Transportation

When arriving in a new country, finding your way around can be difficult. Korea has many different forms of transportation, all of which have their pros and cons. Here's how to navigate your way around Busan!
Transportation cardsThere are two types of transportation cards in Korea, Tmoney and Cashbee, both of which can be used for buses and metros. With these, you can save the hassle of having to purchase single journey tickets for every ride and enjoy discounts when you transfer from one bus to another, one metro line to another, or from metro to the bus (and vice versa), within the transfer time limit of 30 minutes. However, this discount will not apply if you are transferring to the same numbered bus even if it’s within 30 minutes or re-entering the same subway station after exiting.
Upon entering the bus or before going down to the platform in the case of the metro, place your card on the sensor until it beeps. The sensor will display the amount charged on the top and the remaining balance at the bottom. Before getting off the bus or when you arrive at your destination metro station, place the transportation card on the sensor located until it beeps. If you do not tap your card before getting off the bus/at your destination station, you will not be able to benefit from the transfer discount.
Transportation cards can be recharged at any convenience store, such as CU, 7-eleven, GS25, mini stop, emart 24 etc.

MetroThe metro system in Busan is fast, reliable, and safe. Here are some reasons it's convenient:

All announcements are made in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.
It only has four lines. See below for a map of all lines.
A bird's chirping sound is used to indicate that a station is a transfer point
It operates from 5:30 am to midnight. It is considered an extremely safe option if you're traveling late at night.
Maps are everywhere! But it's a good idea to find a map of each line and screenshot them to keep a digital copy on your phone.
All trains are air-conditioned during the summer and kept warm in the winter.

You can pay either with your transportation card or a ticket, which can be bought using the ticket machines.
A link to the Official Busan Metro website* can be found here.*Some Busan Metro stations have a stair-access only so you need to check the website for other accessible travel options.
Etiquette tip on the metro :)

It is impolite to not give your seat to a person older than you if they are standing.
Talking loudly is something that locals consider quite rude.

Buses

All the bus stops in Korea have a screen that display the bus numbers and minutes until the next bus arrives. There are also apps that accurately track where the buses are down to the minute, which you can refresh every 15 seconds. You can pay in cash for the bus fare or with your transportation card. Find the official Busan buses website here for more information.

PRICES FOR THE METRO AND BUS LISTED BELOW:

Adult

METRO

For one section: 1300 won using card / 1400 won using ticket

For two sections: 1500 won using card / 1600 won using ticket

BUS

1200 won using card / 1300 won using cash

Student

METRO

For one section: 1050 won using card / 1150 won using ticket

For two sections: 1200 won using card / 1300 won using ticket

BUS

800 won using card / 900 using cash

Child

METRO

For one section: 650 won using card / 700 won using ticket

For two sections: 750 won using card / 800 won using ticket

BUS

350 won using card / 400 won using cash

Taxis

Taxis in Korea are widely available, convenient, and reasonably priced, but navigating through the traffic may take a lot of time. Busan is also quite a large city and the trips are time-consuming. Many drivers can speak English but not all of them, so you might face some language barriers. You can use a translation app or type in the name of your destination in Korean on your phone and show your driver.

The starting fare for a regular taxi is 3300 won, which covers the first two kilometers of the trip, and adds 100 won for each additional 133 meters.

There is a late-night surcharge of 20% on all rides if you take a cab between midnight and 4 am. If your destination is outside Busan city limits, there will also be a 30-40% surcharge. Tipping the driver is not necessary as they are customary in Korea.

You can also call taxis using the Kakao app which is explained in the convenient apps and websites section and pay via the app. This is a convenient option if you can't see any taxis nearby, as it will bring a taxi that is currently closest to your location.

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