get to other cities in the public transportation world.
-Clocking in at 190 mph (305 km/h), the KTX speed rail can get you from Seoul to Busan in just over two hours. **Keep in mind that you can’t use T-Money for KTX —instead you would need to purchase a Korail Pass.
5. Do not stress about being unable to read signs in Korean…all station maps and signs show a romanized name as well as the name in Hangul (the Korean language).
-The loudspeakers even shout out information in both Korean AND English!
14 Comments
Pam
March 26, 2020 at 11:28 pmIt’s SO GOOD to know Google Maps doesn’t work! That’s my go-to app for navigating! Ahhh so I’ll be lost in Korea all the time – I’ll plan accordingly haha. I didn’t know they had a high speed train either. definitely saving this for later – great tips!
Cherrod and Matt
April 3, 2020 at 8:41 amNaver map and Kakao map are two great alternatives! Feel free to ask us if you have any other questions about Korea! 🙂
Laura
March 27, 2020 at 12:25 amGreat information to have, I’ve haven’t been to Korea yet but will be sure to use public transportation when I do. Thanks!
Cherrod and Matt
April 3, 2020 at 8:40 amYes! Please share with us when you do go!
Courtney
March 27, 2020 at 5:23 pmOh my gosh, I accidentally sat in the elderly section of the subway my first week in Korea. Luckily, the ajummas gave me death stares until I realized my mistake (lol). Love your blog and loved this post! 🙂
Cherrod and Matt
April 3, 2020 at 8:39 amYes the ajummas will definitely let you know when they don’t like something. haha Thank you so much for your kind words!
Lydia
March 27, 2020 at 8:39 pmAs someone who likes to travel on a budget, I’ll be sure to use these tips if I ever visit Korea as they seem so helpful!
Cherrod and Matt
April 3, 2020 at 8:39 amYay! We’re so glad that you found them to be.
Derek
March 27, 2020 at 9:09 pmI didn’t realize that google maps was an issue in Korea, are there any alternatives to help get around? I’m relieved to know that signs are translated. Hopefully that makes it easier.
Cherrod and Matt
April 3, 2020 at 8:38 amThere are quite a few alternatives — Naver map and Kakao map are the two we would recommend the most.
alan @ morepassportstamps.com
March 28, 2020 at 2:17 ami’m keen to know more about those “national security laws”??? seems a bit 1984
ktx is definitely the way to go
Cherrod and Matt
April 3, 2020 at 8:35 amI know! You’ll find quite a bit of information on that with Google. 🙂
Marina
March 29, 2020 at 3:31 amI would love to go to South Korea someday! These tips are super useful for someone who’s never been there!
Cherrod and Matt
April 3, 2020 at 8:33 amYay! We are so glad that you find them useful. 🙂