How to Get Around Seoul in 2025: A Complete Public Transport Guide

 If you're planning a trip to Seoul in 2025, you may have heard about a new public transportation update called ‘GO SEOUL.’ This rebranding of buses, subways, and bike-sharing services is designed to make transit more seamless—but does it change how tourists get around?

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Seoul’s transport system, including subway tips, bus routes, and money-saving hacks to help you travel efficiently.

What’s Inside This Guide?

• 🚇 How Seoul’s public transportation works in 2025
• 🚍 Do you need a special pass for ‘GO SEOUL’?
• 💳 Best ways to pay for transit (T-Money & alternatives)
• 💡 Money-saving tips for tourists using public transportation
• 
  

🚇 How Public Transport in Seoul Works (2025 Update)

Seoul’s transportation system is one of the best in the world, offering a network of subways, buses, and public bikes that make getting around effortless.

What is ‘GO SEOUL’?

‘GO SEOUL’ is not a new service but rather a rebranding of the existing transport system.

✔ No new passes or apps required – The T-Money card still works.
✔ Same fares & routes – Buses, subways, and trains operate as usual.
✔ Improved English signage – Better navigation for tourists.

💡 Bottom line: If you’ve used Seoul’s subway or buses before, nothing changes—just clearer branding!

🚇 1. The Seoul Subway – Fastest Way to Travel

Best for: City-wide travel with predictable schedules.
Fare: Starts at KRW 1,400 ($1 USD) per ride.
Payment: T-Money card (recommended), credit card, or cash.

The Seoul Metro is ranked as one of the world’s best subway systems due to its:

• Extensive coverage – 23 lines connecting all major districts.
• English-friendly signage – Announcements in multiple languages.
• Fast service – Trains arrive every 2-5 minutes.

📌 Tourist Tip: Google Maps doesn’t work properly in Korea. Instead, use Naver Map or KakaoMap for real-time subway directions.

🚌 2. Seoul Buses – A Convenient Alternative to the Subway

Best for: Shorter distances or areas without subway stations.
Fare: KRW 1,400 ($1 USD) per ride.
Payment: T-Money card or exact cash.

Seoul’s buses are color-coded to make navigation easier:

• Blue Buses – Travel long distances across districts.
• Green Buses – Serve local neighborhoods.
• Yellow Buses – Circular routes within districts.
• Red Buses – Express routes to suburban areas.

📌 Time-Saving Tip: Taking the 6011 bus from Incheon Airport? It stops at Bukchon Hanok Village, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and more.

🚲 3. Seoul’s Public Bike-Sharing – ‘Ddareungi’ (따릉이)

Best for: Exploring parks & short-distance travel.
Fare: KRW 1,000 ($0.75 USD) per hour.
Payment: KakaoPay, credit card, or T-Money card via the Ddareungi app.

How to Rent a Bike

1️⃣ Download the ‘Seoul Bike Ddareungi’ app.
2️⃣ Register & choose a rental plan.
3️⃣ Scan the QR code on a bike.
4️⃣ Start exploring!

📌 Best Spots for a Scenic Ride:

• Han River Park – Waterfront cycling with city views.
• Gyeongbokgung Palace – Ride through historic alleys.
• Seongsu-dong – Trendy streets lined with cafes and art.

🚖 4. Taxis & Ride-Sharing in Seoul

Best for: Late-night trips, bad weather, or group travel.
Fare: KRW 4,800 ($3.50 USD) starting fare.
Payment: Credit card, T-Money card, or cash.

Best Taxi Apps for Tourists:

• Kakao T – Most reliable for hailing taxis.
• UT (Uber Korea) – Limited but available.
• Tada – Premium ride service with English-speaking drivers.

💰 How to Save Money on Public Transport

If you're looking for budget-friendly ways to get around Seoul, these tips will help:

✔ Buy a T-Money Card – Saves money compared to single tickets.
✔ Use Free Transfers – Get one free transfer between subway and bus (within 30 minutes).
✔ Rent a Public Bike – A cheaper alternative to taxis.
✔ Avoid Rush Hours – Subways and buses are most crowded from 7-9 AM and 6-8 PM.

📌 Long-Distance Travel Tip: If you plan to visit cities like Busan or Gyeongju, consider a KORAIL Pass for unlimited KTX train travel.

FAQ: Your Seoul Transit Questions Answered

1. Does ‘GO SEOUL’ change how tourists use public transport?

No, it’s just a branding update. You can still use T-Money cards, subways, and buses as before.

2. Can I use Google Maps for directions in Seoul?

No, Google Maps doesn’t work properly in Korea. Use Naver Map or KakaoMap instead.

3. What’s the cheapest way to get around Seoul?

Using a T-Money card for subway and buses is the most budget-friendly option.

4. How do I avoid crowds on public transit?

Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM and 6-8 PM) for a less crowded commute.

Should You Worry About ‘GO SEOUL’?

The ‘GO SEOUL’ branding update won’t affect tourists at all. It’s simply a design change to unify the transit system visually.

• Buses, subways, and T-Money cards still work exactly the same.
• If you already know how to use Seoul’s transport, nothing changes.
• If you’re a first-time visitor, new signage makes things easier.

Best Advice:

Download KakaoMap, get a T-Money card, and explore Seoul’s transit system hassle-free.