Daily Seoul_Transportation
Bus
Seoul buses are divided into blue, green, yellow, red, customized, and nightrider buses. Airport buses operate in Seoul.
Regional bus
Yellow Bus : First Number (Areas where buses are operating) / Second Number(serial number (1~))
Blue Bus : First Number (Number of departure area) / Second Number (Number of arrival area) / Third Number (serial number (0~))
Green Bus : First Number (Number of departure area) / Second Number (Number of arrival area) / Third Number (serial number (11~))
Red Bus : First Number (9) / Second Number (Number of departure area) / Third Number (serial number (00~))
Customized Bus : First Number (8) / Second Number (departure area) / Third Number (Number of arrival area) / Fourth Number (serial number (0~))
Airport Bus : First Number (6(0~7)) / Third Number (serial number (00~))
Midnight Bus : First Number (N) / Second Number (Number of departure area) / Third Number (Number of arrival area)
Seoul buses information
0 area (Major Districts : Jung-gu, Jongno-gu, Yongsan-gu / Extension Line : none)
1st area (Major Districts : Seongbuk-gu, Gangbuk-gu, Dobong-gu, Nowon-gu / Extension Line : Gyeonggi-do Yangju-si, Uijeongbu-si, Dongducheon-si, Pocheon-si)
2nd area (Major Districts : Seongdong-gu, Gwangjin-gu, Dongdaemun-gu, Jungnang-gu / Extension Line : Gyeonggi-do Guri-si, Namyangju-si, Gapyeong-gun, Yangpyeong-gun)
3rd area (Major Districts : Songpa-gu, Gangdong-gu / Extension Line : Gyeonggi-do Gwangju-si, Hanam-si, Icheon-si, Yeoju-si)
4th area (Major Districts :Seocho-gu, Gangnam-gu / Extension Line : Gyeonggi-do Seongnam-si, Yongin-si, Anseong-si)
5th area (Major Districts : Geumcheon-gu, Dongjak-gu, Gwanak-gu / Extention Line : Gyeonggi-do Anyang-si, Gunpo-si, Uiwang-si, Ansan-si, Gwacheon-si, Suwon-si, Hwaseong-si, Osan-si, Pyeongtaek-si)
6th area (Major Districts : Yangcheon-gu, Gangseo-gu, Guro-gu, Yeongdeungpo-gu / Extension Line : Incheon Metropolitan City, Gyeonggi-do Gimpo-si, Bucheon-si, Gwangmyeong-si, Siheung-si)
7th area (Major Districts : Eunpyeong-gu, Seodaemun-gu, Mapo-gu / Extension Line : Gyeonggi-do Goyang-si, Paju-si, Yeoncheon-gun)
Fare & Transfer System
Fares can be paid by cash or transportation card. One-time boarding charges a flat-rate fare where you can pay by cash or transportation card
Fares for Seoul city buses and Maeul (village) buses can be paid by T-money, U-Pass, EB Card, Cashbee, and Korail Membership Card. Deferred payment transportation cards, which are compatible with T-Money and U-Pass, can be used as well.
Seoul city buses offer a free ride for a maximum of 3 children under the age of 6 so long as they are accompanied by a guardian. Legal free riders who are defined in the Passenger Transport Service Act of Korea are also able to ride for free.
Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, Incheon buses and metropolitan subways are under the Metropolitan Integrated Fare System, so they charge a basic fare up to 10km. Using Seoul metropolitan buses, Gyeonggi-do general buses, non-stop deluxe buses, Incheon buses, and red buses for more than one transfer will cost a basic rate up to 30km, and you will be charged an extra 100 won for each additional 5 km (based on the adult fare).
Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, Incheon buses and metropolitan subways are under the Metropolitan Integrated Fare System, so they charge a basic fare up to 10km. Using Seoul metropolitan buses, Gyeonggi-do general buses, non-stop deluxe buses, Incheon buses, and red buses for more than one transfer will cost a basic rate up to 30km, and you will be charged an extra 100 won for each additional 5 km (based on the adult fare).
