Trip Scam

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Seoul, South Korea

Getting around Seoul

How to travel around Seoul — 5 options, what they cost, and which booking apps fix the fare before you go.

Last updated 2026-08-08

1. Seoul Metro

Seoul Metro
Photo: Francois Harris · Pexels License · source

Extensive, cheap, signed in English, and with platform screen doors throughout.

2. T-money card

T-money card
Photo: Theodore Nguyen · Pexels License · source

Stored-value card used across almost all transport nationwide.

3. Kakao T

Kakao T
Photo: Markus Winkler · Pexels License · source

The standard app for hailing licensed metered taxis.

Watch outAvoids the fixed-rate 'tour taxi' offers made to visitors at tourist sites.

4. Airport Railroad (AREX)

Airport Railroad (AREX)
Photo: Theodore Nguyen · Pexels License · source

Direct express from Incheon to Seoul Station in 43 minutes.

5. City buses

City buses
Photo: Honggrider Rock · Pexels License · source

Colour-coded by route type, and cheaper than the metro for short hops.

Booking apps in South Korea

Agreeing the fare in an app before you travel removes the argument at the end of the journey, which is where most transport scams happen. Links go to each app's official page — lookalike apps are themselves a scam.

Kakao T

The standard Korean app for hailing licensed taxis, plus bikes and parking.

Naver Map

Journey planning that works far better in Korea than international map apps.

T-money

Stored-value card for buses, metro and taxis nationwide.

Korail Talk

Official booking for KTX high-speed and regional rail.

More about Seoul