Seoul Transport Guide: Getting Around in Seoul Made Simple

If it is your first time in Seoul, you might feel a little lost. In Singapore, transport is straightforward and the trains are easy to follow. Signs are clear and mrt/buses are rarely late.

But in Seoul… the subway map looked messy and it took me a while to figure things out.

But after a day or two, I started to get it.

In fact, the trains are fast and the stations are clean. Everything works. Once you get used to the system, moving around the city becomes easy.

And the best part? Most signs come with English so even if you don’t speak Korean, you’ll be fine.

In this guide, I’ll share how to use Seoul’s trains, buses, and taxis. I’ll also talk about walking around the city. You’ll find tips on what card to buy, which apps to download, and when it’s better to take a ride than to walk.

Before heading out, it’s good to check the weather in Seoul. Cold winds or summer heat can really affect your travel plans.

Seoul Subway

Source: Wikipedia

If it’s your first time in Seoul, you’ll probably end up using the subway a lot. It’s one of the easiest ways to get around.

In gist, Seoul subway is pretty reliable. The trains are fast, clean, and cover almost every corner of the city.

I won’t lie… the subway map looks like chaos at first. Over 20 lines, all kinds of colours, and stations that feel like mini airports. Just take your time and follow the signs.

For most travellers, a few key lines come in handy:

• Line 2 is a loop that circles the city. It brings you to places like Hongdae, Gangnam, Dongdaemun, and City Hall.
  
• Line 4 runs through Seoul Station and Myeongdong. Both popular spots for shopping and transfers.
  
• AREX is the airport train that goes straight from Incheon to Seoul Station. You can choose between the express or regular train, depending on your budget and timing.
  

Each line has its own colour and number, and the signs are usually in both Korean and English. The style feels a bit like Singapore’s MRT, so it won’t feel too foreign if you're used to that.

How to Ride the Subway

Source: Wikipedia

You’ll need a T-money card that works not just on trains, buses, but even some taxis and convenience stores. You can get one at the airport or any convenience store. Topping up is easy… just use the machines at the stations.

Here’s what to expect:

• First Train: Trains start running around 5:30am
• Last Train: Trains end just before midnight
• They come every 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the line and time of day

The trains are cooled in summer and heated in winter, so you’ll be comfortable most of the time. Some even have Wi-Fi. Priority seats are clearly marked so try not to sit there unless you really need to.

That said, some stations are massive. Transferring at places like Seoul Station or Express Bus Terminal can feel like a small hike, with lots of stairs and underground walkways.

And if you’ve got luggage or you're travelling with kids, plan a bit of buffer time.

During peak hours, like in the morning and after work, platforms can get packed. If you can help it, avoid those times.

Buses & Airport Shuttles in Seoul

Source: Wikipedia

Most people stick to the subway in Seoul, but honestly, the buses are super useful too.

They go to places the trains don’t cover, and sometimes they drop you even closer to where you need to be.

If you’re not rushing, the bus can be a good way to see a bit more of the city along the way.

Now, I won’t sugarcoat it. If it’s the first time you look at the bus routes, it might feel a bit chaotic. So many numbers, and everything moves fast.

Plus, some buses don’t have English announcements. But once you get the hang of it, and with the right app, it’s actually quite manageable.

What the Bus Colours Mean

Seoul buses come in four colours. Each one has a different role:

• Blue buses: Go long distances, cutting across big parts of the city.
• Green buses: Cover shorter routes and usually connect neighbourhoods to train stations.
• Yellow buses: Loop around key central areas, like Jongno or Myeongdong.
• Red buses: These are express services coming in from the outer suburbs.
  

If you’re staying in the city centre and just want to hop around nearby districts, the green and yellow ones are probably all you need.

Paying and Boarding

The easiest way to pay is with your T-money card. Just tap once when you board and again when you’re getting off.

Paying by cash? You’ll need to prepare the exact fare as no change is given. I saw one poor guy fumbling with coins and the driver just stared at him until he gave up.

People usually board from the front and exit from the back. It’s quite systematic, and locals are pretty used to the flow.

Source: Google Play

Want to make your life easier? Download KakaoBus or Naver Map. These apps will show you the bus number, which stop to wait at, and when the next one’s coming.

Some buses do announce stops in English, but don’t count on it, especially if you're venturing outside the central areas. Just follow the app. It saved me more than once.

When Is the Bus a Better Option?

There are a few times the bus makes more sense:

• When the place you're going isn’t near a subway station
• When the train route would mean 2–3 line changes (a bit sian lah)
• When you just want to see more of the city above ground

Some routes are actually quite scenic, like those along the Han River or going past traditional neighbourhoods. If you're not in a rush, it’s quite a relaxing way to move around.

Getting from the Airport

If you're flying in, buses are also a solid choice. Here’s what you can expect:

Airport Limousine Buses
These are comfy, air-conditioned coaches that go to major hotels and city areas.

Look out for routes like 6001 or 6015. They’re easy to spot and good for travellers with big bags. Cost: Around ₩15,000–17,000 (S$15–17)

City Buses
Cheaper than the limos, but they make more stops and can get quite packed.

Night Buses
Useful if your flight lands past midnight and you don’t want to deal with figuring out a train or paying for a taxi.

