Buses in Seoul
Seoul has an excellent bus system although not all buses run 24 hours in Seoul. The bus system is very complex and if you do not speak Korean, you may want to ask for help. Call 1330 (2-1330 outside of Seoul) for assistance with bus routes in English. There is no bus route handbook for all of the routes in Seoul, however, you can get some of the routes on brochures given out by tourism offices. Click here for our bus route information.

Local Buses
These buses cost from 800 to 1,000 South Korean Won. There is limited seating and they are often crowded. They travel within Seoul or shuttle between Seoul and its suburbs.

Express Buses
Seoul has express buses that cost anywhere from 1,000 South Korean Won to around 1,600 South Korean Won. These buses have better seating, air conditioning, overhead lights, and racks. These buses fly through busy intersections and narrow roads very fast. They are fast, efficient, clean, and will get you someplace in a hurry.

Bus Schedule
Buses run between certain hours, usually until 11 p.m. but others run until 2 a.m. Bus routes run almost everywhere in Seoul. Most buses have their routes in English, Korean and Chinese characters, although some may still display their major stops in Korean. A book of all the bus routes in Seoul used to be published, but because information changed so quickly and so often, they have discontinued these books. These books were published only in Korean. Some tourist agencies will provide some of the major bus routes in English. Ask around.

City Bus Routes
Click here for Seoul city bus route information.

Airport Buses
Airport buses are similar to Seoul's regional buses and include large luggage storage inside the bus, nice seats, air conditioning, overhead racks, lights, and sometimes TV. The average trip from Seoul to Incheon Airport is about 1.5 hours. The cost varies from 3,300 South Korean Won to around 10,000 South Korean Won each way. Announcements are made in both English and Korean over the public address system. The 602, 605 and 3300 go to Incheon Airport. The 85 goes to Gimpo Airport.

Other Bus Services in Seoul
Seoul also offers several other bus services including a downtown Seoul tour bus that drives around to several key sites in Seoul for 5,500 South Korean Won allowing you to get off or on several times in one day. The buses are clean, safe, prompt, and well driven. Additional regional buses or long distance busses can take you from Seoul to nearly anywhere in South Korea for a reasonable price. Seoul to Pusan for example takes about 5 hours or so and the cost is around 25,000 South Korean Won for a super deluxe bus each way. Buses for long trips come in deluxe and super deluxe The difference is the amenities on board.

Long Distance Express Buses
Comfortable and convenient highway bus services operate on expressways connecting all major cities of South Korea. Most of the express bus terminals are located near the city center. Regular express buses have 45 seats and take one or two breaks at the service areas on the expressway.

Because of their popularity, reservations are required for weekend and holiday trips. Two express bus terminals serve Seoul: the Seoul Express Bus Terminal and Dong Seoul Express Bus Terminal. The Seoul Express Bus Terminal is the main bus depot for trips from Seoul to other major cities and is divided into two sections in two separate buildings: the Kyongbuson Express Terminal serves the Seoul-Pusan line and covers most major cities south of Seoul, including Taejeon, Taegu, Pusan and the historic city of Gyeongju. The Honam-Yongdongson Express Terminal covers cities on the east coast and in the southwestern provinces, including Kwangju and Mokp'o. They are conveniently served by the Express Bus Terminal Subway Station on Line 3. The Dong Seoul Express Bus Terminal operates similar routes but with less frequent services and fewer destinations. This terminal is adjacent to the Kangbyon Subway Station on Line 2. There is also Nambu Bus Terminal. Their Web site is only available in Korean. The Express Bus Terminal of Pusan is located in the eastern part of downtown, 15 minutes walking distance from Tongnae Subway Station and 40 minutes from central downtown.

Air

For all domestic flights, you use Gimpo Airport. For all international flights, use Incheon International Airport.

Boat

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.

Subway

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