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South Korea is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. It is also known for its delicious food, bustling cities, and scenic nature. If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, it’s important to know how to get around so that you can make the most of your time there. In this blog post, we’ll cover the different ways to travel around South Korea, including by train, bus, and car.
Train Systems – Your main way of getting around
The first and most popular mode of transportation in South Korea is the train. The Korean rail system, operated by Korail, is fast, efficient, and affordable. There are several types of trains, including the high-speed KTX, the commuter SRT, and the regular ITX. The KTX is the fastest and most expensive option, while the ITX is the slowest and cheapest. The SRT is a new train service that connects major cities with smaller towns and rural areas.
If you’re planning to travel long distances, the KTX is the best option. It can reach speeds of up to 300km/h and can take you from Seoul to Busan in just 2.5 hours. The KTX also has reserved seating and is equipped with comfortable seats, power outlets, and Wi-Fi. If you’re traveling on a budget, the ITX is a good option. It’s slower than the KTX, but it’s still faster than the bus and is a cheaper option.
Overall, if you’re trying to get from say Hongdae to another city in Seoul for example, going by train will be your way to go.
Taxis – Your secondary way of getting around
One of the advantages of South Korea is the cheap nature of taxis. Although you might be fighting for your life each time you get in one (people who have visited will get me), it’s still relatively cheap, especially if you’re traveling in a smaller group so you can split the costs.
I personally found myself using the Taxi more in Seoul but beware, some of the taxi drivers do NOT like foreigners. To combat this, I used Uber (which does work in South Korea) and I actually have a video which I will link here of me using Uber in South Korea. It’s not common knowledge that Uber can be used in South Korea (mainly in Seoul) BUT YOU CAN which is awesome so no need to download Kakao Taxi and get lost navigating on how to make an account properly. You can even upload your card with Uber.
Bus – Sometimes you need to
Another way to travel around South Korea is by bus. The bus system in South Korea is extensive and reaches even the smallest towns and villages. The buses are comfortable, clean and well-maintained. There are several types of buses, including express buses, intercity buses, and local buses. Express buses are the fastest and most expensive option, while local buses are the slowest and cheapest.
Intercity buses are a great option for travelers who want to save money and see more of the country. They stop at many towns and villages along the way, giving you the chance to explore different parts of the country. They are also less expensive than the KTX and can take you to places that the train doesn’t go.
Car Rental – Needed for Jeju Island, not really anywhere else
Car rental is another option for travelers who want more flexibility and independence. Renting a car in South Korea is easy and affordable. There are many car rental companies located at airports and major train stations. You can choose from a variety of car types, including compact, midsize, and luxury cars.
When driving in South Korea, it is important to be familiar with the traffic laws and regulations. The legal drinking limit is 0.05% BAC, and it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. It is also important to note that traffic is often heavy in major cities and around tourist destinations, so allow extra time for your journey. One must also be aware of the toll system in South Korea, which are quite common, and can be quite confusing for first time visitors.