How to Get Around Seoul

How transport works in Seoul

Seoul's subway is the world's most-used — 23 lines, English announcements, Wi-Fi throughout, ₩1,400–2,400 per ride. T-money card (₩4,000 at any 7-Eleven) taps for subway, buses, taxis and convenience stores. Kakao T is the local Uber. Incheon Airport: AREX Express to Seoul Station in 43 min (₩11,000); regular AREX in 60 min (₩4,750).

Your options compared

• Subway

  23 lines, English announcements, Wi-Fi throughout.

• Bus

  Colour-coded: blue trunk, green feeder, red express, yellow circular.

• Taxi & Kakao T

  Cheap and metered; Kakao T is the local Uber (English mode).

Passes and tickets

T-money card ₩4,000 (buy at any convenience store), reloadable. Discover Seoul Pass 24/48/72h ₩50,000/70,000/90,000 bundles 60+ attractions + AREX Express.

Local transport tips

Google Maps is broken in Korea — use Naver Map or KakaoMap for directions.

Arriving from the airport

• Incheon International (ICN)

  AREX Express 43 min (₩11,000); All-Stop AREX 60 min (₩4,750); KAL Limo bus ~70 min (₩17,000); taxi ₩60,000–90,000.

• Gimpo (domestic + short-haul) (GMP)

  Subway Line 5/9 or AREX in 25 min.

Do you need a rental car?

Inside Seoul a car is usually a liability — parking and traffic cost more than transit. A rental earns its keep for day trips and regional drives, so compare rates only for the days you actually leave the city.