Hi ! =) Getting around Seoul is generally easy and convenient, thanks to its extensive bus and subway system. However, traffic can be heavy, especially if you travel by taxi or rental car. 1. Traffic in Seoul Seoul can be busy even outside the traditional rush hours. Traffic usually starts getting heavier around 7:00 a.m. and may remain busy until around 9:00 p.m. The downtown area, in particular, tends to have heavy traffic throughout the day. If you are traveling by taxi or rental car, be sure to allow extra time for traffic. For this reason, public transportation is often the better choice when exploring Seoul. 2. Taking the Bus Seoul’s city buses have access to dedicated bus lanes, which can help them move more efficiently through busy areas. For shorter trips, buses can be a convenient way to explore the city while enjoying the scenery along the way. They are also a great option when your destination is not close to a subway station. 3. Taking the Subway For longer journeys, the subway is often the fastest and most reliable option. If your trip would take 30 minutes or more by car, taking the subway can save you a significant amount of time, especially during busy hours. Seoul’s subway system covers most popular tourist areas, making it one of the easiest ways for visitors to travel around the city. 4. Use a Navigation App If you are not familiar with Seoul’s transportation system, don’t worry. Apps such as "KakaoMap" and "Naver Map" are widely used in Korea and are extremely helpful for getting around. Simply enter your starting point and destination, and the app will show you: - Which bus or subway line to take - Where to board - Where to transfer - Which station or stop to get off at - How long the journey is expected to take I recommend trying these apps before you arrive in Korea. Getting familiar with Korean place names and learning how to search for destinations will make traveling around Seoul much easier once you arrive. 5. A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way Seoul’s public transportation system may seem complicated at first, especially when you need to transfer between buses and subway lines. But once you understand the basics, getting around the city becomes surprisingly easy. In our next article, we’ll take a closer look at how transfers work between buses and subway lines in Seoul. * Please note that we will not cover transportation cards separately on this website :)