Getting Around in Seoul
Traveling within Seoul is easy and efficient. You can use the subway, the train, taxis, buses, private cars, bicycle, or just walk. You can leave Seoul using almost all of the above. Information about each method of transportation is available below.
Buses
Buses are a great a scenic way to get around Seoul. Although many are in Korean, more and more buses are using bilingual banners announcing major stops. Most already do.
Taxi
Taxi cabs in Seoul have proven to be honest, above board, safe, clean, and fast. They're cost effective too. Flag one down almost anywhere. In some instances if you are going a short distance they will not pick you up. Most cabs have a telephone to a free interpreter on board if you need to relay directions to the driver and don't speak Korean. Taxi cabs in Seoul offer mid-sized, modern, and somewhat powerful cars. Most likely V6 sized engines in some cases, V4 in others. There is enough room in the average taxi in Seoul to seat 3 large adults comfortably for short to medium distances.
GENERAL TAXIS, usually gray, are available not only at taxi stops but also at streets with a simple gesture. An available taxi can be distinguished by the red light at the front or by the cap lamp on the top. These features make it easy to find an available taxi at night. Some taxis with "FREE INTERPRETATION" signs provide on-line phone interpretation service. However, knowing some basic Korean or area information ahead of time will make your trip more convenient. The basic fare is currently 1,600 South Korean Won (April 2002). It increases by 100 South Korean Won according to driving distance and riding time. After midnight, an additional 20% of the total fare is charged. The fare from Kimpo International Airport to downtown Seoul is from 10,000 to 15,000 South Korean Won and from Kimpo to Jamsil is about 17,000 South Korean Won
BEST DELUXE TAXIS Black taxis with yellow caps are called Best Deluxe Taxis. They provide various convenient services including free car phones. Credit card payment is also available, and they will give you a receipt. You are able to find these taxis at general taxi stops. Best deluxe taxis are easily found at airports, main hotels, attractions and terminals. As with general taxis, some best deluxe taxis with "FREE INTERPRETATION" signs on their rear window provide on-line phone interpretation service. Drivers of taxis with a "Visitors Guide English (Japanese)" sign provide you direct interpretation. The basic fare is currently 3,000 South Korean Won (April 2002). It increases by 200 South Korean Won according to driving distance and riding time. Unlike the general taxis, best deluxe taxis do not charge you extra fare after midnight. The fare from Kimpo International Airport to downtown of Seoul is approximately 20,000 to 30,000 South Korean Won and from Kimpo to Jamsil is about 35,000 South Korean Won.
CALL TAXIS You can call a taxi directly to wherever you are by making a telephone call. One advantage to this is that you can arrange for a taxi with interpretation service if you do not speak any Korean at all. When you wish to call for an interpretation available taxi, call 82-2-3431-5100. A certain amount of money will be charged when you call a taxi. It varies by taxi company, so check on this before making arrangements.
Rental Cars
Rental cars can give you freedom on a trip, however driving can be difficult for foreigners who have not yet experienced driving in South Korea. On most roads in the city the speed limit is 60 kph. In intercity highways like the Olympic Highway, the limit is 80 kph. If you are inexperienced at driving in South Korea, we recommend renting a car with a chauffeur.
Usually, it costs 50,000 to 70,000 South Korean Won per day to rent a small car, 70,000 to 90,000 South Korean Won for a mid-sized car, 120,000 to 270,000 for a deluxe car and 90,000 to 100,000 for a van (April, 2002 rough estimates). There will be an additional fee of 5,000 to 10,000 South Korean Won per hour when using a chauffeur.
Make sure you check out the insurance status of the car you rent. We also recommend that you determine ahead of time the location of the gas station nearest your destination or the place you are staying. You can reserve a rental car on-line with most rental car shops in Korea. To rent a car, you will need your international driver's license, your ID or passport and your national driver's license. Watch out for fake international drivers licenses being sold on the Internet as they'll get you in trouble overseas. International drivers licenses can be obtained in the USA at most AAA Travel locations and in Seoul at a number of locations. Ask any police station in Seoul
Subways
Seoul's subway system is pretty solid, very functional, quite safe, usually busy, easy to find, usually clean, and covers most of Seoul. It can be time consuming compared to an express bus. Cost ranges around 600-1500 South Korean Won each way. Seoul's subways are marked in both Korean, English and Chinese characters on signs, maps, and on public address announcements. They are clearly numbered, labeled, and color coded. Even someone who is inexperienced with subways can figure this system out in about one day. The subways meet with busses, taxis, and major malls, office complexes and sporting facilities such as Seoul's World Cup Soccer Stadium. More...
Boats and Ferries
South Korea has two international ports, one in Busan and and one in Incheon connecting Japan and China respectively. These international ports are entrances for tourists who arrive at Korea by sea. The Busan international port is used for those who came from Japan and the Incheon international port is for tourists visiting Korea from China. More
Handicap
There is no reason for anyone to have difficulty getting around in Seoul unless you have a handicap of some sort. Seoul has a long way to go with respect to making all of Seoul handicap accessible. On the flip side of that coin, even though there are not wheelchair ramps everywhere you look, there are helpful people. If you are thick skinned, seeking adventure, and don't have ego or pride problems, people will gladly help lift or move a wheelchair, help a blind person, or disabled person. Most of the large international hotels are handicap accessible. Sidewalks, certain attractions, and other areas are not. At least in most instances. Plan ahead, ask for help, and you'll be fine
Air
For all domestic flights, you use Gimpo Airport. For all international flights, use Incheon International Airport.
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