Guide · MOV · 101
Taxis & trains (KTX)
Kakao T for taxis and the KTX between cities. Booking, fares, and foreign card issues.
In short
- Taxis are cheap compared to most countries and they use a meter, but for daily trips the subway is much cheaper. Use Kakao T (the app 90% of Koreans use) so you don't have to deal with the language.
- No tipping in Korea. You pay exactly what the meter or app says.
- Between cities, take the KTX (bullet train). Seoul–Busan takes ~2h40m. Book on Korail. Foreign cards can be fussy, so use a 3D-Secure card or the desktop site.
- Express buses go to places trains don't. They're cheaper but slower.
Inside a city the subway is usually best, but taxis and intercity trains cover the rest: late nights, luggage, groups, and trips outside the metro area. Here's how to use both without stress.
Taxis: use Kakao T
Hailing one on the street works (metered, ~₩4,800 base in Seoul as of 2026), but language can be a problem. Kakao T (카카오T) does everything in text. You enter your destination and the driver sees it, so you don't need to talk.
Set up the app
Download Kakao T (free). Sign up with a Kakao account or email. An international phone number works for verification (with country code). There's also k.ride, a version for foreigners from the same company.
Enter your destination
English works, but for very local spots, copy the Korean name from Naver Map and paste it in. You'll see a fare estimate before you confirm.
Pay
Link a card (Kakao Pay / a Korean card works best) or choose "pay to driver" for cash/T-money. Check that the plate matches before you get in, especially at airports.
| Ride type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Regular / Blue | Standard metered taxi. Use this by default. (Blue is a franchise system where drivers can't cancel, same car.) |
| Large (대형) / Vent | Bigger vehicle for groups/luggage. |
| Black | Luxury, 2–3× the price. Only if you want to treat yourself. |
Rough costs
- Short ride in the city (e.g. Hongdae → Myeongdong): ~₩10,000 (vs ~₩1,550 by subway).
- Incheon Airport → central Seoul: ~₩75,000–95,000 (incl. bridge toll). The AREX express train is ~₩14,000 in 43 min, which is much cheaper if your luggage allows.
- There's a small late-night surcharge, and trips outside the city can add ~20%.
Intercity: the KTX bullet train
For trips between cities, the KTX (Korea Train eXpress) is usually the best choice. It goes up to 300 km/h, from city center to city center. Seoul–Busan is ~2h15–2h40m, which is often faster door-to-door than flying once you count check-in.
- Operators: Korail runs KTX (from Seoul Station). SRT is a separate high-speed line from Suseo (handy for Gangnam/Jamsil). You book them on different systems.
- All seats are reserved. Your ticket shows the car + seat number. If there's no seat number, it may be a standing ticket.
- Booking opens 1 month ahead. Book early for Friday evenings, Sunday afternoons, and especially Lunar New Year (설날) and Chuseok (추석), when trains sell out within hours.
Book online
Use the Korail website (English) or the KORAIL Talk app (SRT has its own app/site). Pick the date, time, stations and seat class, and pay.
If your foreign card is rejected
This happens a lot. Use a 3D-Secure enabled card, try the Korail Global desktop site (more stable for international banks), or pay with Kakao Pay. If nothing works, buy at a station kiosk/counter.
Board with a QR/printed ticket
Get there early. The KTX is very punctual and doors close 1 minute before departure. If it's "sold out," standing/non-reserved tickets are available (fold-down seats between cars).
Express & intercity buses
For cities the KTX doesn't go to (or to save money), express buses (고속버스) and intercity buses are a good option. They're cheaper but slower (e.g. Seoul–Busan ~4–5 hours, depending on traffic). City buses all take T-money. Intercity tickets are bought at terminals or in apps. Kakao T also has an intercity taxi option at fixed prices for groups of 3–4.
Common questions
Do I need a Korean number for Kakao T?
Usually not. An international number works for verification. Paying with a foreign card is the more common problem. Use Wise/Revolut or Kakao Pay, or pay cash.
KTX or SRT?
Same speed class. KTX leaves from Seoul Station and SRT from Suseo (better for Gangnam/southeast Seoul). Book whichever is closer to you. They're separate systems.
Should I tip the taxi driver?
No. Tipping isn't part of Korean culture. Pay the metered/app fare exactly.
How do I get from Incheon Airport to the city?
The AREX train (~₩14,000, 43 min) is the cheapest and fastest way to Seoul Station. Airport limousine buses are convenient with luggage. A taxi is ~₩75–95k. See our airport guide (coming soon).
Sources: Kakao Mobility (Kakao T / k.ride), Korail & SRT booking info, and current foreigner taxi/rail guides. Fares approximate, 2026.
Last verified: July 2026. Fares, surcharges and booking systems change, so check the app/operator before you travel. General information.
Planning a trip out of town?
Ask others about KTX booking or fixing foreign-card errors. Post in the community and tag it Transport.