Buses can be a convenient way to get around Korea, especially when your destination is not close to a subway station. They can also be useful for reaching restaurants, cafés, neighborhoods, and attractions that require additional walking from the subway.
However, taking a bus in Korea for the first time can feel confusing. You may wonder which stop to use, where to tap your transportation card, or when to press the stop button.
Once you understand a few basic steps, using Korean buses becomes much easier. Here are 8 things first-time travelers should know about taking buses in Korea.
1. Check the Bus Number and Direction
In Korea, bus stops with the same or similar names may sometimes be located on opposite sides of the road.
If you check only the bus number, you could accidentally board a bus traveling in the opposite direction.
Before boarding, check the bus number, exact location of your stop, and direction of travel on your map.
If you need help navigating in Korea, check out this guide:
👉 Getting Around Korea: 8 Navigation Tips for First-Time Travelers
2. Have Your Transportation Card Ready Before Boarding
Using a transportation card is a convenient way to pay for buses in Korea.
It is a good idea to have your card ready before the bus arrives instead of searching through your bag or wallet after boarding.
Before your trip, check which payment method you plan to use for public transportation in Korea.
3. You Usually Board Through the Front Door and Tap Your Card
On many Korean city buses, passengers board through the front door.
If you are using a transportation card, tap it on the card reader when you get on.
After confirming that your card has been recognized, move into the bus. Since the bus may begin moving soon after you board, find a seat or hold onto a handrail as soon as possible.
4. Keep Track of Your Stop While Riding
When traveling in an unfamiliar area, it can be difficult to recognize your destination just by looking out the window.
Check the onboard information display or announcements, and use your smartphone map to follow your location if necessary.
As you get closer to your destination, check the name of your stop and how many stops remain so you do not accidentally pass it.
5. Press the Stop Button Before Your Stop
When your destination is approaching, press one of the stop buttons inside the bus to let the driver know that you want to get off.
If it is your first time using a Korean bus, you may be unsure when to press it. Generally, press the button before the bus reaches your stop.
Keep an eye on the onboard display or announcements so you do not miss your destination.
6. Remember to Tap Your Transportation Card When Getting Off
If you are using a transportation card, remember to tap it on the card reader when you get off the bus.
This is particularly important if you plan to transfer to another bus or the subway.
Buses commonly use the rear door for exiting, so look for the card reader near the exit and tap your card before getting off.
7. Combining Buses and the Subway Can Make Getting Around Easier
The subway may not take you directly to every destination in Korea.
In these situations, you can take a bus after leaving the subway or transfer from a bus to the subway to reach more places.
Transfer and fare rules can vary depending on the transportation system, card, and region, so check the current local transportation information when necessary.
For more information about using the subway in Korea:
👉 How to Use the Subway in Korea: 10 Tips for First-Time Travelers
8. Check the Last Bus and Service Information at Night
Not every bus operates on the same schedule late at night.
If you plan to return to your accommodation late, check the operating information for the bus you intend to use before heading back.
If bus service has ended or a bus is no longer convenient, you may need to use another form of public transportation or take a taxi.
For tips on taking taxis in Korea:
👉 Taking a Taxi in Korea: 8 Things First-Time Travelers Should Know
Final Tips
Taking a bus in Korea can seem complicated at first because the bus stop locations, boarding process, and stop buttons may be unfamiliar.
But once you remember the basics—check the bus number and direction, prepare your transportation card, follow your stop, and press the stop button before getting off—the process becomes much easier.
Combining buses with the subway can also help you reach places that are farther away from subway stations.
🇰🇷 Korean Version
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