Explore Korea: places to visit and Korean to use
Taking a bus and keeping the transfer record
In a busy street, buses with the same number can be travelling in opposite directions. Check the stop and direction before boarding.
By Seemile · Sources checked
At the stop
- Match the bus number and destination direction to your planned route.
- Check the live arrival information, allowing for traffic.
- Keep the destination stop name visible on your phone if pronunciation is unfamiliar.
On board
- Tap your transport card when boarding and hold on before the bus moves.
- Watch or listen for your stop and signal before you need to get off.
- Tap again when leaving so the journey and any eligible transfer can be recorded.
When changing services
- Check the current integrated-fare conditions rather than assuming every service is included.
- Use the same card for your own linked journey.
- If a card error occurs, ask the driver or station staff instead of repeatedly tapping without checking.
A little Korean goes a long way
- 이 버스가 여기 가나요? — Does this bus go here?
- 다음 정류장에서 내려요. — I am getting off at the next stop.
Official information
- Seoul · Modes of transport — Seoul Metropolitan Government
Keep going
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Your first Seoul subway journey
The line colour helps, but the direction and exit number do most of the work. Check both before following the crowd.
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Choosing and using a transport card
A transport card simplifies daily travel. Check how your chosen card is funded and which services it covers before treating it as a pass for everything.
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A taxi trip with less guesswork
Have the exact destination ready in Korean. A building entrance or road-name address is more useful than an English business name that may have several branches.
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Before you drive in Korea
Check the licence route before booking a rental car or buying one. A foreign licence, an international permit and a Korean licence are not interchangeable documents.