Getting Around in Seoul

The best way of getting around in Seoul is by using public transport. Although the city isn’t as congested as Shanghai or Bangkok, it has its fair share of traffic jams that cause significant delays.

The wide-reaching subway network in Seoul means that there’s usually a subway stop within a 10-minute walk of any destination, and its public buses are also an efficient way to get around. Street signs and subway signs in Seoul appear in Korean, English and Chinese.

Public transport in Seoul

Expats will easily be able to take advantage of the integrated public transit in Seoul. Commuters can get to almost anywhere in the city using the subway and buses. They can also take advantage of initiatives such as the rechargeable T-money card, which offers lower rates than purchasing single-ticket rides and can be used on Seoul’s metro and bus systems.

T-money can be added to Apple Wallet for contactless payment. Seoul introduced an unlimited monthly transit pass in 2024, allowing riders to use all subway lines, buses and the city’s bike-sharing service for a monthly fee.

Metro

Seoul’s subway system is clean and efficient, and it covers most of the city. Passengers need a subway or T-money card to use the system, which is available at subway stations and some shops. The metro operates from around 5.30am until midnight. All station signs appear in Korean, English and Chinese, with announcements in Korean and English.

Buses

In addition to the subway, there is an extensive public bus system in Seoul. Buses are colour-coordinated by their circuit. Blue buses connect different districts along main routes. Green buses link subway stations and main blue bus routes with residential areas. Yellow buses do short circuits around tourist areas and business districts. Red buses travel to different cities outside Seoul. Passengers pay when they get onto the bus with their T-money cards.

Useful links

• Seoul Metro
• T-money
• Seoul TOPIS

Taxis in Seoul

Seoul offers several types of taxis. Regular taxis are white, silver or orange and are the most affordable option. Black taxis with yellow stripes and a yellow sign are deluxe taxis (called mobeom taxis) that cost more but provide better service. Late-night surcharges apply from 10pm to 4am, ranging from 20 to 40 percent depending on the time, with the highest surcharge from 11pm to 2am. Most drivers don’t speak English, so it’s a good idea to have a Korean friend or colleague write your destination down in Korean to show the driver.

Some taxis advertise a free call-in interpretation service that English-speaking passengers can use to establish a fare before they go or to explain where they want to go. It’s possible to use a T-money card to pay for trips in taxis that display the T-money logo by tapping it at the start and end of the journey. The card must have sufficient balance to cover the full fare.

Alternatively, a local app-based ride-hailing service called Kakao Taxi allows expats to order a taxi service to their exact address. Many expats prefer using this and similar apps as they allow for automatic credit card billing and greater control over their route. The Kakao T app has an English interface, although some features may require knowledge of Korean. In 2024, Kakao Mobility launched K.Ride, a separate app designed for foreign travellers with full English support, live translation features and acceptance of international credit cards.

Uber operates in Seoul as a taxi-hailing service. Unlike in other countries, Uber in Korea connects users with licensed taxis rather than private drivers. The regular Uber app works for foreign visitors.

Useful links

• International Taxi
• Uber Seoul
• Kakao Taxi
• TABA Taxi app

Driving in Seoul

Many expats find that owning a car in South Korea is unnecessary or even best avoided – especially if they don’t plan to do much travelling in the countryside.

There are plenty of car hire companies, including well-known international names, that expats can use if they want to take a trip out of the city by private car. For inner-city travel, however, parking is often difficult to find and navigating the heavy traffic can be troublesome.

For more information on driving and driver’s licences in the country, see Transport and Driving in South Korea.

Cycling in Seoul

There is a ton of cycling infrastructure in Seoul, and the city has invested in around 597 miles (961km) of bicycle lanes and dedicated bike paths, particularly along waterways. The Han River bike paths are especially popular, offering scenic 50-mile (80km) routes that are well-paved and separated from traffic.

Seoul operates Ddareungi (also called Seoul Bike), a public bike-sharing system with 45,000 bikes and over 2,700 stations throughout the city. Bikes can be rented through a mobile app, and the service is integrated with the city’s public transport system. A Climate Card introduced in 2024 offers unlimited use of subways, buses and bike-sharing for a monthly fee.

Cycling on main roads in central Seoul can be challenging. Expats should expect to encounter aggressive drivers, delivery motorcyclists and pedestrians. The suburbs and designated bike paths tend to be more manageable for cycling. Seoul’s topography includes hills and mountains that can make some routes difficult.

Winter conditions with ice and snow, paired with hot and humid summers and occasional poor air quality, can make year-round cycling less appealing. Many expats who plan longer stays find that buying a used bike and selling it when they leave makes more sense than long-term rentals.

Useful links

• Ddareungi
• Han River Parks: Riverside cycling routes

Walking in Seoul

Although Seoul is large and densely populated, there’s usually a subway stop within a 10-minute walk of anywhere you might want to go within the city. As a result, it’s possible to navigate the city through a combination of walking and riding the subway.

The city itself occupies a relatively large area, making it impossible to cover more than a tiny portion on foot. The networks of roads and back alleys can also be confusing to travel through, so it’s best to take note of major landmarks.

Seoul has invested heavily in pedestrian infrastructure through its ‘Walkable City Seoul’ initiative. Certain neighbourhoods are particularly walkable and pedestrian-friendly. Myeongdong offers shopping and dining within easy walking distance. There are cultural experiences like traditional tea houses and galleries in Insadong. Hongdae is known for its youthful energy and street art. Bukchon Hanok Village and areas around major palaces offer scenic walks through historic neighbourhoods.

Useful links

• Visit Seoul: Walking tours
• Seoul Metropolitan Government: City information and pedestrian initiatives