Getting Around – Seoul, Korea

In such a huge city like Seoul, you often need more than just feet to get you from Point A to G. Thus, offered before you is an array of ways you can get around, ways that can be bewildering and confusing to a first-timer (or a second-timer, or even a third). A mastery of survival-level Korean helps immensely, despite the presence of English there. Signs are written in both Korean and English, so it doesn’t get too bad if you’re lost.

Cars & Motorcycles

Cars are definitely an option, but only if you are a seasoned international driver, meaning that you can handle wild traffic. Hardly anyone looks over their shoulder before joining through-traffic from a driveway or off the shoulder, so it’s good to honk to let them know you’re there. People don’t curse or yell while they’re driving; they more mutter to themselves and honk.

There’s a heavy gas tax to discourage driving, because the traffic is so congested, making a full tank of gas cost as much as $80 or so. The parking is very limited, so much so that it’s common for cars to park in front of cars, with a card left on the windows so that a person whose car is blocked can call and let the other person know they need to get out. There are some parking buildings, but they are also expensive. The tollbooths in Seoul are also pricey; carpools of at least three get through cheaper, however.

For those comfortable with motorcycles, mopeds, motorbikes, etc., these vehicles give the riders more of an advantage when weaving in-between traffic. You must wear a helmet or pay a fine. Similar caution to driving must be exercised while riding.

Relevant Sites & Info

General transportation info (includes parking)

Click on “car rental” in page’s horizontal menu bar:
http://www.knto.or.kr/english/

Bicycles

Haven’t seen any in Seoul, but they’re not a good idea anyway. The streets are definitely not bike/pedestrian friendly, so not recommended. But if you must…

Taxis

More expensive than subways or buses, but a more direct and handy way to get around, especially when in a rush.

It’s very important to give the precise location of wherever you want to go. For example, it’s not enough to say “Yonsei University” if you want to be taken to the library. It’s possible to be caroused around the campus, wasting the meter. It’s also very possible to be caroused around anyway, because the drivers know that you’re a foreigner and so will take the most raveling route to your destination.

It’s hard to say what will be an effective preventive to your being ripped-off. You may meet an honest driver now and then, but in case you don’t, you could practice the Korean for saying “Take me to —-” accurately, so they don’t think you as much of a foreigner. Or say you don’t have much money, something clever like that. As you learn where everything is, you can point out with confidence that this is not the direct way to —–. Many taxis offer translation for those who don’t know Korean well enough, for not all taxi drivers speak English. The usual base price is 1700 won, or about $1.40.

Relevant Sites & Info

General transportation information

http://english.metro.seoul.kr/visitors/trans/taxi/general/index.cfm

Buses

They’re everywhere, and so very cheap. Each ride costs about 700 won, and the buses run from every 5 to 15 minutes. English is written on the bus signs and on the maps inside the buses. Usually there are crowds of people waiting at the busy bus stops, so in these situations it’s important to get assertive, or you’ll never get in. Stay close to the person in front of you, and don’t be afraid to crowd and push yourself in. If you leave space in front of you, someone can and will cut in.

Relevant Sites & Info

General transportation info
Nighttime bus service
New late nighttime bus service
New bus fare discounts
More general information

Subway

Another cheap way to get around the city and it’s very extensive; every several blocks you can find a familiar dome-looking cover with stairs that lead you underground. Malls like the Hyundai department store are linked to the subway.

When purchasing a ticket, consider purchasing a debit ticket (a plastic card) that can hold as much as 10,000 won or so. They are super convenient, and can be left in your wallet when boarding a subway or a bus. Before going through the turnstile, just place your wallet on top of the metal platform on your side, and the platform will beep out your balance. On the bus, there is a metal box with a window to the left of the won-and-change box, that also beeps out your balance when you place your wallet on the box’s side. The subway comes about every 3 minutes.

Relevant Sites & Info

http://www.metro.seoul.kr/eng/travel/transportation/subway.html
http://www.lifeinkorea.com/information/trans/subways.cfm
Subway lines and stuff/places to see on those lines
General transportation info

Other Informative & Interesting Sites

More general transportation info
Picture of express bus terminal (not that great, but there it is)
Info on car rental, bicycles, buses, subway, etc. (can scroll up/down to see other useful info like lodging)

Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our Asia Insiders page.

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