How to Ride the Bus
How to ride Seoul's buses — the colour system, how to pay, how to find the right bus, and when to take a long-distance bus.
City buses
Seoul's buses are colour-coded by type: blue buses run long routes across the city, green buses run shorter local routes, and red buses go to the suburbs. The bus number and the destination are shown on the front of the bus in English. Buses are a great way to see the city, but they can be slow in traffic.
Paying for the bus
Pay with a T-money card by tapping on the reader when you board and again when you get off. Cash is also accepted, but you need the exact fare and you will not get a transfer discount. If you do not tap when getting off, you may be charged the maximum fare.
Finding the right bus
Use Naver Map or KakaoMap to find the bus number, the stop, and the real-time arrival time. Bus stops have a sign with the stop name in English and a list of the buses that stop there. When your bus arrives, check the number and destination on the front before boarding.
Getting off at the right stop
Press the red stop button before your stop, and the driver will stop at the next station. Announcements are made in English on most city buses. If you are unsure, show the driver your destination on your phone — most drivers are happy to help.
Long-distance and airport buses
Intercity buses connect Seoul to other cities and are comfortable and affordable — tickets can be bought at the bus terminal or online. Airport limousine buses run from the airport to hotels and major districts, and they are a good option if you have a lot of luggage, because you do not have to carry it up and down subway stairs.