How to Use Public Transportation in Seoul (Complete Guide for Travelers) 서울 대중교통 이용 완벽 가이드 — 지하철 + 버스 편

날짜:

✅ Introduction

Seoul has one of the most efficient, affordable, and convenient public transportation systems in the world. For first-time travelers, it may seem complicated at first, but once you understand how it works, moving around Seoul becomes extremely easy.

서울은 세계적으로 효율적이고 저렴하며 접근성이 좋은 대중교통 시스템을 가진 도시입니다. 처음 여행하는 사람에게는 조금 복잡해 보일 수 있지만, 기본만 알면 정말 쉽게 이동할 수 있습니다.


This guide will show you exactly how to use the subway, buses, T-money card, apps, fares, transfers, and safety tips — perfect for tourists visiting Korea for the first time.

이 글에서는 지하철, 버스, 티머니카드, 요금, 환승, 앱 활용, 안전 팁까지 여행자가 꼭 알아야 할 모든 정보를 정리했습니다.


✅ 1. What Is a T-money Card and Why You Need It

T-money is a rechargeable transportation card used for subways, buses, taxis, and even convenience stores.

티머니 카드는 충전식 교통카드로, 지하철·버스·택시·편의점에서 모두 사용할 수 있습니다.


➖ Where to buy:

  • GS25 / CU / 7-Eleven (편의점)
  • Subway stations (지하철 역사)
  • Airport (인천공항 교통센터)


➖ Price:

  • Card itself: ₩2,500–₩4,000
  • Recharge amount: ₩5,000–₩50,000


➖ Why travelers love it:

  • No need to buy a new ticket every time
  • Easy transfers between bus ↔ subway
  • Works nationwide

A must-have item for travelers.

티머니카드와 일회용 교통카드 사


✅ 2. How to Use the Seoul Subway (Step-by-Step)

The subway is the fastest and most reliable way to travel in Seoul.

서울 지하철은 가장 빠르고 정확하며 편리한 이동수단입니다.


➖ Step 1: Find Your Station

You can use apps such as:

  • Subway Korea
  • Kakao Metro
  • Naver Map

All support is available in English.


➖ Step 2: Check the Line Number and Direction

Each subway line has a color + number:

  • Line 1 (Dark Blue)
  • Line 2 (Green)
  • Line 4 (Light Blue)
  • Line 9 (Gold)

If you look in the right direction, you can easily board.


➖ Step 3: Tap Your T-money Card

Place your card on the gate sensor:

  • Tap once to enter
  • Tap again to exit

Please note that additional charges will apply if you do not tap your card.


➖ Step 4: Inside the Subway

Things you will notice:

  • Announcements are in Korean + English
  • Screens show next stations
  • Free WiFi is available on most lines
  • Priority seats are marked


➖ Step 5: Transfer Stations

Transfer signs are clear and color-coded.

Transfers are free within 30 minutes.


✅ 3. How to Use Seoul Buses

Seoul buses are color-coded for easy understanding:

서울 버스는 색상으로 구분됩니다:

  • Blue Bus (파란 버스) — Long-distance, main roads
  • Green Bus (초록 버스) — Connects subways + local areas
  • Yellow Bus (노란 버스) — Loops around city districts
  • Red Bus (빨간 버스) — Express buses to suburbs


➖ How to Ride

  1. Check your destination on the bus stop sign
  2. When the bus arrives, check the bus number
  3. Enter through the front door
  4. Tap your T-money card
  5. Tap again when exiting

You must tap your card both when boarding and getting off to ensure accurate fare calculation.


➖ Bus Announcements

  • Korean + English
  • Digital screen displays next stop
  • You can press the stop button when your stop is near

English instructions are available, making it easy for foreigners to use.


✅ 4. Public Transportation Fares in Seoul

➖ Subway

  • Basic fare: ₩1,400
  • Extra fare after 10 km


➖ Bus

  • Local Buses: ₩1,200–₩1,500
  • Red Express Bus: ₩2,400–₩2,800


➖ Transfer Benefits

If using T-money:

  • Subway → Bus: Free transfer
  • Bus → Subway: Free transfer
  • Up to 5 transfers allowed


✅ 5. Apps You Should Install (Highly Recommended)


You only need two apps to travel around Seoul smoothly:

➖ Naver Map (네이버 지도)

Better than Google Maps in Korea.

Shows accurate walking paths, subway exits, and bus arrivals.


➖ Kakao Metro (카카오지하철)

Shows:

  • Travel time
  • Fastest route
  • Train arrival times
  • Transfer information

It is very intuitive and easy to use even for foreigners.


✅ 6. Safety Tips for Using Public Transportation

Seoul is a very safe city, but basic precautions are still necessary.

  • Keep your bag in front of you during rush hour
  • Avoid extremely crowded trains if traveling with luggage
  • Priority seats are reserved — avoid sitting there
  • Late-night buses operate less frequently
  • Don’t eat inside the subway


✅ 7. Tips for Travelers with Luggage

  • Use Line 1, 2, 4, 9 → most stations have elevators
  • Avoid peak hours (8–9 AM, 6–7 PM)
  • Airport Railroad (AREX) is best for airport travel
  • Subway doors close quickly — be careful


✅ Conclusion

Seoul’s transportation system is fast, safe, clean, and easy once you understand the basics. With a T-money card and a navigation app, you can travel anywhere in the city comfortably and affordably.

서울의 대중교통은 빠르고 깨끗하며 이해하기 쉽습니다. 티머니카드와 지도 앱만 있으면 누구나 편리하게 서울을 여행할 수 있습니다.

Enjoy exploring Seoul like a local!