🚍 How to Read Bus Routes & Ride Like a Local in Korea (A Simple Guide)

 

Korea’s bus system is affordable, convenient, and covers almost every part of the city. Here’s how to read bus routes and ride like a local.

🚌 1. Types of Buses in Korea

• Blue Bus (간선) — Long-distance within the city (main roads)
• Green Bus (지선) — Short-distance, neighborhood connector, subway feeder
• Yellow Bus (순환) — Circular routes around key areas (e.g. downtown)
• Red Bus (광역) — Express commuter buses between Seoul and suburbs
• Airport Limousine Bus — For travel to/from the airport

🔢 2. How to Read Bus Numbers

 

Bus numbers often give hints about their routes:

• Green/Blue Bus Example: 273 → 2 (northern Seoul), 73 (route number)
• Red Bus Example: 9701 → 9 (north), 7 (connects north to south), 01 (route number)
• Note: Not always perfect, but it gives a general idea of the area served.

📍 3. How to Find the Right Bus Stop

• Bus stops have clear signs with:
  • Bus numbers
  • Route map with all stops
  • Electronic display for expected arrival times
• Check the direction by looking at the next few stops listed on the sign.

🚏 4. How to Check Which Bus to Take

• Google Maps works but is not 100% accurate.
• Naver Map and Kakao Map are highly recommended.
• These apps show:
  • Which bus to take
  • Arrival times
  • Transfer points and walking routes

🎫 5. How to Pay

• Use your T-money card.
• Tap when getting on and tap again when getting off.
• Forgetting to tap off means no transfer discount.
• Some buses do not accept cash or don’t give change, so T-money is highly recommended.

🔁 6. Transfers (Bus ↔ Bus or Bus ↔ Subway)

• Tap when getting off the first bus.
• Tap again when getting on the next bus or subway.
• Transfer must be within 30 minutes (or 1 hour between 9 PM – 7 AM).
• You can transfer up to 4 times per day with the discount.

🛑 7. Common Mistakes

• ❌ Getting on the wrong direction — always check the next few stops at the bus stop.
• ❌ Forgetting to tap when getting off — lose the transfer discount.
• ❌ Assuming buses run 24 hours — most stop between 10 PM and 11:30 PM.

 

🌟 8. Local Tips

• Most bus stops have real-time electronic displays showing arrival times.
• Board through the front door, exit from the back door (standard in Seoul).
• In some regions like Jeju, buses work differently — check local guides.

✅ In Summary

• Check the bus type: blue, green, red.
• Check the direction using the next stops on the sign.
• Use your T-money card — tap on and tap off.
• Use Naver Map or Kakao Map for the best directions.
• Transfer works between bus ↔ bus and bus ↔ subway.

👉 Coming Next:

• How to Use Airport Buses in Korea ✈️

Stay tuned! 😊