Transportation

Domestic air
Korea has a well developed domestic flight networks linking nearly 20 cities and served by two domestic airliners, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. You can get to any city in the country within an hour from Seoul. Reservation is strongly recommended on holidays and weekends. You can make it by calling or from the web pages. Please keep the following local procedure in mind and enjoy your flight. Ticketing should be made within 72 hours after booking. If not done so, your reservation will be automatically cancelled. Also reconfirmation of your onward flight is required. On the peak days, which varies depend on the local ceremonies or peak holiday or honeymoon season, the air fare fluctuates as such the hotel rates and train fares.

Taxies
There are three different types of taxies; local, deluxe and van taxi. Both local and deluxe taxies are medium size cabs. Local taxies are usually gray or white in color and recognizable by the blue or white sign on the roof. They seem dart in and out of traffic at what appears to be appalling speeds. They are quite reliable. They are relatively inexpensive, but be sure a meter is used. Currently, the basic fare starts at 1,900 Won for the first 1.8Kms and additional charge of 100 Won for every 180 extra driving meters. From midnight to 04:00 applies surcharge of 20 per cent of the meter fare. Deluxe taxies are somewhat larger taxies seen in the city. They are black with a yellow sign on the roof and the words “ Deluxe Taxi ” written on the side. These cabs are more expensive, but the drivers generally speak some English. The starting fare runs from 4,500 Won for the first 3Kms and additional fare of 200 Won for 165 extra meters. But, no night time surcharge. Van taxi, which is almost same as that of deluxe taxi both in design and color, operates only in some of the cities at the same fare of the deluxe taxi. Taxi stands are around in the large cities, but you can occasionally catch one on the street by hailing.

Short notes on taxi
Taxies are only operating in the area of their business precinct. Seoul taxies are only in Seoul and as such in Busan, other cities or provinces. But, this rule is disregarded only when one hires the taxi. If not hired, any taxi should return to its business precinct as soon as he gets his passenger to the destination. When you make a trip to the other cities or towns, you will have to mind the extra charge as the driver can not pick up the passenger on his return. Normally, the driver charges almost double the fare for his return compensation. If he coincidently encounters the passenger on his return, pick up is widely allowed among the drivers. But, it does not affect your fare. Therefore, you need to negotiate when you travel a distance. The meter runs but, it is nothing but a meter in this particular case.

City Buses
Most of the large cities in Korea is served by an excellent bus system. In the city, the buses are plainly numbered and run frequently to most destinations. Seoul's city bus network is remarkable. There are 8,500 buses running 400 different routes every 5 to 10 minutes daily basis. Blue bus (Main Line), Green bus (Branch Line), Red bus (Wide Area Line), and Yellow bus (Circular Line). The fare is cheap, but the buses are extremely crowded during peak rush hours. It is wise to prepare the correct fare at busy hours to avoid the hassle with change. Fare in cash or T-money card.

Subway
Seoul and Busan have a comprehensive subway that will get you easily and quickly to almost any part of the city. Seoul subway system has signs in English. With eight lines covering total distance of 287Kms, it provides convenient connections to 262 stations. The subway is increasingly popular as a means to get around. The fare is very reasonable. You simply go to the ticket window, state your destination, pay the fare and get a paste board ticket. Validate the ticket at the turnstile with the lighted arrow. Do not destroy or lose your ticket. All of the stops are identified in Korean and in English with numbers. Pay attention, as all announcements are made in Korean and English. If all else fails, you can always ask. Koreans are very helpful and will reach your destination. The transit stations are marked with a Daeguk on the map, a circle balanced in 3 different colors of red, yellow and navy blue. Unlike Europe, large size luggage including bicycle is not admitted. If so, please avoid the rush hours. Currently 8 lines, which are identified by colors, in operation with a time interval of 3 to 5 minutes with some exceptions from 05:30 until very close to midnight, but you mind that you should be ready in time for the last one. The subway is also in operation in Busan and Daegu.

How to buy tickets from the machine
- Select the zone 1 or 2 depend on your destination and press the button.
- Press "round" button when you need several tickets (2 or 4 tickets)
- Then insert the coins as shown on the machine.
- Pick up your tickets.
The machines are provided at every station with fare tables. The fare is zone system. Zone to zone fare varies very minimal. USD 1 is a great value for Korean subway. Prepaid ticket is available at the subway ticket windows, sidewalk city bus booths or convenience shops. Prepaid ticket values are 5,000 Won, 10,000 Won and 20,000 Won.

