Are you finally planning that trip to Seoul? How do you plan on travelling in the city? The good news is that clean and punctual trains and buses are the norm in Seoul. You’ll find signs in several languages, and lately smartphone apps have begun to provide real time information. This article talks about the various ways to get around in Seoul.

The Seoul Metro consists of 22 subway lines and makes over 300 stops. This is the easiest way to get from anywhere in the city including serviced apartments in Seoul. Accommodation options like the Oakwood Premier Coex Center Seoul provide easy access to the system. You can download the Seoul Metro Subway map on your Android or iPhone. It’s all straightforward, and all sections have signs in English. The Metro fare starts at ₩1350 per ride, and increases after the first 6.2 km. At the platform, you’ll find live information displayed on screens. You’ll also need to remember subway etiquette like queuing outside the train doors. There are reserved seats for elderly, pregnant and disabled passengers. The etiquette requires you to leave not to use the reserved seats, even when there isn’t anyone who qualifies to use them. Be mindful at major hubs like Seoul Station and Cheongnyangni Station as the hurried atmosphere can be a bit overwhelming to a first-time visitor. If you get lost, approach a station master and they will point you in the right direction.

Buses can be quite efficient in Seoul, and once you get the hang of it, you won’t find boarding buses difficult. The bus stops indicate their routes both in Korean and English. The digital screens display when the next bus arrives, while the seat availability sign appears only in Korean. But, here is a tip you could use. If the sign is white, that means there are plenty of seats available. If it is yellow the bus is more crowded, but there are seats available. If the sign appears red, you won’t get a seat. Buses in Seoul are colour coded to show the purpose. Green and blue buses cover cross-town routes. Small green buses only operate in a single neighbourhood. Red buses traverse between the city and outer regions. You can either use cash to pay for bus rides or use a T-Money card. The latter offers a ₩100 discount on bus fare. You can tap the card at the front door to begin the journey and tap out at the back door. If you’re looking for night buses, look for the ‘N’ sign. You don’t have to observe the etiquette of leaving the reserved seats unused in buses. But, you would have to get up and give up your seat if a pregnant or elderly passenger boards the bus.

Cabs in Seoul come in many shapes and sizes. The orange or silver sedans take up to 4 passengers. The base rate for cabs is ₩3300, and then you pay ₩100 per eighth of a mile. There is a price increase at night. You can use your credit card, T-Money card or cash to pay for cabs. Typical ride-hailing apps don’t work in South Korea, as they have their own versions. If you’re using a local SIM card, download the Kakao T app. You can also hail cabs on the street. It is a good idea to always find a way to show the driver your destination written down in Korean letters. This is because some destinations sound similar and can be confusing.

Happy travels