Essential Korea Travel Tip: Navigating Rush Hour with Public Transport

Hello everyone, and a warm welcome to all visitors coming to Korea! Korea is a wonderful country filled with fascinating cultural heritage, vibrant cityscapes, and delicious food. To ensure your trip to Korea is as enjoyable and convenient as possible, today I want to share a crucial tip about Korea's transportation system.

Korea's Commute Hours: Do You Know About 'Rush Hour'?

Like many major cities, Korea experiences significant traffic congestion during commute hours. This is especially true for large cities like Seoul. This period is commonly referred to as 'Rush Hour', and during this time, roads can turn into massive parking lots. If you take a taxi, it might take two, three, or even more times longer than usual to reach your destination, or you might find yourself stuck without moving at all. If you have important appointments, flights, or other time-sensitive schedules, you must be particularly mindful of these hours.

'Rush Hour' Times to Avoid

• Morning: Approximately 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
• Evening: Approximately 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM

During these times, the number of cars on the road becomes incredibly high. Therefore, if you have travel plans during these hours, we strongly recommend using public transportation instead of taxis.

The Smart Choice During Rush Hour: Korea's Public Transport

Korea's public transportation system is highly developed and convenient. The subway, in particular, operates precisely on schedule even during rush hour, making it the most reliable mode of transport.

1. Subway

The subway is the best way to navigate Korea's rush hour. Major cities, including Seoul, have complex subway networks, but you can easily find your way using navigation apps like Google Maps, KakaoMap, or Naver Map. Each station displays the arrival times of the next train, allowing for planned travel. While it can get crowded during peak hours, its punctuality is guaranteed.

2. Bus (Consider Express Buses)

Regular city buses are affected by traffic congestion during rush hour. However, some Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines or certain express intercity buses may travel faster along relatively fixed routes. Still, most regular buses can be delayed depending on road conditions, so if you're in a hurry, it's best to prioritize the subway.

Additional Tips for Efficient Travel

• Purchase a Transit Card: Buying a Tmoney or Cashbee card will make using public transportation convenient and allow you to receive transfer discounts.
• Utilize Navigation Apps: Apps like 'KakaoMap', 'Naver Map', and 'Google Maps' provide real-time traffic information, which is extremely helpful for checking routes and estimating travel times before you set off.
• Allow Ample Time: Especially if you need to travel during rush hour, it's advisable to allocate more time than you anticipate and plan your schedule leisurely.

By actively utilizing public transportation during your trip to Korea, especially considering commute hours, you'll be able to enjoy a smarter and more pleasant travel experience. We wish you a safe and enjoyable trip to Korea! Thank you.