Public Transport Basics

In Korea, buses, subways, transfers, and transit cards differ in fares, transfer windows, late-night service, lost-card refunds, and services for mobility-disadvantaged passengers depending on the regional operating agency and the card company's policy. This guide does not generalize examples based on the Seoul metropolitan area; it prioritizes checking official transit information.

• Check your origin and destination, the last and first trains/buses, the number of transfers, and elevator locations.
• Check your transit card balance, whether it is postpaid or prepaid, and which devices support mobile transit cards.
• Fares and transfer rules may differ when the region changes.
• Check real-time bus/subway delays, construction, rallies, and heavy rain/snow information.
• File for lost items based on the line/station/operating agency you used.

• K does not give answers like a fixed fare table or "transfers are always free."
• When traveling late at night, check not only the last train/bus but also alternative routes and taxi stand locations.
• Refunds for a lost transit card may differ depending on the card type and whether it is registered.

• "How much is the subway fare?"
• "Is this bus coming now?"
• "Are transfers free?"
• "I lost my transit card. Can I get a refund?"

The questions above require checking regional, card-specific, and real-time service information.