I ended up using the bus more than the subway in Seoul.
At first, akala ko mas complicated—but once I got used to it, it was actually very convenient. Especially during winter, mas okay siya kasi less walking compared to long subway transfers.
Climate Card (Unlimited Rides)
I used a Climate Card, which gave me unlimited rides.
That made a big difference.
No need to think about fares every time. No need to reload. Just tap and go.
If you’re staying a few days and planning to move around a lot, this is very worth it.
Why Bus Worked Better for Me
From Hongdae, buses were very accessible.
Instead of going down multiple subway levels or doing long transfers, the bus felt more direct.
Also during winter—super lamig—so less walking outside really helped.
But I Still Used the Subway
I didn’t rely on bus 100% all the time.
If the subway route was easier or faster, I still used it.
That’s the best approach in Seoul—don’t limit yourself to one option.
Check both, then choose what’s more convenient for that specific trip.
Navigation
Use Naver Map or KakaoMap.
This is important.
It shows:
- exact bus number
- where to wait
- how many stops
- when to get off
Very accurate and easy to follow.
Bus System
Buses are color-coded:
Blue – long-distance routes
Green – local routes
Red – express routes
Yellow – circular routes
You don’t need to memorize it. Just follow the app.
Tapping In and Out
Even with unlimited rides, you still need to tap when entering and exiting.
This helps the system track your trip properly.
Inside the Bus
Stops are announced in Korean and English.
Screens show upcoming stops, so it’s easy to follow.
During busy hours, it can get crowded—but routes are efficient.
My Experience
Traveling with Mark made everything easier.
Once we got used to it, moving around felt simple.
Bus rides also gave a better feel of the city.
You actually see Seoul as you move through it—not just stations underground.