South Korea
South KoreaGetting around
One card for everything, and why tapping out matters more than you would think.
Do I need a ticket for every subway ride?
No. One rechargeable transit card covers subway, buses and taxis, and any convenience store sells and tops one up.
How do you get a taxi in South Korea?
Apps do most of the work. Street hailing works, but a driver may pass on a destination they do not fancy.
What do I do if the ticket gate won't open?
Top up at a fare adjustment machine near the turnstiles. It handles both a T-money card and a single journey ticket.
Can I take a phone call on the subway?
Yes, quietly. The operator's own etiquette list asks for vibrate mode and a lowered voice, not for silence.
Why do I have to tap my card again when getting off the bus?
Because the transfer discount depends on it. Miss the tap on the way out and every leg of the trip is billed as its own fare.
Why does everyone give directions by exit number?
Because every subway exit is numbered, and "Exit 2" pins down a street corner better than an address does. Learn to read it and the city opens up.
Which map app should I use here?
A Korean one — Naver Map or Kakao Map. In a government survey, visitors who switched said the local apps are simply more accurate here, and the ones relying on buses and walking routes switched almost universally.