Guide · MOV · 101
Intercity buses
The cheapest way to get between cities. Terminals, seat classes, and how to book.
In short
- Buses are Korea's cheapest intercity option, typically 30–40% less than the KTX, and they reach towns trains don't. Seoul→Busan is ~₩23,000 (standard) / ~₩34,000 (premium), about 4h15m.
- Two systems: 고속버스 (express) between major cities, and 시외버스 (intercity) to smaller towns. They use different terminals and booking sites.
- In Seoul the terminal depends on your destination: Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Busan, Daegu, Gangneung), Central City (Jeonju, Gwangju, Mokpo), plus Dong Seoul and Nambu.
- Book on Kobus / T-money GO (express) or Bustago/Txbus (intercity); if a foreign card fails, Klook/KKday sell QR e-tickets that work.
Korea's bus network is very good, and a lot of people overlook it. Seats recline, buses leave often, and it's cheaper than the train. Once you know how the terminals and booking work, you can get almost anywhere in the country. For the train side, see taxis & trains.
Express vs intercity
| 고속버스 (Express) | 시외버스 (Intercity) | |
|---|---|---|
| Routes | Major cities, direct on expressways | Smaller towns, more stops |
| Speed | Faster (fewer stops) | Slower (national roads, multiple stops) |
| Book | Kobus, T-money GO (고속버스) | Bustago, Txbus |
| Best for | Seoul↔Busan/Daegu/Gwangju | Sokcho, Namhae, rural counties |
Seat classes
- 일반 (Standard/Economy): comfortable 2+2 seating, cheapest.
- 우등 (Excellent/Deluxe): 3-abreast, wider, more legroom, reclining. Best value for most people.
- 프리미엄 (Premium): lie-flat seats, privacy curtains, charging. Close to business class.
- Late-night departures carry a small surcharge; premium costs more but is worth it on long hauls.
Seoul's main terminals
- Seoul Express Bus Terminal (고속터미널): Subway Lines 3/7/9. Gyeongbu & Yeongdong lines: Busan, Daegu, Gyeongju, Gangneung, Sokcho.
- Central City Terminal: same station complex. Honam line: Jeonju, Gwangju, Mokpo, Yeosu.
- Dong Seoul Terminal (동서울): Gangbyeon Station (Line 2). Mixed express/intercity to Gyeonggi & Gangwon (Chuncheon, Sokcho, etc.).
- Seoul Nambu Terminal (남부터미널): Line 3. Intercity to Chungcheong, Gyeongsang, Jeolla smaller towns.
How to book
- Official (residents): kobus.co.kr or the T-money GO / 고속버스 모바일 app for express; bustago.or.kr or Txbus for intercity. English versions exist. You get a QR code to board, so no paper is needed.
- Foreign-card trouble? Official sites/apps often reject overseas cards and may need a Korean number. Klook or KKday sell the same routes as QR e-tickets with foreign-card support (occasional promo discounts).
- Walk-up: buy at the terminal counter/kiosk. Buses rarely sell out, except on major holidays (book ahead for Seollal/Chuseok).
- On the day: find your platform, show your QR or ticket to the driver, and note your bus number, since several buses share a platform.
On board & good to know
- No onboard toilets. Express buses stop at a highway rest area (휴게소) every ~2–2.5 hours for ~10–15 min. Note your bus number and departure time.
- Luggage goes underneath; small bags overhead. Wi-Fi and charging on many buses.
- Food: sealed drinks fine; strong-smelling food (fried chicken, burgers) is discouraged.
- T-money is not for intercity/express tickets (buy those separately), but you'll need it for local buses/subway at both ends.
- Drivers rarely speak English but they're helpful. Show your ticket and they'll point you to the right place.
Bus vs KTX
The KTX is faster (Seoul→Busan ~2h15m vs ~4h15m by bus) but pricier. The bus is cheaper and reaches places without a train station. For long trips, a premium bus can be more comfortable than a standard KTX seat, and there are late-night buses the train doesn't offer.
Common questions
Which is cheaper, bus or train?
The bus. It's usually 30–40% less than the KTX. Seoul→Busan is ~₩23,000–34,000 by bus vs more by KTX.
My foreign card won't work on Kobus. What can I do?
Book the same route on Klook or KKday for a QR e-ticket, or pay at the terminal counter.
Are there toilets on the bus?
No. There's a rest-stop break every ~2–2.5 hours. Note your bus number before getting off.
Which Seoul terminal do I use?
It depends on your destination: Express Bus Terminal (Busan/Daegu/Gangneung), Central City (Jeonju/Gwangju), Dong Seoul or Nambu for others.
Sources: VisitKorea (terminal/route lists), Kobus/Bustago, and 2026 intercity-bus guides (Creatrip, Klook, Korea Insider, DiscoverRealKorea). Fares approximate (Seoul–Busan ~₩23,000 standard / ~₩34,000 premium) and change.
Last verified: July 2026. Fares, terminals and booking-site card support change, so confirm before travel. General information.
Planning an intercity trip?
Ask which bus class or terminal others recommend. Post in the community and tag it Transport.