Trains
Riding the train is the wonderful way to discover Korea without having to worry about the traffic. There are several trains to choose: Korea Train Express (KTX) with 967 seats is the fastest and most comfortable way to get to major cities like Chonan, Daejeon, Daegu, Busan, Kwangju, and Mokpo. The KTX launches its operation in April, 2004. The running time to Busan from Seoul is 3 hours. Two other class trains are Saemaul and Mukungwha train which make more stops at smaller cities and towns.

Express Buses
Korea has 2,800Kms of highway network. You will get to the most of the cities in Korea within 6 hours from by Express bus. Today, Seoul has 4 terminals serving transportations to the countryside. They are Gangnam, Nambu, Tong Seoul and Sangbong Terminal. Gangnam Terminal or Seoul Express Bus Terminal is the major bus depot and is divided into two terminals: Kyongjubuson and Honam-Yongdongson. Kyongbuson links south and southeastern region, while Honam-Yongdongson for south, southwestern and eastern region. Nambu terminal for the central region including some of the southeastern cities, and Sangbong Terminal for the north and northeastern cities and towns. Busan has two terminals and links the major cities around the country. Buses normally operate 06:00-19:00 for the long distances, while 06:00-21:00 for the short distances. In addition, night buses are increasingly in operation and charges little more than daytime service.

Airport Limousines
The airport limousine is the most recommendable way of your transportation from Incheon international airport to the major hotels in Seoul and other cities. Please check with the information on arrival if your transfer is not pre arranged. For a short and quick reference, the destinations are categorized into seven areas ;

1. Seoul Gangdong (East of the Han river), 2. Seoul Gangnam (South of the Han river), 3. Seoul Gangseo (West of the Han river), 4. Seoul Gangbuk (North of the Han river), 5. Incheon, 6. Gyeonggi province (The area neighboring with Seoul) 7. Other cities.

East of Han river
1. Cheonho-dong. Bus No. 606. Bus stop 5A and 11B. 7,000 Won
To Seoul 04:15/21:00
To Airport 05:30/23:00
Incheon airport, Apkujeong-dong. Galleria department store, Cheongdam-dong, Riviera hotel, Samseongyeok, COEX, Jamsil stadium, Lotte World, Cheonhoyeok, Dunchonyok, Olympic Apartment.

South of Han river
2. Garak market. Bus No. 609. Bus stop 5A and 11B. 7,000 Won
To Seoul 05:20/23:05
To Airport 04:10/21:00
Incheon airport, Banpo-dong, Gangnam bus terminal, Nonhyeonyeok, Gangnamyeok, Yangjeyeok, Dogok-dong, Daechi-dong, Gaepo-dong, Samseong Medical center, Garak market, Family Apartment.

3. Jamsil. Bus No. 600. Bus stop 6A and 12B. 6,500 Won. Gimpo airport 4,500 Won.
To Seoul 05:36/22:25
To Airport 05:00/20:30
Incheon airport, Gimpo airport, Balsanyeok, Nostelgia hotel, River Park hotel, Jungang University, Palace hotel, Gangnam bus terminal, Ritz Carlton hotel, Samjeong hotel, Ramada Seoul hotel, AID Apartment, Samseong station, COEX, Jamsil stadium.

Korea City air terminal. Bus stop 3B and 10B. 12,000 Won
To Seoul 05:30/22:30
To Airport 05:20/20:00
Incheon airport - Samseong station (Coex Intercontinental hotel)

5. Gangnam Express Bus Terminal. Bus stop 4A and 10A. 12,000 Won
To Seoul 05:10/22:10
To Airport 05:20/21:40
Incheon airport - Gangnam Express Bus Terminal (Central City, JW Marriott hotel)

6. Hotels (Gangnam). Bus stop 4A and 10A. 12,000 Won
To Seoul 05:57/22:25
To Airport 05:50/18:30
Incheon airport - Palace hotel - Ritz Carlton hotel - Novotel Amabassador Gangnam - Renaissance hotel - Grand Intercontinental hotel - COEX intercontinental hotel.