Multiple-passenger boarding and a transfer discount are applicable only to city buses, and this offer can be approved only if the same passengers travel to the same destination.
Bus Type Card with Pay-As-You-Go Credt (KRW) Cash (KRW)
Blue Bus/Green Bus Adult: 1,200 Adult: 1,300
Adolescent: 720 Adolescent: 1,000
Child: 450 Child: 450
Red Bus Adult: 2,300 Adult: 2,400
Adolescent: 1,360 Adolescent: 2,400
Child: 1,200 Child: 1,200
Yellow Bus Adult: 1,100 Adult: 1,200
Adolescent: 560 Adolescent: 1,200
Child: 350 Child: 350
Late-Night Bus Adult: 2,150 Adult: 2,250
Adolescent: 1,360 Adolescent: 2,250
Child: 1,200 Child: 1,200
Shuttle (Town) Bus Adult: 900 Adult: 1,000
Adolescent: 480 Adolescent: 1,000
Child: 300 Child: 300
T-money Card
T-money is a transport card issued by the Korea Smart Card. It can be used as a transport card and e-currency. It is usually used in the metropolitan area, along with Cashbee.
The T-money transport cards are classified as a common T-money card and Smart T-money card. Smart T-money cards are sold in various forms, such as a key ring and a cell phone ring.
T-money cards can be recharged at subway stations and convenience stores.
Subway
Subway Information
Subways are a transportation facility of the urban railroad system that is operating in Seoul. Since the opening of Line 1 on August 15, 1974, 9 lines now are currently operating.
Metro Lines in Seoul Metropolitan Area
Subway Fare
Based on distance traveledBased on transport cardsSingle-use card
Adult Up to 10㎞ : 1,250 won 100 won added to the transport card fee
10~50㎞ : additional 100 won charged every 5㎞
Exceeding 50㎞ : additional 100 won charged every 8㎞
Youth minimum charge: 720 won minimum charge: 1,350 won
Child minimum charge: 450 won minimum charge: 450 won
* Early Bird Tickets: Passengers who charge their cards with pay-as-you-go credit before 6:30 a.m. will receive 20 percent off the basic fare.
* Permanent residency (F-5) visa holders aged over 65 and residing in Seoul are also entitled to receive the same “free rides for senior citizens” benefit as Korean nationals.
How to Use
1. Finding subway stations
At the entrance of subway stations, there are a subway sign and the station name. Station names are indicated in Chinese and English for foreigners.
Station numbers are also indicated in different colors, so passengers can easily recognize which subway line it is.
2. Ticket purchasing
As of May 2009, boarding tickets have been changed to single-use transport cards. Upon the purchase of this type of card, a security deposit of 500won is added, but it is returned after the card has been used.
Prepid transport cards are rechargeable, and the used fares of deferred payment cards are included in the statement of a credit card being charged.
3. Passing through a turnstile
After purchasing a card, scan the card to pass through the turnstile.
4. Transfer
A transfer to another line can be done within the station, without passing through the turnstile.
Transferring can be easily done by following the color of the subway line that you want to use.
5. Exiting
To leave the subway station, scan the card and pass through the turnstile.
Outside the turnstile, insert the card into a security deposit refund machine to get a refund of 500 won.
Taxi
Taxis are a convenient way to get to your destination. To help with communication, Seoul Metropolitan Government operates foreigner-dedicated taxis and provides interpretation services.
International Taxi
International Taxi services basically require a prior reservation via telephone (+82-2-1644-2255) and homepage.
Call +82-2-1644-2255 for English/Japanese consultations, which are available all year round 24 hours a day 365 days a year
A direct reservation is possible via the homepage for International Taxis
Immediate use of the taxi is available even without a prior reservation if there is a taxi that is standing by.
