Getting Around Seoul: A Tourist’s Guide to Subway, Bus & Taxi

You land at Incheon, open Google Maps, and it shows a bus route that doesn’t exist or an arrival time that is wrong by ten minutes. This is the most common navigation frustration for visitors to Seoul in 2026. The fix is simple: use the apps that locals use. This guide covers which apps to install, how to set them up, how to pay for the subway and bus, and how to book a taxi without speaking Korean.

Get Connected First: Internet Options for Navigation

Every major navigation app needs a live data connection for routing, search and real-time updates. Sort this out before you leave the airport.

• eSIM: Works on modern smartphones, with no physical card to swap. KT, SK Telecom and global eSIM providers sell tourist plans. Expect ₩20,000–₩50,000 (about $15–$37) for 5–30 days of unlimited or high-data access.
• Local SIM card: Buy one at Incheon or Gimpo airport, or at a convenience store. Your phone must be unlocked. Pricing is similar to an eSIM.
• Pocket Wi-Fi: Rent a portable router at the airport or online. It can connect several devices, and daily prices are generally similar to SIM or eSIM options.
• Free public Wi-Fi: Found in many public spaces, subway stations and buses. Coverage is inconsistent and less secure, so don’t rely on it for constant navigation.

T-Money Card: Your Key to Subway and Bus

Navigation tells you where to go. The T-Money prepaid card (선불카드) gets you there. You tap it on the reader at the subway gate, hear a short beep, and the barrier opens. The same tap works when you board a bus.

How to buy and top up

1. Buy the card at a convenience store such as GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, E-Mart 24 or Ministop. Subway station vending machines and service offices also sell it. The card itself costs about ₩3,000–₩5,000 ($2.20–$3.70).
2. Add credit at the same places where you bought it.
3. You can also top up at subway station machines, which have English language support.

Projected 2026 fares

These figures are projections and may change, so check the fare shown at the gate or in your app.

• Subway base fare (T-Money): ₩1,650 (about $1.22)
• Bus base fare, Green/Blue (T-Money): ₩1,500 (about $1.11)
• Single journey subway ticket: ₩1,750 (about $1.30)

Transfers are free within 30 minutes (60 minutes between 9 PM and 7 AM) for up to 4 transfers. You must tap your card when you enter and exit each mode of transport. Skip the exit tap and the transfer discount won’t apply.

Naver Maps: Step-by-Step for Subway Routes

Naver Maps (map.naver.com for the web version) is one of Korea’s most accurate apps. It shows real-time bus locations, estimated arrival times, optimal subway routes and detailed exit information. Exit numbers matter in Seoul because a station can have more than ten exits, and the wrong one can mean a 15-minute walk. It also includes Road View for previewing destinations and a built-in Papago translation feature for addresses and place names.

The downside is the interface. English support has improved a lot, but some information is still mostly in Korean, so it can feel less intuitive than KakaoMap or Google Maps.

Finding subway directions

1. Search “Naver Maps” in the iOS App Store or Google Play and install it.
2. Open Settings (the gear icon) and select English as the interface language.
3. Tap the search bar at the top and type your destination in English, such as “Gyeongbokgung Palace.”
4. Choose the correct result from the suggestions.
5. Tap the “Directions” icon, usually an arrow pointing right.
6. Select the “Public Transport” icon (the bus and subway symbol).
7. Compare the routes. Each shows travel time, number of transfers and fare. Tap one to see the line, transfer points and exit numbers.
8. For buses, watch the live bus location on the map.

KakaoMap and Kakao T: Bus Tracking and Taxis

KakaoMap (map.kakao.com for the web version) comes from Kakao, the company behind KakaoTalk. Most first-time users find it easier to use than Naver Maps, and its English support is strong. It gives accurate real-time bus and subway information, including arrival times, routes and transfer details, and it is excellent for tracking buses live. Some very niche local businesses or events may have slightly less detail than on Naver Maps, but most tourists won’t notice.

Bus directions

The steps match Naver Maps. Install the app, open Settings and choose English, search your destination, tap “Directions,” then select the “Public Transport” icon. Tap any route to see the full steps.

Booking a taxi through Kakao T

1. Set your destination in KakaoMap.
2. On the directions screen, look for the “Taxi” icon or a “Kakao T” button.
3. Tap it to open Kakao T. You may need to download Kakao T separately and link it.
4. Confirm your pick-up and drop-off points.
5. Choose a taxi type: General, Black or International Taxi.
6. Send the request. You can link an international credit card inside Kakao T for payment.

Google Maps and T-Map: Where They Fit

Google Maps

Google Maps is useful for planning at home, reading reviews and photos, and basic walking directions. In Korea, however, government restrictions on exporting detailed map data mean its public transport routes are often outdated, incomplete or inaccurate. Bus arrival times are rarely right, and subway routes may miss the most efficient transfer. Driving directions suffer from the same lack of data, and Street View is largely unavailable. Naver Road View and Kakao Road View replace it.

