How a rechargeable transit card works on subways and buses, what KTX is and where to book it, and how to get directions in Korea.
Transit card and subway
A rechargeable transit card such as T-money works on subways, buses and many taxis, and can usually be bought and topped up at convenience stores and station machines.
Tap the card when you enter and again when you exit on buses and subways, so the fare is calculated correctly. Station signs usually show English, and often Chinese and Japanese too.
- Tap in when you board or enter, and tap out when you get off or exit
- Top up before you travel if your balance is low
KTX and intercity trains
KTX is the high-speed rail service run by Korail. Check timetables and book through Korail's official website or app; rail passes for foreign visitors may be offered, so look at the official site for what is available now.
Express and intercity buses reach places the rail network does not; tickets are sold at terminals and through official booking services.
Getting directions
Walking and driving directions in some international map apps can be limited in Korea, so a local map app is often more reliable. Fares and passes change, so check the official transport sites linked below.
Getting to your tour meeting point
Many Holiday Tour day trips meet near major subway hubs in central Seoul, depending on the product. Check the meeting point on your voucher, work out your subway route the day before, and leave a few minutes in hand: coaches depart on schedule.
Official sources and last-checked date
HOLIDAY wrote this article from public official information. It is not an official publication of any government body, and it is not a guarantee that a rule, fee or condition applies to you. Figures vary and change: always check the linked official source before you travel.
Last checked by HOLIDAY: 11 October 2026.
- Korail (KTX): https://www.korail.com/
- T-money: https://www.tmoney.co.kr/
- Seoul Metro: https://www.seoulmetro.co.kr/en/
- Korea Tourism Organization (VISITKOREA): https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/main/index.do
