How to get around South Korea: KTX, SRT, metro and bus

Getting around South Korea is surprisingly easy: the country has one of the best public transport systems in the world. The key is knowing what to use for each journey. Here is the summary.

Between cities: the train

KTX

The KTX is the high-speed train. It connects Seoul with Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and the main cities in just a few hours. It is the fastest and most comfortable option for long journeys.

SRT

The SRT is another high-speed train, similar to the KTX, departing from Suseo station (south Seoul). On some routes it is slightly cheaper.

Regional trains (ITX, Mugunghwa)

Slower and cheaper, good for short journeys or when you are not in a hurry.

The main challenge with the train is not using it, but buying tickets from abroad. We explain it in detail in our guide to buying KTX tickets. If you prefer, we handle them for you.

Within the city: metro and bus

The Seoul metro is extensive, clean, punctual and signposted in English. Busan, Daegu and Incheon also have a metro. City buses complete the network and reach where the metro does not.

The T-money card

A rechargeable card that works on metro, buses and even taxis across most of the country. You buy it at any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) and top it up right there. It is the easiest way to travel: tap in, tap out, done.

Taxis and apps

Taxis are reasonably priced. The Kakao T app (Korea's equivalent of Uber) makes it easy to hail one without having to explain the address in Korean.

Practical tips

• For long journeys between cities, book the train ahead in high season.
• For daily travel in the city, a T-money card and the metro cover almost everything.
• Always carry some cash, even though card payment is widespread.

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