Tickets can be bought at airport counters, or you can just tap your T-money card when you board.

Taxis & Ride-Hailing in Seoul

Source: Korea Herald

If you’re tired or just lazy to figure out the train route, taxi in Seoul can be quite a good option. They’re everywhere. Outside train stations, malls, even random side streets. So you won’t have trouble finding one.

Got a few types though:

• The regular ones are silver or white.
• Deluxe ones are black with gold words on the side. They are nicer inside but cost more.
• Jumbo taxis? Those are bigger, good if you’re travelling in a group or with huge luggage.

Price-wise, not too bad. Cheaper than Singapore most of the time, and quite worth it if you’re sharing with friends or it’s late and MRT close already.

Flagging vs App Booking

Source: Wikipedia

You can still wave and hop in but if your Korean is not strong, it is better to use app. Most people just use Kakao T. It’s in English, and you just key in where you want to go. There’s no need to explain anything to the driver.

Best part? You can track the car, see the fare, and even pay through the app.

Uber does exist, but most people there don’t use it. Kakao T is really the main one.

How Much Will It Cost?

Here’s a rough guide, based on what I paid:

• Around town (like from City Hall to Gangnam): about ₩12,000–15,000 → S$12–15
• From Incheon Airport to Seoul city: can go up to ₩60,000–90,000 → S$60–90

Most taxis accept card, T-money, or cash. But better check before you hop in as some older cabs still prefer cash.

Most drivers are reliable and professional. But around tourist-heavy areas, you might come across someone who tries to quote a fixed price or claim the meter isn’t working. If that happens, just skip it and move on or simply use the app to avoid situations like that.

At the airport, stick to the official taxi stands. If someone approaches you offering a ride directly, it’s better to decline and head for the proper queue.

And if you’re landing late at night or have bulky luggage, booking a ride through the app can save you a lot of hassle.

When Is Taking a Taxi a Good Idea?

Taxis are worth it:

• If the train has stopped for the night
• If you’ve got kids or large bags with you
• If your hotel isn’t near a station
• Or honestly, if you’re just too tired for long transfers or uphill walks

It’s not the cheapest option, but when you need comfort or convenience, it’s there.

Walking Around Seoul

If you’re the kind who likes to take things slow, walking around Seoul can be really enjoyable. Some parts of the city are great for just strolling… just grab a snack, snap some photos, take your time. You’ll see more that way too.

But don’t expect every area to be walkable. It really depends on where you are.

In places like Myeongdong, Insadong, or Bukchon Hanok Village, walking is the best way to go. There’s just too much to see that you’d miss if you were zipping past in a taxi or underground on the train.

That said, this isn’t Singapore. Seoul has hills and stairs. Weird pavements sometimes. Areas like Itaewon or Namsan will make your legs work.

If you're not wearing proper shoes? Good luck. I tried doing it in sneakers with no grip and totally regretted halfway through.

What’s It Really Like?

• Sidewalks are generally okay in the city centre. Wider, neater.
• But once you head into older areas, they can get narrow, uneven, or blocked by stalls.
• Traffic lights? Super long. Prepare to stand there waiting while nothing’s moving.

And while drivers do stop… better to double check. I don’t trust any car 100%.

Source: Google Play

To find my way, I used Naver Map and KakaoMap. You can forget about Google Maps in Korea. The local apps are way more accurate as they even show you which subway exit to take, or whether there’s an underground shortcut.

Walking at night felt safe too. Seoul’s quite alive even after 10pm. Plenty of lights, people, shops still open. But warning! If you're not sure about the area, just stick to places with more foot traffic.

Weather Can Make or Break It

Seoul’s weather doesn’t play. In winter, the wind cuts straight through your jacket. And in summer, it’s the kind of humid where you’re sweating five minutes in.

I didn’t check the weather in Seoul before one of my walks and got caught in the rain near Gyeongbokgung... soaked and shivering. Lesson learnt.

Favourite Areas to Walk

Here are a few places I’d happily walk through again:

• Cheonggyecheon Stream – Quiet, peaceful, runs right through the city. Nice break from all the noise.
• Bukchon to Gyeongbokgung – Traditional houses, cute little shops, and photo spots all along the way.
• Hongdae – Best explored in the evening. Got street music, fried chicken smells, and lots of surprises around every corner.

Getting Around Seoul

Before the trip, I was a bit worried about getting around. I had heard Seoul was huge and busy, and the subway map looked intense. But after a day or two, it all started to click.

The T-money card made life easy. The trains were fast, the buses were reliable once I figured out which ones to take, and the taxis came in handy when my legs gave up. Some stations were massive though and that meant that I got to clock in my steps!

I ended up walking more than I thought I would. And I’m glad I did.

Some of my favourite moments were the random turns into quiet alleys, small street markets, and riverside paths. If I had only taken trains, I would’ve missed all of that.

That said, I don’t think there’s one “best” way to get around. It really depends on the day and what you are planning to do.

I'd say the best time to visit Seoul is spring or autumn. The weather makes it so much nicer to walk around, and you'll enjoy the city more when it’s not freezing or too humid.

So if you're taking a flight to Seoul soon, download a map app, sort out your data, and don’t stress too much. You’ll figure it out as you go. And that’s part of the fun and adventure!