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Transportation
Air Boat
Bus Subway
Train
View this video
of a train ride between Seoul and Pusan.
Get a good look of the Korean countryside.
Getting
Around in Seoul
Traveling within
Seoul is easy and efficient. You can use the subway, the train,
taxis, buses, private cars, bicycle, or just walk. You can leave
Seoul using almost all of the above. Information about each method
of transportation is available below.
Buses
Buses are a
great a scenic way to get around Seoul. Although many are in Korean,
more and more buses are using bilingual banners announcing major
stops. Most already do. More...
Taxi
Taxi cabs
in Seoul have proven to be honest, above board, safe, clean, and
fast. They're cost effective too. Flag one down almost anywhere.
In some instances if you are going a short distance they will
not pick you up. Most cabs have a telephone to a free interpreter
on board if you need to relay directions to the driver and don't
speak Korean. Taxi cabs in Seoul offer mid-sized, modern, and
somewhat powerful cars. Most likely V6 sized engines in some cases,
V4 in others. There is enough room in the average taxi in Seoul
to seat 3 large adults comfortably for short to medium distances.
GENERAL
TAXIS, usually gray, are available not only at taxi stops
but also at streets with a simple gesture. An available taxi can
be distinguished by the red light at the front or by the cap lamp
on the top. These features make it easy to find an available taxi
at night. Some taxis with "FREE INTERPRETATION" signs provide
on-line phone interpretation service. However, knowing some basic
Korean or area information ahead of time will make your trip more
convenient. The basic fare is currently 1,600 South Korean Won
(April 2002). It increases by 100 South Korean Won according to
driving distance and riding time. After midnight, an additional
20% of the total fare is charged. The fare from Kimpo International
Airport to downtown Seoul is from 10,000 to 15,000 South Korean
Won and from Kimpo to Jamsil is about 17,000 South Korean Won.
BEST
DELUXE TAXIS Black taxis with yellow caps are called Best
Deluxe Taxis. They provide various convenient services including
free car phones. Credit card payment is also available, and they
will give you a receipt. You are able to find these taxis at general
taxi stops. Best deluxe taxis are easily found at airports, main
hotels, attractions and terminals. As with general taxis, some
best deluxe taxis with "FREE INTERPRETATION" signs on their rear
window provide on-line phone interpretation service. Drivers of
taxis with a "Visitors Guide English (Japanese)" sign provide
you direct interpretation. The basic fare is currently 3,000 South
Korean Won (April 2002). It increases by 200 South Korean Won
according to driving distance and riding time. Unlike the general
taxis, best deluxe taxis do not charge you extra fare after midnight.
The fare from Kimpo International Airport to downtown of Seoul
is approximately 20,000 to 30,000 South Korean Won and from Kimpo
to Jamsil is about 35,000 South Korean Won.
CALL TAXIS You can call a taxi directly to wherever you are
by making a telephone call. One advantage to this is that you
can arrange for a taxi with interpretation service if you do not
speak any Korean at all. When you wish to call for an interpretation
available taxi, call 82-2-3431-5100. A certain amount of money
will be charged when you call a taxi. It varies by taxi company,
so check on this before making arrangements.
Get snacks
and cash while you wait for the subway
Rental
Cars
Rental
cars can give you freedom on a trip, however driving can be difficult
for foreigners who have not yet experienced driving in South Korea.
On most roads in the city the speed limit is 60 kph. In intercity
highways like the Olympic Highway, the limit is 80 kph. If you
are inexperienced at driving in South Korea, we recommend renting
a car with a chauffeur.
Usually, it
costs 50,000 to 70,000 South Korean Won per day to rent a small
car, 70,000 to 90,000 South Korean Won for a mid-sized car, 120,000
to 270,000 for a deluxe car and 90,000 to 100,000 for a van (April,
2002 rough estimates). There will be an additional fee of 5,000
to 10,000 South Korean Won per hour when using a chauffeur.
Make sure
you check out the insurance status of the car you rent. We also
recommend that you determine ahead of time the location of the
gas station nearest your destination or the place you are staying.
You can reserve a rental car on-line with most rental car shops
in Korea. To rent a car, you will need your international driver's
license, your ID or passport and your national driver's license.
Watch out for fake international drivers licenses being sold on
the Internet as they'll get you in trouble overseas. International
drivers licenses can be obtained in the USA at most AAA Travel
locations and in Seoul at a number of locations. Ask any police
station in Seoul.
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