🚦 How to Transfer in Korea’s Public Transportation (Subway & Bus)

Korea’s public transportation system is super convenient and affordable. One of the best features is the transfer discount — allowing you to change from subway to bus, or from one bus to another, without paying the full fare again.

💡 What Is a Transfer?

A “transfer” means moving from one type of transportation to another (like subway ↔ bus or bus ↔ bus) with a discount. Instead of paying the full price each time, you only pay a small extra fee or sometimes nothing.

🕒 How Long Is the Transfer Time?

• Within 30 minutes after getting off
• Up to 1 hour between 9 PM and 7 AM (next day)
• Maximum 4 transfers per day

🚍➡️🚇 How to Transfer Between Bus and Subway

1. When getting off the bus, tap your T-money card on the reader.
2. Walk to the subway station.
3. Tap your card at the subway gate to start your ride.
4. The transfer discount applies automatically.

🚍➡️🚍 How to Transfer Between Buses

1. Tap when getting off the first bus.
2. Within the transfer time, board the next bus.
3. Tap when getting on the new bus.
4. Make sure it is a different bus route. (Same bus number is not allowed.)

⚠️ Important Rules

• Always tap when getting off the bus — or no discount!
• Transfers only work between subway ↔ bus or bus ↔ bus.
• Not valid for intercity buses, express buses, or airport limousine buses.
• Same bus number (e.g. Bus 273 → Bus 273) does NOT count as a transfer.

🌟 Common Mistakes

• ❌ Forgetting to tap when getting off the bus
• ❌ Trying to transfer to the same bus route
• ❌ Taking too long between rides (over 30 min daytime / 1 hour at night)

✨ Pro Tip

Transfers are super easy in Korea! Just remember: Tap when you get on and tap again when you get off. The system will handle the discount automatically.

✅ In Summary

• Subway ↔ Bus — Tap when entering and exiting
• Bus ↔ Bus — Tap off first bus, then tap on next bus (must be different route)
• Transfer within 30 min (or 1 hour between 9 PM–7 AM next day)
• Up to 4 transfers per day

✔️ With just one T-money card, you can travel around Korea easily and cheaply — just make sure you know how the transfer works! 🚍🚇

👉 Coming Next:

• Subway Tips for First-Timers in Korea
• How to Read Bus Routes & Ride Like a Local

Stay tuned! 😊