Seoul's subway is fast, clean and remarkably cheap, and a single T-money card pays for the subway, every city bus and most taxis — tap as you go.
Seoul Metro
A vast, signposted network of numbered Lines 1–9 plus several named lines. Trains are fast, clean and cheap, running roughly 05:30 to around midnight.
T-money card
Buy and top up a T-money card at any convenience store or station machine, then tap for the subway, all city buses and many taxis. It also gives small transfer discounts between subway and bus.
City buses
Buses are colour-coded: blue for long trunk routes, green for short local hops, red for express runs to the suburbs, and yellow for short downtown loops. Tap your T-money on and off.
Taxis & KakaoT
Taxis are metered and reasonable; the KakaoT app hails one and handles payment, which sidesteps any language barrier. You can pay cash, card or T-money.
Airport to the city
From Incheon the AREX Express train reaches Seoul Station nonstop in about 43 minutes; the cheaper All-Stop train follows the same line for less. Gimpo is closer in on the subway and AREX.
KTX beyond Seoul
For trips beyond the capital — Busan, Gyeongju, Gangneung and more — Korea's KTX high-speed trains depart from Seoul and Yongsan stations and are far quicker than the bus.
Fares, prices and rules can change over time — please check official sources before you travel.
