Skip to content
If you are planning to spend some time in South Korea, whether as a student, traveler, or even a long-term resident, you’ll quickly discover that taking a bus in Korea is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get around.
The Korean bus system is known for its punctuality, convenience, and reach. Whether you’re zipping through the heart of Seoul or exploring the countryside, buses are an essential part of daily life. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about taking a bus in Korea.
1. Different types of bus lines in Korea
When it comes to taking a bus in Korea, knowing the different bus types can save you a lot of confusion. In Seoul, buses are color-coded by function.
Blue buses (간선버스 / Ganseon Bus) are trunk lines that connect longer routes between districts, perfect for traveling across the city.
Green buses (지선버스 / Jiseon Bus) act as feeder buses, linking neighborhoods to major subway stations and blue bus lines.
Yellow buses (순환버스 / Sunhwan Bus) operate in loops within specific districts and are ideal for short local trips.
Red buses (광역버스 / Gwangyeok Bus) are express or intercity buses connecting Seoul to nearby cities in Gyeonggi-do Province, making them a commuter favorite.
In addition to these, there are Airport Buses (공항버스 / Gonghang Bus) that run directly between Incheon or Gimpo Airport and major areas of Seoul. They are very convenient if you have luggage, as they have space for suitcases and offer comfortable seating.
You’ll also find Express and Intercity Buses (고속버스 / Gosok Bus, 시외버스 / Siwoe Bus) that travel longer distances between cities and provinces, a great option for weekend getaways or budget travel.
Bus numbers usually represent their route, and in Seoul, the first number often indicates the area of departure, while the second number represents the destination area. This makes it much easier to understand where the bus is going at a glance. If you want a full guide on how to read bus numbers and routes, you can click here for more information.
2. How to pay for bus fares in Korea (Now cashless!)
Taking a bus in Korea is completely cashless. You can no longer hand money to the driver, so you will need a transportation card like T-money or Cashbee, which you simply tap when boarding and again when getting off to pay the correct fare.
Many foreign-issued Visa and Mastercard credit or debit cards can now be tapped directly on the bus card reader as well. If you prefer going digital, Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, and Naver Pay can also be used.
The standard fare for taking a bus in Korea within Seoul is usually between KRW 1,300 and 1,550 for adults, and you get a small discount when transferring from the subway within the allowed time.
Intercity and red buses cost a bit more, around KRW 2,500 to 3,000. Always remember to tap your card again before getting off as this ensures you pay the correct fare and makes sure you get any free or discounted transfers to other buses or subways.
Busan also operates its own well-organized bus system, including city buses, express buses, and even night buses for late travelers. Fares typically range from KRW 1,550 to 2,500, depending on the type of bus and distance traveled.
Similarly, Daegu also has a reliable bus network, with regular buses costing KRW 1,500 and express buses KRW 1,950 when you pay using a transportation card. Cash payments tend to be more expensive, so going cashless is the smarter choice. For more details, click here.
3. Finding bus routes easily
One of the most intimidating parts of taking a bus in Korea for the first time can be figuring out where to get on and off, but thankfully, Korea’s apps make this very easy.
Kakao Map is one of the best tools and works similarly to Google Maps but is much more detailed for Korean cities. You simply enter your destination, and the app shows you which bus to take, where the stop is, and even the expected arrival time.
There is also Kakao Bus, a dedicated app that focuses only on bus routes, and Naver Map, which is another popular option often preferred by locals.
Even if it’s your first time taking a bus in Korea, you’ll likely notice that most bus stops in bigger cities have electronic screens showing which bus is coming and how many minutes away it is. The real-time tracking is impressively accurate and saves you from waiting outside too long, especially in winter!
4. Bus etiquette and tips
Taking a bus in Korea can be a cultural experience in itself. You’ll notice designated seats for the elderly, a very orderly boarding process, and real-time bus arrival displays at almost every stop in big cities.
If this is your first time taking a Korean bus, a few small habits will make the ride smoother.
- Always board from the front and exit from the back.
- Priority seating is reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, or passengers with disabilities, so make sure to give up your seat if someone needs it.
- Hold on to a handrail because buses can be surprisingly fast and stop suddenly.
- Don’t forget to tap your card again when you get off to avoid being charged extra and to keep your transfer discounts.
5. Useful Korean words for taking a bus in Korea
Learning a few basic Korean words can make taking a bus in Korea less stressful.
- Beo-seu (버스) means bus.
- Jeong-ryu-jang (정류장) means bus stop.
- Naeryeo juseyo (내려 주세요) is what you say to the driver if you need to alight.
- Tada (타다) means to ride.
- Hwanseung (환승) means transfer.
Master the Korean language with Hangul Quest if you want to get started with your Korean learning journey!
Taking a bus in Korea is one of the most convenient, affordable, and enjoyable ways to get around. Mastering it will not only help you navigate the country but also let you see parts of Korea you might miss if you only rely on the subway.
We hope this article was helpful. Keep following the Go! Go! Hanguk blog and don’t hesitate to contact us about living and studying in Korea.
