How to Use Public Transport in Korea (2026 T-Money, Apps & Route Hacks)
Korea’s public transport system is one of the most efficient in the world — clean, fast, and foreigner-friendly.
Whether you're staying in Seoul or exploring other cities, knowing how to use the subway, buses, and transport cards will save you time, money, and stress.
This 2026 guide covers:
- 🚇 How to use the subway (Seoul, Busan, etc.)
- 🚌 Using buses like a local
- 💳 T-Money, WOWPASS, and mobile payment tips
- 📱 Best transport apps for real-time info
- 🛫 Getting from airports to downtown
1. What is T-Money & Why You Need It 💳
T-Money is Korea’s rechargeable transport card — and your best friend while traveling.
- 💸 Works on subways, buses, some taxis, and even convenience stores
- 📲 Can be loaded with cash or via mobile app (Android/NFC)
- 🛍️ Buy it at 7-Eleven, CU, GS25, or subway stations
- 💰 Card price: ₩2,500~₩4,000 + recharge as needed
💡 Don’t throw it away — refunds are available when you leave.
2. How to Use the Subway in Korea (2026 Update) 🚇
The subway is the fastest and cheapest way to get around Seoul, Busan, and other major cities.
- 📍 Tap your T-Money at the gate — once in, once out
- 📲 Real-time subway apps show arrival times & transfers
- 🕐 Operating hours: ~5:30am to midnight
- 🪑 Priority seats for elderly, pregnant, disabled — avoid sitting there
💡 Some lines have “Express Trains” — save time on longer routes.
📌 Popular apps:
- 🚇 KakaoMetro (accurate timing, English UI)
- 📍 Naver Map (multi-route + bus + subway)
- 🗺️ Subway Korea App (offline-friendly)
3. Using Buses in Korea (Like a Local) 🚌
Buses go places subways don’t — and they’re easier than you think.
- 💳 Tap with T-Money when entering AND exiting
- 📱 Real-time bus tracking on KakaoMap or Naver Map
- 📶 Digital displays at major stops show wait times
🟦 Blue buses = cross-city 🟨 Yellow = downtown loops 🟧 Orange = suburb to city 🟩 Green = neighborhood routes
💡 If you miss your stop, press the red button near the exit door.
4. Airports to Downtown: Subway, Bus or Taxi? 🛫
Landing at Incheon or Gimpo? Here’s how to get to Seoul efficiently:
| Option | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚄 Airport Express (AREX) | 43–60 min | ₩4,150–₩9,500 | Fast & affordable |
| 🚌 Airport Limousine Bus | 60–90 min | ₩10,000–₩17,000 | Direct to hotel areas |
| 🚖 Taxi | 45–70 min | ₩70,000+ | Heavy luggage or late night |
💡 Most budget travelers use AREX + subway transfer. Easy + cheap.
5. WOWPASS vs T-Money: Which Is Better in 2026? 💳
Both work for transport — but they offer different extras.
| Card | Transport | Shopping | Currency |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-Money | ✅ Subway, bus, taxi | ✅ Convenience stores | ❌ KRW only |
| WOWPASS | ✅ Subway, bus, taxi | ✅ Wider merchant network | ✅ Multi-currency + foreign top-up |
💡 Tourists: WOWPASS = All-in-one Long-term: T-Money = Cheaper, widely accepted
6. Local Transport Hacks for Foreigners (2026) 🎯
- ✅ Transfer discount applies if you use the same card for subway + bus (within 30 minutes)
- ✅ Always stand on the right side of escalators (left = passing lane)
- ✅ Subways can be crowded during rush hour (8–9am, 6–7pm)
- ✅ Use exit numbers — many stations have 10+ exits
- ✅ Late-night buses (N-buses) run after midnight on select routes
📱 Bookmark Naver/Kakao Map before your trip — they’ll be your lifeline.
Conclusion: Korea’s Transport System = Foreign-Friendly ✅
In 2026, Korea offers one of the most advanced, reliable, and accessible public transport systems in the world.
Use this combo:
- 💳 T-Money or WOWPASS = Tap and go
- 📱 KakaoMap or Naver = Real-time routes
- 🚇 AREX + subway = Best for airport arrivals
Up next: Tipping culture in Korea — what’s expected, when not to tip, and how to handle awkward moments (2026 Etiquette Guide).
