Getting Around Korea South
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient KTX trains for Seoul and Busan. Rural: Rent a car for Jeju Island exploration. Islands: Ferries and domestic flights. For convenience, book airport transfers from Incheon to your destination.
Train Travel
KTX High-Speed Rail
Efficient and punctual train network connecting all major cities with frequent services.
Cost: Seoul to Busan ₩60,000-80,000, journeys under 3 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via Korail app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
Korea Rail Pass offers unlimited journeys on KTX and other trains for 3-7 days from ₩200,000 (3 days).
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, Korail website, or official app with instant activation.
High-Speed Options
KTX connects Seoul to Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju, with international links to China via ferry-train.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 50%.
Seoul Stations: Main station is Seoul Station, with connections to Suseo SRT line.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Jeju and rural areas. Compare rental prices from ₩50,000-80,000/day at Incheon Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid International license, credit card, minimum age 21-26.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80-100 km/h rural, 110 km/h highways.
Tolls: Expressways require electronic toll tags (HI-PASS), costs ₩5,000-20,000 per trip.
Priority: Yield to pedestrians and emergency vehicles, roundabouts common in cities.
Parking: Metered parking ₩1,000-3,000/hour in cities, apps like ParkWhiz for reservations.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at ₩1,800-2,000/liter for petrol, ₩1,700-1,900 for diesel.
Apps: Use Naver Maps or KakaoMap for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Seoul during rush hours and around holiday periods.
Urban Transport
Seoul Metro & Subways
Extensive network covering the city, single ticket ₩1,250, day pass ₩4,750, T-money card ₩2,500 load.
Validation: Tap T-money card on entry/exit, inspections are frequent.
Apps: Seoul Metro app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
Seoul Bike and other sharing systems in cities, ₩1,000-3,000/hour with stations throughout.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths across Han River and urban greenways.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
Comprehensive bus networks in Seoul, Busan, and other cities operated by local authorities.
Tickets: ₩1,200-1,500 per ride, buy from driver or use T-money/contactless payment.
Express Buses: Intercity buses connect regions, ₩10,000-30,000 depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near subway stations in cities for easy access, Myeongdong or Hongdae in Seoul for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for spring (April-May) and major festivals like Chuseok.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of Korea South including rural areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from ₩5,000 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
KT, SK Telecom, and LG U+ offer prepaid SIMs from ₩20,000-40,000 with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, convenience stores, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for ₩30,000, 10GB for ₩50,000, unlimited for ₩60,000/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major subway stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (50-500 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Korea Standard Time (KST), UTC+9, no daylight saving time observed.
- Airport Transfers: Incheon Airport 48km from Seoul, AREX train to center ₩9,000 (43 min), taxi ₩50,000, or book private transfer for ₩40,000-70,000.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (₩3,000-5,000/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern trains and subways accessible, many historic sites have ramps and elevators.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free with carrier, large ₩10,000), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on subways off-peak for ₩1,000, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Korea South
Incheon Airport (ICN) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Incheon Airport (ICN): Primary international gateway, 48km west of Seoul with AREX train connections.
Gimpo Airport (GMP): Domestic hub 15km from Seoul center, subway to city ₩1,500 (30 min).
Busan Gimhae (PUS): Southern gateway with international flights, bus to city ₩7,000 (1 hour).
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for spring travel (April-May) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Tokyo or Osaka and taking ferry or budget flight to Korea South for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Jeju Air, T'way Air, and Jin Air serve Incheon and Gimpo with Asian connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee ₩3,000-5,000, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Samsung Pay and Kakao Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep ₩50,000-100,000 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Not customary in restaurants, no need to add extra for service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.