South Korea: How to Travel Around with Ease
South Korea is a fascinating mix of bright city lights, peaceful temples, and stunning landscapes. But to truly enjoy it all, you’ll need to know how to get around. Luckily, traveling in South Korea is simple, efficient, and, at times, a bit magical.
From airports to subways, bullet trains to bicycles, here’s everything you need to know about moving around this incredible country with confidence.
1. Getting to and from the Airport
If you’ve just landed at Incheon International Airport—welcome! It’s one of the best airports in the world, and getting into Seoul is a breeze.
Airport Express (AREX): The fastest way into the city is on the Airport Express train. It gets you to Seoul Station in 43 minutes and costs about ₩9,500. You can buy tickets at the station or through apps like Klook.
Airport Buses: These buses connect the airport to different neighborhoods in Seoul. They’re reliable and comfortable, and tickets cost around ₩10,000–₩15,000. You can get them at the ticket counters inside the terminal.
Taxis: If you prefer a direct ride, taxis are easy to find at the airport. A ride to central Seoul will cost between ₩60,000 and ₩100,000, depending on the type of taxi and traffic. It’s also possible to use Uber or Kakao taxi.
Travelglaize tip: In South Korea it’s not customary to leave tips.
Incheon Airport itself is an experience, with its shopping, dining, and cultural exhibits. But don’t spend too much time there—South Korea is waiting to be explored!
2. Getting Around Seoul
Seoul is a huge city, but its transportation system makes it easy to get from one side to the other.
Metro: The subway in Seoul is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate with a T-money card. This rechargeable card (₩2,500) can be bought at subway stations or convenience stores. Top it up as you go, and use apps like KakaoMetro or Naver Map for route planning.
Buses: Buses are color-coded—blue for longer routes, green for local neighborhoods, and red for suburban areas. You can also use your T-money card to pay.
Bikes: Seoul has a bike-sharing program called Seoul Bike (Ddareungi). You can rent bikes through the app for short rides along the Han River or around the city’s parks. It’s an eco-friendly way to explore!
No matter how you choose to travel, public transportation in Seoul is incredibly reliable. Just be prepared for some walking, especially in the larger subway stations.
Travelglaze Experiences:
T-money Card:
I couldn’t find a clear website explaining how T-money works, but buying a card at the airport was super simple, and topping it up was easy throughout the trip. There are special versions, like a tourist card or a Climate card, but I found the regular T-money card straightforward and convenient to use in the whole country.
Language:
I was afraid the language would be a problem while travelling around, but acually it never was. English translation was available at stations, busses and highways. But a translation app can always be usefull. I used google translate and it worked as it should.
Navigation apps:
As google maps is not working properly in South Korea – I used Naver maps and it worked very good! If the app was available in the Netherlands I would use it too. I am one of those people who still get lost with google maps.
Naver has a lot more uses besides navition. I did not need to use the other options. It is a bit difficult to install because of the language. I managed to do it with the help of youtube 🙂
3. Exploring the Rest of South Korea
There’s so much to see outside of Seoul, from the beaches of Busan to the historic treasures of Gyeongju. Thankfully, getting around the rest of South Korea is just as simple.
KTX (Korea Train Express): The KTX is South Korea’s high-speed train, connecting major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu. It’s fast (300 km/h), comfortable, and tickets can be booked online or at stations.
Express Buses: Long-distance buses are a great budget option. They’re air-conditioned and leave frequently from major bus terminals in Seoul, like Express Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Terminal.
Local Trains: For smaller towns, the slower Mugunghwa trains are a scenic and affordable way to travel.
Funny Fact: South Korea is smaller than you think. You can cross the entire country in under 5 hours, which means you’ll have plenty of time for both city adventures and beach sunsets.
4. Tours and Day Trips: Exploring with Ease
If you want to see South Korea’s most iconic spots without the hassle of planning, guided tours are a fantastic option. They’re convenient, informative, and perfect for travelers who prefer someone else to handle the logistics.
Popular tours include visits to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), Jeju Island, or the ancient city of Gyeongju, where you’ll find temples, burial mounds, and a rich glimpse into Korean history. Tours often include transportation, a guide, and sometimes meals, so all you have to do is show up.
Because of the language barrier, it’s not always easy to book a tour directly on a Korean website. Many of our phones don’t support Korean characters, which makes navigating the sites tricky. Instead, you can use international platforms like GetYourGuide or Klook. They offer a wide range of tours in English, making the process much simpler and stress-free!
5. Renting a Car in South Korea: Freedom to Roam
For travelers looking to go off the beaten path, renting a car in South Korea is a great choice. It gives you the flexibility to explore rural areas, scenic mountain roads, or quieter destinations at your own pace. I gave it a try, and it turned out to be much easier than I expected. I’ll share all the details in another blog!
What You’ll Need:
- An International Driving Permit (IDP), along with your valid license from your home country.
- A good navigation app, like Naver Map or Kakao Navi, as Google Maps doesn’t work well for driving directions in South Korea.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- South Korea’s roads are generally well-maintained, and road signs often include English translations, making driving easier for foreigners.
- Be prepared for toll roads. Some car rental companies offer a toll pass, which saves you time and hassle.
- Parking in cities like Seoul or Busan can be tricky and expensive, so it’s best to rely on public transport while in urban areas and save the car for exploring farther afield.
A Final Note on Traveling South Korea
Getting around South Korea is as much a part of the experience as the destinations themselves. Whether you’re speeding through the countryside on a bullet train, pedaling along the Han River, or navigating Seoul’s efficient metro, there’s something exciting about every journey.
Take your time, explore with curiosity, and don’t be afraid to ask for help— I found South Koreans very kind and hospitable. This is a country that makes traveling feel effortless and inspiring. So grab your T-money card, book your KTX tickets, and let the adventure begin!
