The cost of transportation in South Korea varies depending on the mode of transport, with a monthly transit pass costing around $60 USD and a taxi start rate of $3 USD.
Quick Facts
Monthly Transit Pass($60 USD)
Taxi Start Rate($3 USD)
Fuel (per liter)($1.50 USD)
Ride-Hailing Available(Yes — T-Money, KakaoTaxi, and Naver Taxi)
CurrencyKRW
Getting Around Overview
South Korea has a well-developed transportation network, with a variety of options available for getting around, including public transportation, taxis, and ride-hailing services. The country's public transportation system is known for its quality and efficiency, with a comprehensive network of buses, subways, and commuter trains. Most people in South Korea rely on public transportation to get around, with the subway being a particularly popular option, especially in major cities like Seoul.
The quality of public transit in South Korea is high, with modern and clean buses and trains, and a convenient payment system using rechargeable cards like T-Money. The country's transportation infrastructure is also well-integrated, making it easy to transfer between different modes of transport. For example, many subway stations have bus terminals and taxi stands nearby, making it easy to switch between modes of transport. Additionally, many cities in South Korea have bike-sharing systems and pedestrian-friendly streets, making it easy to get around without a car.
Public Transportation
Transport Type
Single Fare (USD)
Monthly Pass (USD)
Notes
City Bus
$1.20
$45
Comprehensive coverage, with many routes available
Metro / Subway
$1.20
$60
Extensive network, with 22 lines in Seoul alone
Minibus / Shared Taxi
$2.50
N/A
Limited routes, but convenient for short distances
Commuter Train
$2.50-$5.00
$100
Available in major cities, with frequent departures
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
Service
Base Fare (USD)
Per km (USD)
Typical City Ride (USD)
Notes
Metered Taxi
$3.00
$0.25
$10-$15
Available everywhere, but may not always use meters
Ride-Hailing App
$5.00
$0.20
$10-$15
T-Money, KakaoTaxi, and Naver Taxi are popular options
Airport Transfer
N/A
N/A
$60-$100
To city center, with options like taxis and buses available
Fuel & Driving Costs
Item
Cost (USD)
Notes
Gasoline (per liter)
$1.50
Prices vary depending on location and time of day
Diesel (per liter)
$1.30
Slightly cheaper than gasoline
Car Rental (per day)
$50-$100
Economy car, with options like Hyundai and Kia available
Parking (per hour, city)
$2-$5
Prices vary depending on location and time of day
Toll Roads (typical)
$5-$10
Some highways have tolls, but many are free
Intercity & Long-Distance
Route Type
Cost Range (USD)
Notes
Intercity Bus (4-5 hrs)
$20-$50
Frequent departures, with options like express and economy available
Domestic Flight
$100-$200
Typical route, with options like Korean Air and Asiana available
Train (long-distance)
$50-$100
Available on some routes, with options like KTX and Saemaeul available
Transport Tips
To save money on transportation, consider purchasing a rechargeable card like T-Money, which can be used on buses, subways, and taxis.
Use ride-hailing apps like KakaoTaxi and Naver Taxi to get around, especially at night or in areas with limited public transportation.
Always negotiate the fare before getting into a taxi, especially if you're not using a meter.
Be aware of peak hour traffic and plan your route accordingly to avoid congestion.
Use the subway or bus to get around during the day, as they are often the most convenient and affordable options.
Consider purchasing a monthly transit pass if you plan to use public transportation frequently, as it can save you money in the long run.