Seoul Transportation Guide for Foreigners

Hello everyone! We're Creatrip, your group of Korean travel experts.

I believe many foreigners resort to taking the subway only in Seoul because it is the easiest to figure out.

But did you know bus systems in Korea are really convenient too?

Also, when you transfer to and from the subway or another bus within 30 minutes the transfer fee is next to nothing!

What if you realize you've gone the wrong direction, take a loop around the area, then take too long to find your transfer stop?

Don't be anxious! I'll help you out today. ❤

First, let me introduce you to a popular app in Korea - Naver Map.

When in Korea, using Naver Map would prove to be a lot more useful than Google Map. The map is available in English, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, etc.

It's also very simple to use and convenient!

The map shows you efficient route options from your starting point to the destination and is also able to call a taxi for you.

So today I have to take public transportation from Euljiro to N Seoul Tower (former name Namsan Tower).

The route goes like this: Line 2 → Line 3 → Yellow Bus

Similar to many subway systems in the world, this train is headed to two different directions so before you get on the train, confirm that you're going the right direction!

The simplest way is to check your current location, have the map route your way, then getting on the train of your desired direction.

Tips: I find it's the easiest to first switch the language on the app to English.

But if you get on the wrong side of the platform, does that mean you'll have to punch in twice?

If you get on the wrong platform, you can still get out, tap the card again, and get to the originally planned platform within 5 minutes of tapping the card the first time!

Our guy: Euljiro 1-ga station → got on the wrong side of the platform → quickly tapped to get out → tapped the card again towards the right platform → no extra fees charged

Keep in mind that this is only allowed once so if you get to a platform, tap the card to get out and tap again to get on the other side, then realize you were actually supposed to be at a different platform, you'll be charged double if you tap out. Also if you realize that you are going the wrong direction after you've travelled one stop and you want to tap out then to get to the right side of the platform, you'll be charged.

So we suggest you take a look at these maps located throughout each platform.

The map shows that it will take us to the right transfer stop in this direction.

Naver Map tells you which train will get you to the transfer tunnel fast.

We're going to stand at 1-1. Right outside train 1, we'll see the transfer tunnel.

Get off Dongguk University station, follow the footsteps on the map by coming out of exit 6.

At the bus stop, confirm that the bus goes to N Seoul Tower by following the arrow.

Transfers between the subway and bus are allowed within 30 minutes so remember to tap your card!

Remember, you can transfer up to 4 times.

Tips：7:00-21:00 transfer within 30 minutes; other times transfer within 1 hour.

Tips 2: Maximum distance of 10km

We've finally arrived at N Seoul Tower!

Hope this helped you guys understand the bus system and Naver Map better. Buses in Seoul are super convenient. 🚍

Remember to take advantage of Seoul public transportation's discount transfer systems too.

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