BUSES
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There are three different kinds of bus: regular, express and village (shuttle bus). Buses take thirty percent of the daily traffic and they start service at 5:30 a.m. and end about 12 a.m. Buses arrive varying from five to ten minutes apart, depending on traffic. There are approximately 400 bus routes in Seoul, which can be very confusing to a foreigner, unlike the subway which is relatively easy to use. Most express buses have air-conditioning, while only some of the regular or village buses do.
Regular (Ilban) Bus: The fare is 500 won for adults, 340 won for students and 200 won for children. Cheaper than the express bus, the regular bus has more stops, which means it takes longer to get to your destination. You can pay with tokens, cash, and bus pass.
Express Bus: The advantage of using the express bus is that there are usually seats available, less stops which means faster service and more comfortable than the regular bus. Air conditioning is always available in these buses. The fare is 1,100 won ($1 US) and can be paid with tokens, cash and bus pass.
Village (Shuttle) Bus: These have very short lines and only service short distances in the small districts. They mainly connect the subway station to a few places in those districts. The price depends on the village, but averages 300 - 400 won ($.25 -.30 US).
Regular (Ilban) Bus: The fare is 500 won for adults, 340 won for students and 200 won for children. Cheaper than the express bus, the regular bus has more stops, which means it takes longer to get to your destination. You can pay with tokens, cash, and bus pass.
Express Bus: The advantage of using the express bus is that there are usually seats available, less stops which means faster service and more comfortable than the regular bus. Air conditioning is always available in these buses. The fare is 1,100 won ($1 US) and can be paid with tokens, cash and bus pass.
Village (Shuttle) Bus: These have very short lines and only service short distances in the small districts. They mainly connect the subway station to a few places in those districts. The price depends on the village, but averages 300 - 400 won ($.25 -.30 US).
TAXIS
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Taxis are available anywhere and are generally clean. The prices are non-negotiable as the taxis have meters that calculate the fare according to distance and time. You can flag down a taxi almost anywhere in the city and as long as they don't have a passenger, they'll stop. There are two different kinds of taxis: general and deluxe.
Regular (Ilban) Taxi: These taxis are generally white or silver and the top will have a "taxi" sign. The fare is calculated according to distance and time. Once you get in the taxi, the fare automatically starts at 1,300 won ($1.20 US - approx) and goes up after two kilometers, depending on traffic, then increases one hundred won (approx $.10 US) every 210 meters or 51 seconds.
Deluxe Taxi: About two times more expensive than the ilban taxi, the deluxe taxi will take you to any major location in the city. They are trained to serve foreigners and most can speak basic English, so the service is generally excellent. Car phones are available for use. Still, compared to other metropolitan cities around the world, they are a good value. The price is not negotiable and tipping is not necessary.
Regular (Ilban) Taxi: These taxis are generally white or silver and the top will have a "taxi" sign. The fare is calculated according to distance and time. Once you get in the taxi, the fare automatically starts at 1,300 won ($1.20 US - approx) and goes up after two kilometers, depending on traffic, then increases one hundred won (approx $.10 US) every 210 meters or 51 seconds.
Deluxe Taxi: About two times more expensive than the ilban taxi, the deluxe taxi will take you to any major location in the city. They are trained to serve foreigners and most can speak basic English, so the service is generally excellent. Car phones are available for use. Still, compared to other metropolitan cities around the world, they are a good value. The price is not negotiable and tipping is not necessary.
SUBWAY
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The subway, with eight lines and one national railway line, covers the entire area of Seoul including surrounding areas. Most stations are underground, but you will find some are above ground. Subway rains arrive on average about every five minutes, although during rush hour you can expect one to arrive about every two minutes. Service is available from 5:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. on most lines.
Subway signs are generally in Korean and English, but keeping a small subway map makes it much easier to get around Seoul. There are two different fares for the subway, depending on the zone you travel. Zone one is 500 won (US $.40 - approx), zone two is 600 won (US $.50 - approx). There is a fifty percent discount for children, soldiers and the elderly.
Subway signs are generally in Korean and English, but keeping a small subway map makes it much easier to get around Seoul. There are two different fares for the subway, depending on the zone you travel. Zone one is 500 won (US $.40 - approx), zone two is 600 won (US $.50 - approx). There is a fifty percent discount for children, soldiers and the elderly.
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Subway passes may be purchased with a ten percent discount in increments of 20,000 won, 10,000 won and 5,000 won and can be purchased at ticket counters and at vending machines located in the station. The pass has a magnetic strip, so try to avoid demagnetizing it, but if there is a problem take it to the ticket counter and they can correct it for you.
Most subway stations and trains are very clean and modern, except for the national railway since it is an older line. Bathrooms and vending machines are available at most stations, while some have eating and shopping areas as well. The subway stations are strictly no smoking areas, except for immediately outside the station. It's a good idea to avoid the rush hour.
Most subway stations and trains are very clean and modern, except for the national railway since it is an older line. Bathrooms and vending machines are available at most stations, while some have eating and shopping areas as well. The subway stations are strictly no smoking areas, except for immediately outside the station. It's a good idea to avoid the rush hour.
SEOUL CITY TOUR BUS
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The Seoul City Tour Bus is another way to travel around Seoul. It is a new service that has just started in winter 2000. It goes to all the famous tourist spots in Seoul, but doesn't go to every location in Seoul. The main locations are downtown Seoul, Namdaemun Market, Itaewon and goes around the various palaces. The buses arrive at the stops every 25 minutes, official time, but there may be delays due to traffic. For a flat fee, a tourist can get off and on the bus at any stop. The flat fees are W5,000 during the day, W5,000 during the night, W8,000 for an entire day. Tickets may be purchased at various bus stops or tourist locations around Seoul. Or, tourists may pay the driver cash when they get on the bus and get their tickets then. It is an excellent way to experience Seoul, without spending a lot of money, for those without a lot of time to spare.