Guide

Getting There & Around

37 questions.

• How do I get around Korea?Use transit cards locally and compare trains, coaches and flights for longer journeys.
• How does the Korean subway work?Tap in and out, check your transfer and follow the correct station exit number.
• How do maps work in Korea?Use a Korean map app for local routes and verify the destination's Korean name.
• Incheon Airport: Terminal 1 or Terminal 2?Check the terminal on your booking or boarding pass before travelling to Incheon Airport.
• Getting from Incheon Airport into SeoulChoose your airport transfer by your destination, arrival time, luggage and budget.
• I land at Incheon at 23:40 — how do I get in?Check night-bus departures, taxis and airport accommodation if you arrive after the last train.
• Arriving at Gimpo Airport, Seoul's other airportGimpo connects to Seoul by subway and airport rail. Choose the line for your destination.
• Arriving at Gimhae Airport in BusanCompare the airport bus, light rail and taxi for your destination in Busan.
• Arriving on Jeju Island by airChoose your Jeju transport before arriving, and check driving documents if renting a car.
• Luggage delivery to my hotelCheck the luggage service's airport desk, delivery area and same-day cutoff before booking.
• What can't I bring into Korea?Check restrictions on food, plants, medicines and other goods before packing for Korea.
• Declaring cash at the Korean borderCheck the combined cash and monetary-instrument limit, and declare when required.
• The immigration desk and fingerprint scanKeep your passport and accommodation details ready for immigration and follow the officer's instructions.
• Why doesn't Google Maps give directions in Korea?Google Maps' Korean routing coverage differs from local apps. Check a Korean map app.
• Naver Map or Kakao Map?Try Naver Map for your route and KakaoMap when you need another view.
• Searching in Korean without reading KoreanCopy and paste the Korean place name, or search using the venue's phone number.
• Subway fares: buying a ticket and ridingCheck the fare, tap in and out, and keep your card for transfers.
• Subway exit numbers and why they are the addressChoose the station exit nearest your destination before leaving the platform.
• Single-journey subway cards and the depositKeep your single-journey card and return it to the deposit machine after leaving the gate.
• City buses and what the colours meanCheck the bus number and destination, then tap your transit card when boarding and leaving.
• Bus etiquette: boarding, seats and stopsBoard at the front, hold on securely and press the stop button before your stop.
• Taxi fares and how to hail oneUse a licensed taxi, check the meter and note any applicable surcharge.
• Hailing a taxi with Kakao T on a foreign numberCheck the taxi app's foreign-number support and choose how you will pay before booking.
• A taxi refused me — what now?Record the taxi details and circumstances, then contact the relevant complaint service.
• Showing a taxi driver where I'm goingShow the driver your destination's Korean name and road address in large text.
• KTX high-speed trains: fares and bookingUse Korail's English booking site and check the departure station before paying.
• Booking SRT high-speed trains with a foreign cardCheck the operator's current booking information for services departing from Suseo.
• Intercity and express busesCheck the departure terminal, coach type and ticket collection method before booking.
• Ferries to Korea's islandsAllow time for weather disruptions and confirm identification requirements with the ferry operator.
• Do I need an International Driving Permit?Check the driving permit accepted in Korea and by your rental company before travelling.
• Driving in Korea: limits, cameras and finesFollow posted limits and road rules. Check your rental agreement for fines and tolls.
• Public bike share and shared scootersCheck registration, payment, licence and helmet requirements before hiring a bike or scooter.
• Walking in Seoul: hills, crossings and distancePlan walking routes using crossings, station exits, hills and any accessibility requirements.
• Step-free access on subways, buses and trainsCheck step-free routes, working lifts and boarding assistance for each part of your journey.
• Luggage lockers at subway stationsCheck locker size, payment method and collection hours before leaving your luggage.
• Getting between Korean cities: train, bus or planeCompare the complete journey by train, coach or plane for the cities you are visiting.
• Getting home after the subway stopsCheck the last train for your station and direction, then plan an alternative.