How to Take a Bus in Korea – A Complete Guide for Foreign Travelers

 




How to Take a Bus in Korea

– A Complete Guide for Foreign Travelers



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“Buses in Korea look so confusing!”

Yes, Korea’s bus system can look confusing at first.

There are many bus numbers, directions, and similar stop names.

But don’t worry—

once you try it, buses are actually very easy and useful.

They’re cheap, fast, and take you close to your destination.


Yes, the bus system can feel complicated at first.

There are many routes, similar station names, and multiple directions.


But once you try it, buses often take you closer to your destination than subways do —

and they’re fast, cheap, and everywhere!



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1. Types of Buses in Seoul


Blue buses (Main lines): Long routes through Seoul


Green buses (Local lines): Connect small neighborhoods


Red buses (Express): Between Seoul and nearby cities


Yellow buses (Circulation): Loop through city centers




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2. Buses to Major Tourist Attractions


Myeongdong


Bus: 104, 105, 421


Stop: Myeongdong Entrance / Toegye-ro 2-ga



Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower)


Bus: Circulation 02, 03, 05


Stop: Namsan Seoul Tower



Gyeongbokgung Palace


Bus: 1020, 7016, 7212


Stop: Gyeongbokgung / Folk Museum



Itaewon


Bus: 110B, 421, 405


Stop: Itaewon Station / Hamilton Hotel



Hongdae (Hongik Univ.)


Bus: 271, 273, 602


Stop: Hongdae Station



Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)


Bus: 105, 201, 223, 421


Stop: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park



Insadong (Ssamzigil)


Bus: 151, 162, 401


Stop: Jongno 2-ga / Insadong Entrance




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3. Bus Stops Near Major Hotels


Lotte Hotel Seoul (Euljiro 1-ga)


Bus: 103, 604, 470


Stop: Lotte Department Store



Four Seasons Hotel (Gwanghwamun)


Bus: 150, 401, 402, 704


Stop: Sejong Center for the Performing Arts



The Shilla Hotel (Jangchung-dong)


Bus: 144, 301, 407


Stop: Jangchung Gymnasium / The Shilla Seoul



Conrad Seoul (Yeouido)


Bus: 162, 261, 360, 7613


Stop: Yeouido Park / IFC Mall



Grand Intercontinental Parnas (Samsung Station)


Bus: 143, 241, 333, 341


Stop: COEX / Trade Center




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4. How to Take the Bus


Get on through the front door


Tap your T-money card on the reader


To get off, press the red “stop” button before your stop


Exit through the back door


You can use cash, but exact change is required




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5. Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers


Ride during the day or early evening if possible


Sit in the middle or near other passengers


Keep your bag in front of you


Use an app to set vibration alerts for your stop


Most buses have CCTV cameras and emergency buttons


If anything feels wrong, get off at the next stop and go to a safe area




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6. What if a bus accident happens?


Accidents are rare, but here’s what to do just in case:


Tell the driver immediately if you feel hurt


Drivers are trained to respond and call emergency help


If needed, you will be taken to a hospital with police or staff


Take photos of the license plate, bus number, and stop


Bus CCTV footage is available if needed


Call 1330 (Tourist Helpline – English, 24/7) for assistance or translation




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7. Is there English support?


Yes!


Most bus stops have English signs


Buses announce stops in Korean and English (especially near tourist spots)


Use apps like KakaoMap or Naver Map for real-time tracking




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Recommended Apps


KakaoMap – Real-time bus tracking, foreigner-friendly


Naver Map – Good for planning combined subway & bus trips

Both apps offer English mode and are free to use.




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Final Tip


Buses in Korea are affordable, safe, and very local.

They can take you straight to the heart of your destination —

no long walks, no underground transfers.


So try it once!

You might end up loving the ride through real Korean streets.


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