How to get around South Korea
Navigating South Korea is straightforward with a variety of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about getting between and within its cities and towns.
Inter-City Travel
Traveling between cities in South Korea offers a range of options catering to various budgets. The high-speed KTX (Korea Train Express) is the fastest way to cover long distances, with journeys like Seoul to Busan taking approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to 3 hours. An Economy Class ticket for this route typically costs between ₩43,000 and ₩59,800 (approximately $34-$53 USD), while First Class tickets range from ₩70,000 to ₩83,700 (approximately $51.50-$95 USD).
For more economical and scenic travel, slower trains such as ITX-Saemaul and Mugunghwa-ho are available. Mugunghwa-ho trains are the most budget-friendly option, making more stops and extending travel times; for instance, a Seoul to Busan journey on a slower train can take over 5 hours and cost around ₩33,000 (approximately $26 USD).
Intercity and express buses provide a comprehensive and generally cheaper alternative, reaching many destinations not covered by the rail network. These buses offer three classes: Economy (Ilban), Excellent (Udeung), and Premium (Peuremium). A typical 4-hour bus journey from Seoul to Busan ranges from about ₩26,700 (approximately $19.25 USD) for an Economy seat, to ₩36,900 (approximately $28.59 USD) for an Excellent seat, and ₩41,600-₩44,800 (approximately $31.65-$37.89 USD) for a Premium seat.
Travel Within Cities
Within South Korean cities, efficient public transportation systems are readily available. The subway or metro is often the fastest and most affordable choice. In Seoul, the base fare for a subway ride with a transportation card is ₩1,550 (as of June 28, 2025), with additional charges applied for distances exceeding 10 kilometers. Similarly, Busan's Metro starts at ₩1,300 for journeys within 10 kilometers.
City buses offer extensive networks, with fares typically starting around ₩1,500 for cross-town routes in Seoul and ₩1,550 in Busan when using a transportation card. Using a T-money or Cashbee card often provides a ₩100 discount per ride and allows for free transfers between subway and bus lines within 30 minutes.
Taxis provide convenience but are a more expensive option. Standard taxi base fares in major cities like Seoul and Busan are around ₩4,800. Additional charges apply based on distance and time, with a night surcharge of 20-40% between 10:00 PM and 4:00 AM, peaking between 11:00 PM and 2:00 AM. Deluxe taxis offer enhanced comfort and service, with a higher base fare of approximately ₩7,000 in Seoul.