Consultation and reception of reservation
Tel :+82-1644-2255
Fax :+82-2-2043-1578
E-mail :reserve@intltaxi.co.kr
The benefits of using an international taxi
The hiring and educating of taxi drivers and call center operations are supervised by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Taxi drivers have certifications in foreign language proficiency.
The information desk and boarding area that are exclusively for International Taxi users are located at the Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport.
Payment is possible with credit cards or T-money.
Medium Taxi
These taxis can accommodate up to five passengers.
The “International Taxi” sign is on the roof of each taxi.
Cabs with “Japanese” signs mean that the driver can speak Japanese.
Luxury Taxi
These taxis can accommodate up to 5 passengers.
The color is black . The sides of the vehicle and the roof lamp will have the “International TAXI” sign.
Large Taxi
These taxi vans can accommodate up to nine passengers.
The body of the vehicle is black and “International Taxi” signs are displayed on the sides.
Regular Taxi
While you can differentiate between a privately and company owned taxi by their roof lamp, you can also easily spot company owned cabs by the company name and numbers on their side doors.
The basic fare for these taxis is 3,000won for the first 2 km with an increase of 100 won per 142m.
Luxury Taxi
These taxis are black with yellow roof lamp. Although considerably more comfortable, these luxury cabs also cost more.
The basic fare is 5,000 won with an increase of 200 won per 3km.
Free interpretation
These taxis have the sign “Free Interpretation,”
Riders have access to free interpretation services in Japanese, English, and Chinese via the use of a cell phone.
If you need the service, simply tell your cab driver, “Free interpretation.”
Train
To get to the outskirts of Seoul, the following four stations can be used: Seoul Station, Cheongnyangni Station, Yeongdeungpo Station, and Yongsan Staion.
Seoul Station
Seoul Station is the starting point for the Gyeongbu Line, the Gyeongui Line, and Incheon International Airport, and it connects to Subway Lines 1 and 4.
It is considered to be the gate of Seoul, and some 90,000 people use the station daily.
The Saemaul train, Mugunghwa train, and KTX are operating on the Gyeongbu Line. The Tongilho, Saemaul, and Mugunghwa trains go toward Daejeon, Gimcheon, Dongdaegu, and Busan; whereas KTX goes toward Gwangmyeong, Daejeon, Dongdaegu, and Busan.
The Gyeongui Line in the metropolitan area goes toward Ilsan, Geumchon, and Munsan.
Yongsan Station
Yongsan Station is the last station on the Honam Line, Jeolla Line, Janghang Line, and Gyeongwon Line. It is also a subway station of Line 1, and is located between Namyeong Station and Noryangjin Station. It is the first and last station of the metropolitan Jungang Line.
It is used as the first and last station for the ITX Cheongchun Railway, which passes through the Jungang Line and the Gyeongchun Line.
Operates the KTX, Saemaul train, and Mugunghwa train, which go to the Honam Line. It processes passengers and cargo, and does ticket sales.
Cheongnyangni Station
Cheongnyangni Station is on the Gyeongwon Line, and is located between Wangsimni Station and Hoegi Station. It is also the first and last station of the Jungang Line.
A transfer passage between Cheongnyangni Station of Subway Line 1 and the above-ground station of the Jungang Line has been opened.
It operates the Saemaul train between Cheongnyangni to Andong
It is the last station for the sub-express railway Gyeongchun Line, “ITX-Cheongchu,”’ which was opened in Feb. 2012.
Yeongdeungpo Station
This is a train station on the Gyeongbu Line. It is located between Singil Station and Sindorim Station of Seoul Subway Line 1.
An express train stopped at this station for the first time in 1971.
It operates the Saemaul train, the Mugunghwa train,and the metropolitan subway. It deals with passengers, cargo, and does ticket sales. As of Nov. 2010, KTX also stops at this station.
It is a privately funded station, and a Lotte Department Store is located near this station.
