Three different transport systems for three different parts of the trip — here's exactly what we used and when.
T-Money Card (Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan)
Get a T-Money card at the airport on arrival, and it covers metro, buses, and even purchases at convenience stores across every city on the mainland. We'd call Seoul's subway the best we've used anywhere in Asia — extensive, clean, and easy to navigate even without much Korean.
KTX (Between Cities)
We took the KTX from Seoul Station to Singyeongju (for Gyeongju) — about 2 hours, fast and comfortable. Korea's high-speed rail network is excellent and worth building your inter-city travel around where routes exist.
Taxis (Shorter Inter-City Hops)
From Gyeongju to Busan, we took a taxi directly — about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes, for roughly ₩70,000-90,000. For distances where the KTX doesn't have a convenient direct route, a taxi is often simpler than piecing together local trains.
Domestic Flights (To and From Jeju)
Jeju is only reachable by flight or ferry from the mainland — we flew from Busan's Gimhae Airport, a short hop of under an hour. Domestic flights within Korea are frequent and generally affordable, especially between major hubs and Jeju.
Rental Car (Jeju Only)
Jeju is the one place on this trip where we needed a car — it's genuinely necessary to see the island properly. Renting was fast and easy at the airport, but you'll need an International Driving Permit alongside your home licence, and it has to be arranged before you leave home. We've written a full guide to renting a car in Jeju with everything to know.
For navigation once you're driving, use Kakao Maps rather than Google Maps — it's far more reliable in Korea.
Getting around each city
Quick Reference
| Leg | Transport |
|---|---|
| Within Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan | T-Money card — metro, bus, convenience stores |
| Seoul to Gyeongju | KTX |
| Gyeongju to Busan | Taxi |
| Busan to Jeju | Domestic flight |
| Within Jeju | Rental car (IDP required) |
FAQ
Do you need a car for South Korea?
Only for Jeju. Seoul, Gyeongju, and Busan are all easily covered by T-Money, KTX, and taxis.
What's the best navigation app in Korea?
Kakao Maps — it works significantly better than Google Maps for driving and walking directions in South Korea.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Korea?
Yes, if you're renting a car — this applies specifically to Jeju on most Korea itineraries, since the mainland cities don't require one.
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