If you use it for transit, tap “Transit,” then check the route in Naver Maps or KakaoMap before you leave.

T-Map

T-Map (tmap.co.kr), owned by SK Telecom, is Korea’s leading driving app. It has the most accurate real-time traffic, fast routing, alerts for speed cameras and road conditions, and English voice guidance. It does not do public transport or walking, and it works best with a local SIM or eSIM. If you rent a car, install it. If you only use the subway, skip it.

Offline Maps and AR Navigation: Backup Tools

Offline maps

You can download areas in Google Maps, or whole countries and regions in Maps.me or HERE WeGo. They help with basic street navigation and finding points of interest if your data fails. They give no real-time bus or subway updates, no live traffic and no dynamic rerouting, and search can be limited. Treat them as a backup only.

AR walking navigation

Naver Maps and KakaoMap both offer AR walking mode. Hold up your phone and arrows float over the street in the camera view. It uses your camera, GPS and compass. It helps most when you are looking for a building entrance or crossing a confusing intersection.

• Battery: The camera and GPS drain power fast, so carry a power bank.
• Lighting: It works best in good light.
• Accuracy: It can drift near tall buildings or where GPS is weak.
• Crowds: In packed areas it can be distracting. Use the normal map view there.

2026 Budget Reality: What Getting Around Costs

Prices are in KRW with USD at roughly ₩1,350 per $1. Transit fares are projected 2026 figures and may change.

• Budget: Free public Wi-Fi (₩0), a T-Money card at about ₩3,000 ($2.20), and subway rides at ₩1,650 ($1.22) each. Four rides a day comes to about ₩6,600 ($4.89), minus the card cost. Expect gaps in coverage.
• Mid-range: An eSIM or local SIM at the lower end of ₩20,000–₩30,000 ($15–$22), a T-Money card, and a mix of bus (₩1,500, $1.11) and subway rides.
• Comfortable: An eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi at the upper range of ₩50,000 ($37), a card at ₩5,000 ($3.70), and Kakao T taxis when you are tired or carrying luggage.

What Has Changed Since 2024

• Fares: The 2024 subway fare was ₩1,400 and bus fares were ₩1,200–₩1,500. A further increase is projected for 2026 to cover operating costs, which is why the figures above are higher.
• Foreign card tap-to-pay: There has been talk of tapping international credit or debit cards directly at gates. As of late 2024 it was not widely available, so don’t plan around it. Carry a T-Money card.
• Apps: Naver Maps and KakaoMap keep improving English support, and KakaoMap has made its AR navigation more stable and precise.
• Google Maps: Its limits in Korea come from data export rules, and no policy change has happened. Don’t expect it to catch up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Trusting Google Maps for buses. A wrong arrival time can leave you waiting at a stop for a bus that has already passed.
• Forgetting the exit tap. Free transfers need a tap when you enter and exit each mode.
• Ignoring exit numbers. Check the exit in Naver Maps or KakaoMap before you climb the stairs.
• Leaving the language on Korean. Switch to English in Settings the moment you install each app.
• Relying on free Wi-Fi. It drops when you need it most.
• Running AR navigation all day. It will drain your battery before dinner.
• Using offline maps as your main tool. They can’t show live transit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which app is best for the Seoul subway?

Naver Maps and KakaoMap are the best choices for subway and bus. Naver Maps offers the most detailed accuracy and exit information, while KakaoMap has a friendlier interface. Download both and use whichever feels comfortable. Google Maps is not reliable for transit in Korea.

Does Google Maps work in Seoul?

Google Maps works for basic walking directions and finding places, but it is weak for public transport and driving. Korean government restrictions on exporting detailed map data lead to outdated or inaccurate routes and unreliable bus times. Cross-check any transit route with Naver Maps or KakaoMap.

Do I need a T-Money card in Seoul?

Yes, it is the easiest way to pay for subway and bus. It gives cheaper fares than single journey tickets and free transfers within 30 minutes (60 minutes between 9 PM and 7 AM). Buy it at convenience stores like GS25 or CU for about ₩3,000–₩5,000.

How do I book a taxi in Seoul as a tourist?

Set your destination in KakaoMap, then tap the taxi or Kakao T button. You may need to download Kakao T separately and link it. Confirm pick-up and drop-off, choose a taxi type such as General, Black or International Taxi, and pay with a linked international credit card.

What internet option is best for navigation in Seoul?

Choose an eSIM, local SIM or pocket Wi-Fi. Plans typically cost ₩20,000–₩50,000 (about $15–$37) for 5–30 days. SIMs are sold at Incheon and Gimpo airports and convenience stores. Free Wi-Fi exists in stations and buses, but it is inconsistent for constant navigation.

Explore more
Beyond Seoul: Using Korea’s Subway Systems in Busan & Other Cities
Digital Payments in Korea: A Tourist’s Guide Beyond Traditional Cards
Incheon Airport to Seoul: Your Transportation Guide

📷 Featured image by Angela Compagnone on Unsplash.