A Complete Guide to Using Buses in Korea: Seamless City and Intercity Travel
When exploring Korea, the bus system is an essential and convenient way to get around, offering extensive coverage of both urban and rural areas. Whether you’re hopping on a city bus in Seoul or taking a long-distance trip on a highway bus, Korea’s bus services are reliable, efficient, and affordable. This guide will help you understand how to use Korea’s bus network, including tips on fares, routes, and using transportation cards.
Types of Buses in Korea
Understanding the different types of buses in Korea will help you navigate the country more effectively. Here's a breakdown of the main categories:
1. City Buses (시내버스)
City buses operate within urban areas and are distinguished by their colors:
- Blue Buses (Main Lines): Connect major districts and travel longer distances across the city.
- Green Buses (Feeder Lines): Connect subway stations, residential areas, and smaller neighborhoods.
- Red Buses (Express Buses): Travel between Seoul and surrounding cities, ideal for commuters.
- Yellow Buses (Circular Lines): Operate within specific neighborhoods or districts.
2. Intercity Buses (시외버스)
These buses travel between different cities and towns, providing a convenient way to explore Korea’s regions. They are generally cheaper than trains and offer comfortable seating.
3. Express Buses (고속버스)
Express buses are ideal for long-distance travel between major cities. They often have deluxe (우등) and regular (일반) options, with deluxe buses offering wider seats and more legroom.
4. Airport Limousine Buses
These buses provide direct transportation between airports (like Incheon and Gimpo) and major city hotels or districts. They offer spacious seating and luggage storage.
How to Use the Bus in Korea
1. Finding Your Bus Stop
Bus stops in Korea are clearly marked and usually have digital displays showing the bus routes and arrival times. Most displays have English translations for convenience.
- Tip: Use navigation apps like KakaoBus or Naver Map to find bus stops and real-time bus schedules.
2. Boarding and Paying
When the bus arrives, check the route number displayed on the front or side of the bus. Enter through the front door and pay your fare by either:
- Tapping a T-money Card or Cashbee Card: Hold your transportation card against the card reader near the driver.
- Paying Cash: Insert exact change into the fare box next to the driver. Note that drivers do not give change.
3. During Your Ride
Bus stops are announced in Korean, English, and sometimes Chinese and Japanese. Digital screens inside the bus display the upcoming stops.
- Tip: If you’re unfamiliar with the route, follow your progress on a navigation app to ensure you don’t miss your stop.
4. Exiting the Bus
Press the stop request button before your destination to notify the driver that you wish to get off. Exit through the rear door and tap your transportation card again if you need to transfer.
Using Transportation Cards
Transportation cards like the T-money Card and Cashbee Card are highly recommended for bus travel. These cards simplify the payment process and offer transfer discounts between buses and subways.
- Where to Buy: Available at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) and subway stations.
- How to Recharge: Reload your card at subway station kiosks or convenience stores.
- Transfer Discounts: When using a transportation card, you can transfer between buses or between a bus and subway within 30 minutes for free or at a discounted rate.
Tips for a Smooth Bus Experience
- Plan Ahead: Use apps like KakaoBus or Naver Map to check bus routes, schedules, and real-time arrivals.
- Stand in Line: Koreans form orderly lines when waiting for buses. Be sure to respect the queue.
- Give Up Priority Seats: Seats near the front are reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Offer these seats if needed.
- Hold On Tight: Buses in Korea can accelerate and brake quickly, so hold onto the handrails for safety.
Popular Destinations You Can Reach by Bus
1. Namsan Seoul Tower
Take the Seoul City Tour Bus or bus number 05 from Chungmuro Station to reach the base of Namsan for stunning city views.
2. Dongdaemun Market
Accessible by multiple bus lines, Dongdaemun Market is a hub for late-night shopping and street food.
3. Bukchon Hanok Village
Bus number 11 or 7025 will take you to this beautiful traditional Korean village filled with historic hanok houses.
Conclusion
Using buses in Korea is an excellent way to explore the country, from bustling cities to charming rural towns. With a little preparation and a transportation card in hand, you’ll find that buses are a convenient, affordable, and enjoyable mode of travel. Hop on a bus and start discovering Korea’s hidden gems!
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