Korea offers a wide array of public transportation services. If you don’t find yourself in a car, then you will be relying on public transportation. By the end of this posting, we hope you will be confident about using the taxi, bus, and subway systems in Korea. We will also recommend a couple of apps to have in your hands for each service.
First off, say good-bye to Google Maps in Korea. They are restricted and ineffective due to the armistice agreement (prevent exposure risk of military locations and security facilities in Google Maps). As a replacement, Kakao Map and NAVER Map are the app of choice for maps in Korea. Among the two, we recommend NAVER Map as it offers intuitive service in English!
[ BUS ]
NAVER Map provides detailed information on which bus to take and where to take it from. You can also preview the actual bus stop using “street view” and easily find your way. With the app, you can also access information related to your trip (e.g., time remaining to destination, walking distance/time, as well as arrival time of the next bus) at your fingertips.
TIP: If you click the compass icon on the bottom left, it will show your current location (double click for compass/direction feature). This is especially helpful when using the map while walking.
Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nhn.android.nmap
App Store
https://apps.apple.com/kr/app/id311867728
[ SUBWAY ]
Subway Korea app gets our vote for taking subway in Korea. The app supports multiple languages including Korean, English, and Japanese. The app also enables you to customize settings on region and units (meter/mile). Always remember to regularly update your app to receive up-to-date information on subway lines. Using the app, you could track the location of a train in real-time, find restroom locations and check the availability of elevators for each station (click station of interest). If you set the departure and arrival station, you could also estimate the traveling time required to your destination.
TIP: The app provides 2 routes when you input your travel information. Click the “fastest” tab for the quickest route and “fewest” tab for the route with least transfers.
Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.imagedrome.jihachul
App Store
[ KAKAO TAXI ]
When you need a taxi, look no further. We recommend the Kakao T app for it provides English services, however please do note that you must have a Kakao account to utilize the app.
When requesting a taxi, confirm your current location, insert your destination, and call for a taxi by selecting either “smart request” or “general request”. Once you have put in your request and your ride has been assigned, you can see how far away your driver is and the license plate number. Once your taxi arrives (make sure to check the license plate number), sit back and enjoy a safe ride to your destination. Similar to Uber and Grab, you have an in-app payment option and you could also opt to pay in person. The only downfall may involve the taxi drivers’ inability to communicate in English should there arise a need for them to call you. If you find yourself in such a situation however, simply ask the Koreans nearby for help!
TIP: Smart request is 1,000won more expensive than the general request, but your chances of being dispatched a taxi are higher (aka faster).
Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kakao.taxi
App Store
https://apps.apple.com/kr/app/%EC%B9%B4%EC%B9%B4%EC%98%A4-t/id981110422
Korea boasts incredibly convenient public transportation. Utilize apps tailored for your needs, and you will be an expert on public transit in no time!
Post a Comment