Mastering the Subways and Buses in Major Cities

Navigating Seoul’s subway network is easier than it looks! With over 23 lines, each color-coded and numbered, getting to most parts of the city is straightforward. For budget-conscious students, a T-money card (about 2,500 KRW) is essential, allowing seamless transfers between buses and subways. Fares typically start at 1,250 KRW for a one-way trip, and T-money often provides a small discount for transfers between subway and bus lines, saving you a bit more every day.

For buses, Seoul’s color-coded system (blue for long-distance, green for shorter commutes, yellow for local loops, and red for express buses) is designed to simplify routes. Apps like Kakao Map or Naver Map can guide you, showing real-time locations, and even arrival predictions for your stop, which is helpful for timing your day.

Intercity Travel by KTX and Regular Trains

Planning a getaway to Busan or Daegu? South Korea’s high-speed KTX trains offer an efficient way to travel across the country. A ticket from Seoul to Busan, for example, costs around 60,000 KRW for a one-way journey. However, you can save considerably with a Korail Pass if you’re planning multiple trips within a few days. The Korail Pass, available for foreign residents, lets you travel on unlimited routes over two to five days for around 121,000 KRW.

For scenic journeys, try the V-Train, which travels through the mountainous regions, or the G-Train along the west coast. These offer more than just a commute—they’re like tours on rails, with unique views you can’t find elsewhere  .

Express and Intercity Buses for Budget-Friendly Travel

If trains are out of your budget or schedule, South Korea’s express and intercity buses offer affordable and direct connections between cities. Express buses are faster, often with fewer stops, and come with regular and premium options. A trip from Seoul to Busan via express bus costs around 23,000 KRW. Use apps like Bustago and Kobus for easy booking, which is particularly useful if you’re on a tight schedule or need to guarantee a seat during peak times like holidays.

Booking Domestic Flights for Long-Distance Trips

For those traveling to Jeju or other more distant destinations, low-cost airlines like T’way and Jeju Air make domestic flights a viable option, especially if you book early. Flight tickets between Seoul and Jeju can be as low as 20,000 KRW one-way during promotions, making it cheaper than the KTX.

A Few Handy Tips

• Download the Kakao T app for taxi services, especially if you’re out late and buses have stopped running. Kakao T also has English language options, making it student-friendly.

• Plan trips during off-peak hours to avoid crowded trains and buses, especially during major holidays like Chuseok or Lunar New Year when the entire country travels to visit family.

• Take advantage of discounts and passes offered for students or foreigners, such as the Seoul City Pass, which can also be beneficial for tourist attractions.