Express Bus
Using the express buses is one way of getting to the outskirts of Seoul. The express bus terminals in Seoul are as follows: the Seoul Express Bus Terminal, the Central City Terminal, Nambu Terminal, the Dongseoul Terminal, and the Sangbong Intercity Bus Terminal.
Seoul Express Bus Terminal
The terminal is also called Gangnam Express Bus Terminal. It is Seoul’s main bus terminal, along with the Subway Line 3 Express Bus Terminal.
Operation Lines: Gyeongbu Line, Guma Line, and Yeongdong Line. From Banpo-dong in Seoul, it goes to Gangneung, Gyeongju, Gongju, Gumi, Geumsan, Gimcheon, Gimhae, Daegu, Daejeon, Government Complex-Daejeon, Donghae, Masan, Busan, Busan Sasang, Samcheok, Sangju, Seonsan, Sokcho, Anseong, Anseong Gongdo-eup, Anseong Jungdae, Anseong Pungrim, Anseong Hangyeong, Yangyang, Yeoju, Yeongcheon, Onyang(Asan), Yongin, Ulsan, Wonju, Icheon, Jeomchon, Jecheon, Jochiwon, Jinju, Changwon, Cheonan, Cheongju, Tongyeong, Pyeongtaek, Pohang, Hwanggan, and Hoengseong
It has an underground shopping mall that sell clothing at reasonable prices, so many people visit the mall.
Central City Terminal
This terminal is operating Honam Line after being moved from Seoul Express Bus Terminal.
The Central City Terminal has department stores, theaters, synthesized terminals, and hotels within the building. It is located next to the Seoul Express Bus Terminal, and is connected to the Express Bus Terminal Station of Subway Line 3.
It is like a complex leisure town where visitors can enjoy shopping and watching movies at the department stores and theaters that are located within the terminal.
Nambu Terminal
This terminal was constructed to operate the intercity bus lines that used to be operated by the Seoul Express Bus Terminal. It is located at the Nambu Terminal Station of Subway Line 3.
It operates lines going to the metropolitan area, Chungcheong-do, Jeolla-do, and Gyeongsang-do areas. The Gangwondo Line, which goes to Jumunjin, was opened here on May 27, 2013.
It is located near the Seoul Arts Center and the International Electronics Shopping Mall, so visitors can enjoy both shopping and entertainment.
Dongseoul Terminal
This terminal is located in Seoul Gwangjin-gu. It provides transportation convenience to residents in the eastern and northern areas of Seoul, and has helped to revitalize the Jungbu Expressway.
It is equipped with 15 express bus lines (Daegu, Daejeon, Masan, Busan, Jinju, Changwon, Cheongju, Gangneung, Gwangyang, Sokcho, Donghae, Samcheok, Yangyang, Jeonju, and Jeongeup), as well as with 110 intercity bus lines. A total of 35 bus companies are in business here.
It has major intercity bus lines that go to Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do. The terminal also operates lines that go across the nation such as Gyeongsang-do, Jeolla-do, and Chungcheong-do. It operates 1,200 buses daily, and can transport a daily average of 30,000 passengers. Its maximum daily transport capacity is 70,000 passengers.
Sangbong Intercity Bus Terminal
This terminal was opened on Sep. 2, 1985.
It operates intercity buses that go to Gaegun, Gwangtan, Gyomun-ri, Guri, Guksu-ri, Daesin, Sinwon-ri, the Asia Center for Theological Studies and Mission, Yangpyeong, Yeoju, Yongdu,Yongmun, and Cheonseo-ri in the metropolitan area; as well as going to Gangneung, Naksan, Danwol, Dunnae, Munmak, Mulchi, Bokjigol, Saemal,Sokcho, Sinnam, Yangdeokwon,Yangyang, Osaek,Wonju, Wontong, Yuhyeon, Inje, Jangsudae, Jangpyeong, Jinbu, Pungsuwon, Hangyeryeong, Hongcheon, Hoenggye, and Hoengseong in the Gangwondo area.