7. Hotels (Jamsil). Bus stop 4B and 11A. 12,000 Won
To Seoul 05:50/22:20
To Airport 05:40/18:35
Incheon airport - Lotte World - Dong Seoul Bus terminal - Sheraton

West of Han river
8. Seoul National University. Bus stop 6B and 13A. 6,500 Won. Gimpo airport 4,500 Won
To Seoul 05:45/22:40
To Airport 05:20/20:00
Incheon airport - Gimpo airport - Balsan station - 88 Gym - Nostalgia hotel - Gangseogu council - Mokdong station - Guro station - Gurogu office - Daerim station - Lotte Department store (Gwanak) - Silliim station - Bongcheon station - Gwanakgu office - Seoul National University.

9. Gumcheongu office. Bus No. 604. Bus stop 6A and 12B. 6,500 Won. Gimpo airport 4,500 Won
To Seoul 05:40/22:45
To Airport 05:00/20:20
Incheon airport - Gimpo airport - Cargo terminal - Gaebongyeok - Gasan Post Office - Novel Ambassador Dosan - Gumcheongu office

10. Gwangmyeong. Bus No. 604-1. Bus stop 64 and 12B. 6,500 Won. Gimpo airport 4,500 Won
To Seoul 06:00/22:35
To Airport 04:50/21:20
Incheon airport - Gimpo airport - Cargo terminal - Oryudong - Gaebong station - Gwangmyeong subway station - Cheolsan station - Sohwadong - Gwangmyeoung KTX station.

11. Yeongdeungpo station. Bus stop 6B and 13A. 6,500 Won. Gimpo airport 4,500 Won
To Seoul 05:40/20:30
To Airport 05:00/21:00
Incheon airport - Gimpo airport - Songjeong station - Balsan station - 88 Gym - Dangsan station - Yeongdeungpo market station - Yeongdeungpogu station - Lotte department store - Gyeongbang Phill department store.

12. Gimpo airport.. Bus stop 3B and 10B. 6,000 Won.
To Seoul 05:20/21:30
To Airport 05:00/20:40
Incheon airport - Gimpo airport

13. Gimpo airport. Korean Air Limousine. Bus stop 4A and 11A. 6,000 Won.
To Seoul 06:03/20:30
To Airport 04:50/21:30
Incheon airport - Gimpo airport

North of Han river
14. Seoul station. Bus No. 601. Bus stop 6A and 12B. 6,500 Won. Gimpo airport 4,500 Won
To Seoul 05:00/22:55
To Airport 05:00/21:00
Incheon airport - Gimpo airport - Songjeong station - Yongsan station - Samgakji station - Namyeong station - Seoul station - City Hall

15. Cheongryangri station. Bus No. 602. Bus stop 5B and 12A. 7,000 Won.
To Seoul 05:30/22:53
To Airport 04:40/21:00
Incheon airport - Hapjeong station - Seogyo hotel - Sinchon station - Yiwha Women's University - Chungjeongro station - Gwanghwamun - Jongro 1-ka - Jongro 3-ka - Jongro 6-ka - Dongdaemun station - Sinseoldong station - Cheongryangri station - Sindap station - Dongdaemungu office

16. Daehakno. Bus No. 602-1. Bus stop 5B and 12A. 7,000 Won.
To Seoul 05:45/22:30
To Airport 05:00/21:00
Incheon airport - World Cup stadium - Seodaemungu office - Grand Hilton hotel - Muakje hill - Gyeongbok palace - Angukdong - Daehakno

17. City Hall. Bus No. 605. Bus stop 5B and 12A. 7,000 Won.
To Seoul 06:05/23:00
To Airport 04:55/21:30
Incheon airport - Mapo station - Gongdeok station - Mapo police station - Chungjeongro station - Gyeongheegung palace - Gwangwhamun - City Hall - South Gate, Seoul station

18. Myongdongl. Bus No. 605-1. Bus stop 5B and 12A. 7,000 Won.
To Seoul 05:40/22:50
To Airport 04:50/21:30
Incheon airport - Mapo station - Chungjeongro station - GyongheeGung palace - Jonggak station - Jongro 2-ka (YMCA) - Myeongdong - Myeongdong station - Sejong hotel

