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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! 😊
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