Getting There & Getting About

International Airports

• Seoul (SEL): 17 km from the city.
• Pusan: 27 km from the city
• Cheju (CJU): On the island of Cheju-do.
• Full list of airports in South Korea with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

There are frequent internal flights linking the Republic of Korea's 16 major cities, including services from Seoul, Ulsan, Busan and Cheju. A subway line runs from Seoul Gimpo (the domestic airport) to the city centre, taking around 40 minutes.

There are steamers and ferries serving the southern coastal ports and islands, with terminals located at Boryeong, Donghae, Geoje, Gunsan, Jeju, Mokpo, Pohang, Tongyeong, Wando and Yeosu.

There is also an extensive, efficient rail service connecting major destinations. Station signs in English are common and English translations of timetables are usually available. Super-Express trains operate on routes from Seoul to Busan, Mokpo, Chungju-Yosu, Incheon (very scenic) and Onyang routes. A Korea Rail Pass allows visitors free travel with reserved seats on any Korea Rail train (except subways) within a 3, 5, 7 or 10-day period. Korea Rail Packs are also available, which includes both rail travel and accommodation for 2, 3 or 5 days with an English-speaking guide throughout.

The road network is also extensive, but while the motorways are in good condition, minor roads are often bad. Road signs are usually written in both Korean and English. Car hire is available, including the major international companies.

Towns and villages are linked by local bus services. Fares must be paid in change into the coin box next to the driver upon boarding. To stop the bus at your destination, push one of the stop buttons located along the length of the bus. Air-conditioned city-express buses (known as Chwasok buses) operate in competition with trains for connections to major cities.

Taxis are usually cheap and a good way to travel, although drivers tend to speak little or no English, so it's a good idea to have your destination written down in Korean and a map of private addresses. There are also deluxe-taxis (mobom taxis) that are black with a yellow sign on top.

Travelling within Seoul is fairly easy; there are well-developed bus services, along with underground and suburban railways. However, these are very crowded during the rush hour. Underground lines are colour-coded, and all trains have multilingual announcements. Ticket counters, underground station names and transfer signs are clearly marked in English as well as Korean.