19. Dobong. Bus stop 3B and 10B. 12,000 Won.
To Seoul 06:00/22:00
To Airport 05:00/21:10
Incheon airport - Eungbong Samgeori - Seongdonggu office - Korea University station - Mia Samgeori - Suyu station - Ssangmun station - Dobong station

20. Seongbuk (Nowon). Bus stop 4A and 10A. 12,000 Won. 4,500 Won
To Seoul 05:35/22:05
To Airport 05:00/20:10
Incheon airport - Gimpo airport - Jeongneung - Gangdonggu station - Nowon station - Madeul station - Noil Elementary school

21. Yongsan station. Bus stop 4A and 10A. 12,000 Won
To Seoul 05:15/22:10
To Airport 05:25/21:40
Incheon airport - Yongsan station - Seoul station.

22. Hotels (Namsan). Korean Air Limousine. 4B and 11A. 12,000 Won
To Seoul 05:35/22:20
To Airport 05:40/18:50
Incheon airport - Holiday Inn - Seoul station - Hamilton hotel - Grand Hyatt hotel - Tower hotel - Sofitel Ambassador hotel - Shilla hotel

23. Hotels (City Hall). Korean Air Limousine. 4B and 11A. 12,000 Won
To Seoul 05:55/22:25
To Airport 05:40/18:30
Incheon airport - Koreana hotel - Seoul Plaza hotel - Lotte hotel - Westin Chosun hotel - KAL building (Seosomun)

24. Hannamdong (Itaewon). 5A and 11B. 12,000 Won
To Seoul 05:40/22:55
To Airport 04:15/21:00
Incheon airport - Yoido station - 63 building - Seobinggo Shindongah Apartment - Capital hotel - Crown hotel - Hamilton hotel - Itaewon hotel - Hannamdong

Incheon
25. Yonsu (Songdo). 4A and 10A. 6,500 Won
To Inheon 06:10/22:40
To Airport 04:50/20:20
Incheon airport - Songrim-dong - Jemulpo - Juan Sageori - Sinincheon - Chonghakdong - Yeonsugu office - Seonhak station - Incheon express bus terminal - Gil hospital - Himang department store - Dongam station - Bupyeong market - Bupyeonggu office - Gyesandong - Gimpo airport

26. Songdo resort. Bus No. 111. 2B and 9A. 3,000 Won
To Inheon 06:00/22:50
To Airport 05:30/20:30
Incheon airport - Gyesan station - Gyesan police office - Bupyeonggu office - Bupeyong station - city hall - Incheon express bus terminal - Hakikdong - Inha university - Daewoo electronics - Songdo resort

27. Airport town square. Bus No. 223. Bus stop 3F 5. 700 Won
To Inheon 05:45/22:20
To Airport 05:30/22:40
Incheon airport - Airport administration Bldg - airport town square

28. Songnae station. Bus No. 302. Bus stop 2A and 9A. 3,000 Won
To Inheon 06:10/22:35
To Airport 05:00/21:20
Incheon airport - Western Industrial Complex - Gongchon Sageori - Gyesan station - Gyesangu office - Hanjin Apartment - Songnae station

29. Incheon. Bus No. 306. Bus stop 2A and 9A. 3,000 Won
To Inheon 06:50/22:30
To Airport 05:00/21:00
Eulwangri beach - Muiido - Incheon airport - INI Steel - Dong Incheon - Sinpo market - Junggu office - Incheon station

29. Dong Incheon. Bus No. 112. Bus stop 2A and 9A. 3,000 Won
To Incheon 05:55/21:40
To Airport 05:00/21:10
Cargo terminal - Airport town square - Kongchon Sageori - Seogu office - Gajeong Okori - Seongmin hospital - Seongrim market - Bogeum hospital - Dong Incheon

30. Yongjong ferry pier. Bus No. 203. Bus stop 3F 5. 700 Won - 1,200 Won
To Inheon 07:10/21:10
To Airport 07:05/21:20
Incheon airport - Sammok - Jindeung - Geojampo

31. Jamjindo. Bus No. 222. Bus stop 3F 5. 700 Won
To Inheon 08:25/20:55
To Airport 08:45/16:45
Incheon airport - Jamjindo - Geojampo

