π³ T-money Card β Start Here
The T-money card (ν°λ¨Έλ μΉ΄λ) is a rechargeable transit card that works nationwide on all subways, city buses, and most taxis. It's the single most important thing to get on arrival.
Where to buy
- Any convenience store: GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Emart24
- Incheon Airport arrival hall (after customs)
- Subway station vending machines
- Cost: β©3,000β5,000 (card deposit included)
Benefits
- Cheaper than single-journey tickets
- Transfer discounts between subway and bus
- Works in all major Korean cities
- Top up at any convenience store or subway machine
π¬ From Incheon Airport to Seoul
The most popular option. Two services run from Incheon Airport Terminal 1 & 2:
- Direct (μ§ν΅): Incheon β Seoul Station in 43 minutes. β©11,000. No stops.
- All-stop (μΌλ°): Incheon β Seoul Station in 66 minutes. β©4,850 (T-money). Stops at Gimpo, Hongdae, etc.
Premium buses that go directly to major hotels and neighborhoods in Seoul. Good if your hotel is on the route.
- Takes 60β90 minutes depending on traffic
- Cost: β©17,000β20,000 depending on route
- Routes shown on boards at arrival hall β look for your destination
Convenient but expensive from the airport β heavy traffic on the highway and a toll road fee on top.
- Regular taxi: β©60,000β90,000 to central Seoul
- Kakao Black (premium): β©80,000β120,000
- Use only metered taxis from official taxi stands β avoid touts
π Seoul Subway
Seoul's subway is one of the world's best β 9 major lines, 300+ stations, signage in Korean/English/Chinese/Japanese, and trains every 2β5 minutes.
Subway Tips
- Download Naver Maps or KakaoMap for real-time subway routes β more accurate than Google Maps in Korea
- Stand on the right side of escalators β left side is for walking
- Priority seating (λ Έμ½μμ) is for elderly, pregnant women, and disabled β don't sit there even if it's empty
- Eating on the subway is uncommon and frowned upon β finish your coffee before boarding
- Subway runs approximately 5:30amβmidnight. Last trains vary by line.
π KTX Bullet Train β City to City
The Korea Train Express (KTX) connects major cities at speeds up to 305 km/h. The most comfortable and reliable way to travel between Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon and Gwangju.
π Taxis
Korea's dominant taxi app. English available, shows fare estimate before booking, accepts foreign cards. Download before you arrive. Kakao T app β the same as KakaoTalk but transport-focused.
Taxi Types & Fares (Seoul)
- Regular (μΌλ°): Base fare β©4,800. Orange or silver cars. Available everywhere.
- Large (λͺ¨λ²): Premium black vehicles, higher fare (~1.5x), professional drivers. Good for airport runs.
- Kakao Black: Premium, English-speaking driver available, flat-rate option. Best for big groups or late nights.
- Night surcharge: Fares increase by 20% between midnight and 4am.
π Intercity Bus
Express buses (κ³ μλ²μ€) are the cheapest way to travel between cities. Slightly slower than KTX but serve many cities the train doesn't reach.
Key Bus Terminals in Seoul
- Seoul Express Bus Terminal (κ°λ¨) β buses to Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Jeonju
- Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (건λμ ꡬ) β buses to east coast cities, Gangneung, Sokcho
- Book online at kobus.co.kr or at the terminal
- Prices roughly 40β50% cheaper than KTX for same routes