Korea travel essentials

From the airport into the city

• Airport Railroad (AREX) runs from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station. The all-stop train also calls at Gimpo Airport and Hongik University (Hongdae); the express train goes non-stop to Seoul Station.
• Airport limousine buses go to many Seoul neighbourhoods, big hotels and other cities. Tickets are sold at counters and machines in the arrivals hall.
• Taxis wait outside arrivals. Late-night fares cost more, and tolls are added for the expressway.
• Gimpo Airport is on Seoul subway lines 5 and 9 and on AREX.

Subway and buses: get a T-money card

• A T-money card works on subways and buses in Seoul and most other cities, and in many taxis. Buy one at convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) or subway stations.
• Top-up machines in stations often take cash only, so keep some won notes.
• Tap the card when you get on and off the bus — transfers within a set time are discounted.

Maps: use Naver Map or Kakao Map

Google Maps shows places in Korea, but walking and driving directions are limited. Naver Map and Kakao Map give full transit, walking and driving directions, and both have English menus in their apps.

Between cities: KTX, SRT and express buses

• KTX (Korail) high-speed trains leave from Seoul and Yongsan stations; SRT trains leave from Suseo in southern Seoul.
• Book ahead for weekends and holidays — popular trains sell out.
• Express buses link almost every city and are cheaper than trains.

Taxis and ride apps

• You can hail taxis on the street or use an app such as Kakao T or Uber. Some app features ask for a Korean phone number, so check before you rely on one.
• Show the driver the Korean address — every place page on this site lists it.

Paying: cards and cash

• Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including small cafés and convenience stores.
• Carry some cash for traditional markets, street food, some small restaurants and T-money top-ups.
• Some apps and kiosks only take Korean cards. If a kiosk refuses your card, ask staff to take the order at the counter.
• Withdraw won at ATMs marked Global or Foreign card.

Phone and internet

• Buy an eSIM or a SIM card before you fly or at the airport. Free Wi-Fi is common in subways, cafés and public places.
• Some bookings and delivery apps need a Korean phone number. Travellers note this on place pages under “Can I visit?”.

If something goes wrong

Call 1330 for the 24-hour Korea Travel Hotline in English and other languages. Police, ambulance, lost property and visa contacts are on the help page.