Gyeonggi province
32. Ansung. Bus stop 7A. 8,000 Won - 11,300 Won
To Ansung 06:00/21:30
To Airport 04:50/18:50
Incheon airport - Gimpo airport - Osan bus terminal - Songtan bus terminal - Pyeongtaek bus terminal - Anseong bus terminal

33. Yeoju. Bus stop 7A. 12,500 Won
To Yeoju 08:50/18:50
To Airport 05:30/15:10
Incheon airport - Dong Seoul bus terminal - Yeoju bus terminal

34. Yongin. Bus stop 7A. 12,500 Won
To Yongin 05:50/20:50
To Airport 05:20/20:50
Incheon airport - Gimpo airport - Suji Hyundai hometown - Suji Hyundai Apartment - Guseong Samgeori - Singal - Yongin bus terminal

35. Icheon. Bus stop 7A. 12,000 Won
To Icheon 07:20/21:20
To Airport 05:10/19:00
Incheon airport - Dong Seoul bus terminal - Icheon bus terminal

36. Jukjon (Suji). Bus stop 7A. 5,600 Won - 8,000 Won
To Jukjon (Suji) 06:40/21:20
To Airport 04:50/18:30
Incheon airport - Gimpo airport - Sadang - Gwachon - Suji - Jukjeon

37. Namyangju (Maseok). Bus stop 7B. 9,700 Won - 12,100 Won
To Namyangju (Maseok)07:40/21:40
To Airport 04:40/18:40
Incheon airport - Gimpo airport - Donong - Geumgok - Pyeongnae - Maseok

38. Ilsan. Bus No. 3300. Bus stop 7B. 7,000 Won
To llsan 07:40/21:40
To Airport 04:40/18:40
Incheon airport - Neunggok station - Hwajeong station - Baeksok station - Madu station - Jeongbalsan station - Lake Town - Juyeop station - Daehwa station

39. Ansan. Bus stop 7B. 11,100 Won
To Ansan 06:40/22:10
To Airport 05:00/20:00
Incheon airport - Gimpo airport - Wonjongdong - Sosa station - Nagwon wedding hall - Daeyangdong gas corporation - Wolgot town square - E Mart - Sihung tourist hotel - Ansan station - Ansan bus terminal

40. Seongnam (Bundang). Bus stop 7A. 12,000 Won
To Seongnam (Bundang) 05:50/22:40
To Airport 05:10/20:00
Incheon airport - Seohun station - Yatap station - Moran station - Seongnam save zone

41. Suwon. Bus stop 7A. 12,000 Won
To Suwon 05:50/22:40
To Airport 04:40/20:30
Incheon airport - Gwanmyeong station - Hanil town - Suwon castle hotel

42. Anyang. Bus stop 7A. 12,000 Won
To Anyang 06:00/22:30
To Airport 05:00/21:00
Incheon airport - Gunpo - Anyang

43. Uijongbu. Bus stop 7B. 8,000 Won - 11,000 Won
To Uijongbu 06:40/22:15
To Airport 04:40/20:00
Incheon airport - Gimpo airport - Ilsan - Wondang - Ganeung 3 dong - Uijeongbu city hall - Uijeongbu station - Jinro shopping mall - Yangjugun office - Uijeongbu bus terminal

Other cities and Provinces
44. Gwangju. Bus stop 8A. 20,600 Won - 34,000 Won
To Kwangju 07:20/22:10
To Airport 01:10/14:30
Incheon airport - Gwangju bus terminal

45. Mokpo. Bus stop 8A. 22,400 Won - 33,000 Won
To Mokpo 13:00
To Airport 02:30
Incheon airport - Mokpo bus terminal

46. Onyang (Asan). Bus stop 8A. 11,700 Won
To Onayang (Asan) 06:30/18:50
To Airport 05:30/18:10
Incheon airport - Gimpo airport - Onyang (Asan) bus terminal

47. Wonju. Bus stop 8A. 12,100 Won
To Wonju 09:10/21:10
To Airport 05:00/18:00
Incheon airport - Munmak - Wonju bus terminal

48. Chunchon. Bus stop 8A. 10,400 Won - 13,700 Won
To Chunchon 09:00/20:40
To Airport 00:50/10:10
Incheon airport - Cheongpyeong bus terminal - Gapyeong bus terminal - Chuncheon bus terminal

