TYPESEOUL: getting around town

its confusing when you first arrive, because well, everything's in korean, aint it? and for first-timers, its difficult to get your bearings (i was lucky because my homestay dad came to pick me!) so i thought some info on transport in seoul would be good, and there you go!

upon arrival at incheon, there are several methods of getting into city central:

1. car
car rentals are available everywhere, but do note that they only acknowledge korean licenses and international licenses, so if you possess a singaporean one, remember to go online to convert to an international one! however, koreans drive on the other side of the road, and most GPS systems are in korean (English versions are very rare!), so i wouldnt recommend driving

2. taxi
alternatively, simply wave and hop into a cab! They all run on meter and are relatively cheap methods of getting around because there are no additional surcharges for peak hours or midnight rides. however, only few cab-uncles understand English (even tho i believe those waiting at the airport should know that they are picking up foreigners, and would be the ones who can)

to note, NEVER step into the black cabs, because while these are the ones who definitely can speak English (as they are catered for foreigners), black cabs also known as the luxury ones and charge almost DOUBLE the price! also, traffic is rather horrendous during peak hours, so you could be stuck on the road for awhile, while watching the meter jump :/

3. express bus (RECOMMENDED!) these buses are what i think is the most economical and best way to get to your hotel! upon exiting the departure hall of airport, rows of bus-stops line the kerbside, and these are stops for the express buses that head directly to main hotels and city central.

(express bus-stops and ticketing counter)

simply find out before-hand the bus-number that heads to your desired location, purchase ticket from the counter located outside or directly hand money to bus-uncle before boarding. each single-trip ticket is 10,000W (approx $11SGD), and it'll take approximately 40minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions, to get to your destination. however, do note that buses only make selected stops (depending on its route) to hotels and main tourist locations (like myeongdong and dongdaemun).

4. metro

there's an Incheon International Airport station, but I think it's rather troublesome, especially with luggage, to travel to hotel upon arrival (also, note that EVERY station has tons of stairs, u climb like crazy!) so, just take the express buses :)

however, after settling into your accomodation, the best way to get around seoul would be via the metro. so here's a small introduction:

special feature: the seoul metro!

the seoul metro is divided by different colored lines, where most must-go places are located on convenient stops. when you first look at the map, it could be scary, but dont be daunted by the seemingly confused mess! there are so many stops in the metro system because they are located very near to one another, and most of the time, you can actually walk from one stop to the other (most koreans do!)

(machines to buy cards and obtain deposit refunds)

seoul's metro system works just like spore's MRT and uses the same ticketing system. our ezylink is their T-money, which can be bought at metro stations and convenient stores. it costs 3,000W for the card and 5,000W for the mobile key-chain, and you top it up with money before using it. alternatively, you can also purchase the single-trip tickets, which you return after exiting station to get your deposit back. tap upon entering and exiting, and each trip is a flat rate of 1,000W or approx $1SGD

(mobile t-money keychain)

(single trip ticket)

to get started, download the [Seoul Metro Lite] app on your smartphone because it works offline, and can help you navigate through your journey should you not have an available map onhand (however, most metro stations provide handy small-sized hardcopies for travelers!)

each metro station is numbered according to the lines that they are on. so, for example, City Hall station is numbered 132, which means it is on line 1 (the first digit) and is station number 32 (the next two digits).

(no.132, city hall station)

the entrance/exit of each carriage also has a specific number labeled on the ground (in a triangular pattern), so it is convenient to note your exact location, should you need to arrange to meet on the platform or on the train.

signs at the metro stations also specify the directions the trains are going in, by indicating the next stop in their journey. so for example, picture below shows the train at Yaksu station, and heading towards direction of Dongguk University Station.

(direction signs at Yaksu station)

however, seoul's metro stations have multiple exits (unlike singapore's) and it is important to know the right exit number of your desired location. sometimes the exits are located on opposite ends (as most of the metro stations are MASSIVE) and you could get lost, or have to walk for ages to get to where you want to go.

(look for the "way out" signs in yellow, and find your exit numbers accordingly)

then, the thing i like most about seoul's metro stations is that most of them have tiny "mama-stores" where you can buy your perk-me-up coffee or sweets (you can eat on the train, btw.. says alot about the social consciousness of koreans!)

some of the bigger stations are even converted into underground shopping malls; the more famous ones being the express bus terminal and jonggak stations. lots of shops selling clothes, accessories, shoes and little knick-knacks can be found at these underground malls, and its a thrill going through the stuff, esp cuz they are significantly much cheaper than tourist stops like myeongdong!

(underground shopping mall at express bus terminal station)

also, like mentioned in the quirks section, the budget Missha make-up brand is also available in alot of the metro stations, and i love popping in to browse while waiting for people, or buying emergency stuff for quick make-up fixes!

(missha at dongguk university station)

then, despite the wealth of seoul, homeless are aplenty in the country's capital and several key metro stations are known for being shelters. ive passed many during my time in seoul, and i used to be freaked about walking at night. but ive kinda grown used to them, and as with everyone, never provoke if you dont wish to be provoked, and you'd be safe!