Transport and Driving in South Korea

Given its compact size and advanced infrastructure, expats should have few problems when it comes to transport in South Korea. The country is well connected by road and rail networks. You can even travel between major cities by domestic flight. For most expats, especially those living in major cities, owning a car and driving in South Korea is unnecessary since getting around with public transport is fairly easy.

Public transport in South Korea

Public transport in South Korea is extensive and well organised. The railway network is one of the most popular ways of getting around, which connects the country’s major cities and is also an effective way to travel within them. Korea’s larger cities have modern subway networks, which are another convenient option. You’ll also be able to use both inter- and inner-city bus services. You can purchase T-money or Cashbee cards to use on all forms of public transport to save money on your travelling expenses.

Trains

In addition to extensive subway networks within most of the major cities, South Korea as a whole is well connected by rail. Travelling through the country by train is possible on Korail, the national rail service, which has been upgraded and extended in recent years. That said, it remains a more practical option for travel between major cities, as access to rural areas is limited. The line from Seoul to Busan via Daegu and Dongdaegu is the most travelled.

There’s also a high-speed express train (KTX and SRT) from Seoul to Busan via Daegu, Dongdaegu and other smaller towns. These trains travel from one end of the country to the other in around two and a half hours. A second high-speed line runs between Seoul and Gwangju.

Both the KTX and Korail train services are easy to use. You can purchase tickets from self-service kiosks that accept cash or bank cards, or book through mobile apps. Most stations are signposted in both Korean and English, and station staff often speak basic English.

Buses

An extensive bus service connects all South Korean cities. Travelling by bus in South Korea is cheaper than by train, and it’s more practical if you’re travelling to a more rural area. There are a number of intercity bus options, as well as express buses which travel long distances with fewer stops.

Subways

Large cities such as Seoul, Busan, Gwangju, Daejeon, Daegu and Incheon have their own subway systems. Outside Seoul’s established, extensive system, you may sometimes struggle to use the subway to get to the outer reaches of your city. In some cases, you may need to use a bus or taxi for the final leg of your journey.

Getting Around in Seoul 
Getting Around in Busan

Useful links

• Korail
• SRT
• Bustago
• TxBus

Taxis in South Korea

Taxis in South Korea are plentiful, especially in the cities, but drivers are unlikely to speak English. It’s a good idea to have a Korean friend or colleague write down your destination in Korean to show the driver, or to carry a business card with the Korean address of a nearby hotel or business. To overcome the language barrier, expats can search for a taxi designated as an international taxi, where the driver will be able to speak one or more foreign languages.

Kakao Taxi, a local app-based ride-hailing service, operates throughout South Korea. It allows you to order a taxi to your exact address. Uber also operates in South Korea, primarily in Seoul. Many people prefer using rideshare apps as they allow for automatic card billing as well as greater control over routes. They also make the language barrier much easier to overcome.

Useful links

• Kakao T
• Uber Seoul
• International Taxi Seoul
• Korea Tourism Organization: Taxi Information

Driving in South Korea

Driving in South Korea is unnecessary for most people due to the extensive public transport system. You can drive in South Korea on an International Driver’s Permit, and major highway signs are in both Korean and English.

Driving can be a more convenient way of exploring the countryside but may be more trouble than it’s worth in larger cities such as Seoul, even though traffic is not as chaotic as in many other Asian capitals.

Vehicles can be hired from international car hire companies, which have offices at airports and in cities. Foreigners can also buy new or used cars as long as they have a Residence Card. Newly purchased cars need to be registered within 15 days. Buying a car is a popular option for expats with children or those living in the country long term.

Driver’s licences

If you have a Residence Card, you can exchange your driver’s licence for a Korean one if your home country recognises South Korean licences. Your licence is returned when you leave the country.

The exchange process requires your valid foreign driver’s licence, proof of residency, and authentication documents from your home country. Not all countries have reciprocal agreements with South Korea, so check with your embassy or the Korea Road Traffic Authority before attempting to exchange your licence.

Useful links

• KOROAD: Driver’s Licence Exchange Information

Domestic flights in South Korea

Domestic flights in South Korea connect the country’s major cities and islands. Most international travellers arrive at Incheon International Airport, which is connected to Seoul by train. Gimhae International Airport, serving Busan, is well connected to the city by subway, buses, and taxis.

Although it’s possible to travel from one end of the country to the other by road or rail in a few hours, domestic flights operate between cities. Korean Air and Asiana are the major carriers, while Jeju Air and T’way Airlines offer low-cost options.

You can also catch a ferry to the island of Jeju in the south, although flying is much easier. Domestic flights operate between all major cities, and low-cost airlines sometimes offer fares that rival or beat express train tickets.

Useful links

• Korean Air
• Asiana Airlines
• Jeju Air
• T’way Airlines