49. Gyeongsan (Dong Daegu). Bus stop 8B. 23,100 Won - 28,700 Won
To Kyongsan (Dong Daegu) 07:20/22:00
To Airport 00:50:00/10:10
Incheon airport - Gumi Industrial Complex - Dong Daegu - Beommul - Siji - Gyeongsan

50. Daejeon. Bus stop 8B. 14,200 Won - 21,300 Won
To Daejeon 06:00/22:10
To Airport 04:00/19:10
Incheon airport - Daedeok Convention Center - Daejeon Government Complex - Daejeon bus terminal

51. Chongju. Bus stop 8B. 12,400 Won
To Chongju 06:30/22:00
To Airport 04:30/18:30
Incheon airport - Gimpo airport - Cheongju bus terminal

52. Chungju. Bus stop 8B. 14,300 Won
To Chungju 07:30/19:10
To Airport 06:20/18:40
Incheon airport - Dong Seoul bus terminal - Chungju bus terminal

53. Taean. Bus stop 8B. 11,800 Won - 13,300 Won
To Taean 11:00/18:30
To Airport 06:30/14:00
Incheon airport - Gimpo airport - Dangjin bus terminal - Seosan bus terminal - Taean bus terminal

54. Jeonju. Bus stop 8A. 25,000 Won
To Jeonju 06:30/22:30
To Airport 03:00/19:00
Incheon airport - Gimpo airport - Yoido - Iksan - Jeonju Core hotel

Please note.
- The stations are mostly subway stations with very rare exceptions.
- The names ending with Samkori, Sakori or Okori are the crossroads in Korean. - The operating bus schedule and fares are current information at this date of April 12, 2005 and therefore, they are subject to the change without prior notice.

Ferry
For the relaxed pace travelers, boat trip to Jeju and off shore islands are recommendable. Hydro foil links between Jeju and Mokpo, the southernmost port of the mainland in two hours, however ferry takes well over than 10 hours from Busan to Jeju, and 5 hours from Mokpo to Jeju or vice versa.

Car Rentals
There are several rent car agents in Korea. Prices varies depend on the car and conditions. Chauffeur driven also available. You will have your car at most of the airports or in the major cities. The driver should hold international license.

Driving in Korea (Right hand traffic)
It is indeed a frustrating experience if you do decide to venture out. Koreans are in their inimitable aggressive style and have little or no respect for lane markings. The widespread use of the automobile is still relatively new in Korea, so simply drive as if you were surrounded by a stadium full of student drivers and you will probably do quite well. Roads are marked in both Korean alphabet and English, so it is not as difficult as it could be to find your destination. One key to successful driving in Korea is to have a map.

Please keep the followings in mind when driving in Korea.
- You must be over 21 years.
- Always carry your driver license.
- Fasten seat belt.
- Never drink ALCOHOL .
- Do not follow the yellow cars on their driving lesson. No English sign or word is placed, but only red Korean sign on the white plastic panel mounted on the roof reading "On Driving Practice". Another one is small Pick up truck. It has mostly gray white color with the same warning as yellow cars.
- Also, do avoid the novice drivers. They are posting a sign on the back. Once you find something posted on the back, it is wise to keep the safe distance.
- Heavy penalty for using the call while driving. Please get your Hand Free Set if needed.
- Watch for pedestrians, particularly children. Because the automobile is still a fairly recent intrusion on many parts of the Korean culture, many Koreans seem to have the need to see how quickly it can stop or swerve to avoid them.
- Children often raise their hands in the air as they cross the street. They would cause automobile to stop.
- Parking space is so limited in the cities.
- Do not drive in Seoul, Busan or Daegu if you are easily frustrated by heavy traffic.
- Motorcycles, taxies, buses and trucks are the most frustrating. They often change the lanes and cut in whenever space is provided.
- Do not drive far right lanes on the most major streets in Seoul. The lane is permanently marked in blue paint. It is reserved for public buses. You will be video taped and later fined a stiff penalty.
- The lanes are comparatively narrower than in the States.
- Most Koreans seldom yield the right-of-way, much less of giving way to traffic already in a circle.