Master the Art of Getting Around (Without Losing Your Mind)

<h3 dir="ltr" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Korea’s public transport is a masterpiece—subways zoom with surgical precision, buses are cheap and spotless, and taxis dart through traffic like they’re in a K-drama car chase. But for foreigners, it can feel like a maze. First, ditch Google Maps; it’s notoriously unreliable here. Instead, download Naver Map or KakaoMap, the local navigation heroes. These apps deliver real-time bus and subway schedules, walking directions, and even taxi fare estimates, with English, Chinese, and Japanese options. They’ll guide you to the right subway exit (Seoul’s stations are mini-cities) and warn you about rush-hour crowds.

Your best friend for payments is a T-money card, available for about ₩3,000 (~$2) at convenience stores like CU or GS25. Load it with cash at kiosks or marts, and swipe it on buses, subways, and most taxis. The cards’ adorable designs—featuring K-pop idols or cartoon mascots—double as souvenirs. Taxis are affordable (Seoul’s base fare is ₩4,800), but drivers often speak little English, so have your destination’s address in Korean ready (pro tip: save it on your phone). For long-distance trips, the KTX high-speed train is a game-changer—Seoul to Busan in 2+ hours. Book via the Korail Talk app for English-friendly ticketing.

<h3 dir="ltr" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">A few etiquette tips: stand on the right side of escalators (left is for speed-walkers), and avoid the pink Women’s Only subway cars unless they apply to you. If you’re biking, try Seoul’s Ddareungi bike-sharing for a fun, cheap ride, but bring a helmet. One last hack: memorize key phrases like “Gajuseyo” (Let’s go) for taxis. With these tools, you’ll navigate Korea’s urban jungle like a pro, even if you accidentally hop a bus to Incheon instead of Itaewon.

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