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.
Look up a Korean word

Official information

More in Getting around

Keep going

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Seoul is the starting point. National rules and local services are labelled separately; eligibility, fees and opening arrangements can differ elsewhere.

Written and organised by Seemile from official public information, with practical checklists and Korean expressions. We are independent of the institutions linked here. Confirm current requirements with the responsible office before an application, payment or medical decision.