Taking a bus in Korea is a convenient, affordable, and reliable way to get around the city. But if it’s your first time, you might wonder: “How do I ride the bus? Do I pay in cash or card? Where do I get off?” Don’t worry—here are the key rules and tips you need to know to navigate Korean buses like a local.
Board Through the Front, Exit Through the Rear
In Korea, city buses follow a front-door boarding and rear-door exit system to help passenger flow. Tap your transportation card at the front when boarding, and again at the rear when exiting—especially if you’re transferring to another bus or subway.
If you're paying in cash, make sure to use small denominations like 1,000 KRW bills or coins. Drivers usually provide change only for small amounts. If you use a 5,000, 10,000, or 50,000 KRW bill, the driver may not be able to accept it or give you change.
Use a Transportation Card (T-money)
Most people in Korea use a transportation card such as T-money or Cashbee to pay for buses and subways. These rechargeable cards can be purchased at convenience stores or subway stations. Tap the card when boarding and again when exiting to ensure correct fare and transfer credit. You can also use these cards on subways, some taxis, and even for small purchases.
Transfers Between Bus and Subway
In Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, you can transfer for free or at a discount between buses and subways using the same card—up to 4 times within a 30-minute window. To get this benefit, make sure to tap your card both when you get on and off. If you miss a tap or exceed the time limit, you’ll be charged a full fare again. In other regions, transfer policies may differ or not apply.
Avoid Rush Hour if Possible
Like in many large cities, Korean buses can get very crowded during weekday rush hours—typically from 7:30–9:00 AM and 5:30–7:00 PM. If you're not on a tight schedule, it’s better to travel outside of these times for a more comfortable ride.
Check Bus Arrival Times at the Stop
At most bus stops in Korea, you’ll find a digital display showing real-time arrival times. These are generally accurate and update automatically. Alternatively, you can check live arrival data using apps like KakaoMap or Naver Map, which are available in English. Many stops also have QR codes you can scan for immediate access to upcoming bus info for that stop on your phone.
Unlike subways, most Korean buses only provide announcements and displays in Korean. There is no English, Chinese, or Japanese audio. It’s helpful to learn the Korean pronunciation of your stop in advance, or track your location in real time using a navigation app.
When you're nearing your stop, press the stop button just before you arrive—not one or two stops ahead. This is how you signal the driver to stop, and it’s a common practice in many countries.
Once you understand the basics, riding the bus in Korea becomes much easier. With a transportation card and a little preparation, you’ll travel like a local—getting from traditional markets to hidden cafes with ease. Don’t miss out on this budget-friendly and authentic way to explore the country.
댓글