Smart Use of Korea's Public Transport Transfer System!

Hello, foreign tourists visiting Korea! Public transportation is essential for your trip to Korea, but how can you use it more efficiently? The answer lies in understanding the 'transfer system'. Korea's buses and subways are not just convenient means of transport; they have a transfer system that can significantly save you money on fares if used wisely. Shall we uncover its secrets now?

1. What is the Transfer System?

Korea's public transport transfer system is 'a system that allows you to use multiple public transport modes (bus ↔ subway ↔ bus, etc.) with a single transport card (or mobile payment) within a certain period of time, either without additional charge or at a discounted rate'. In essence, it's a very useful system where no extra fare or only a minimal additional fare is charged depending on the number of transfers!

2. How Do Transfers Work?

Transfers are only possible when using a transport card. If you pay with cash, you won't receive transfer benefits, so it's crucial to prepare a transport card like T-money or Cashbee in advance, or utilize mobile payment functions.

'Tag' Required for Both Boarding & Alighting!

• When Boarding: Tag your transport card at the bus or subway turnstile. The base fare will be deducted.
• When Alighting: When getting off the bus or exiting a subway station, you must tag your transport card again. This process is necessary to enable transfers to the next mode of transport. Failing to tag may not only prevent you from receiving transfer benefits but could also result in disadvantages on your next ride.

3. When and How Many Transfers Are Allowed?

Transfer Time Limit

• Basically, you must transfer to another public transport mode within 30 minutes from the 'time of your alighting tag' to receive transfer benefits.
• During late-night hours (from 9 PM to 7 AM), the transfer time limit is extended to 1 hour. This measure considers the longer service intervals during late-night periods.

Number of Transfers

• A total of 4 transfers are possible. This means you can use up to 5 different public transport modes in one journey.
  • Example: Bus1 → Subway → Bus2 → Bus3 → Subway (4 transfers total, 5 modes used)
• However, transfers do not apply if you re-board the same bus route or the same subway line. For instance, if you get off bus number 100 and then immediately board bus number 100 again, it will be considered a new ride, not a transfer, and a new fare will be charged. The same applies to the subway; if you exit at a station and re-enter the same line, it's not a transfer.

4. How Is the Transfer Fare Calculated?

Additional fares for transfers are calculated based on the total distance traveled. You can travel a certain distance for the base fare, and if you travel beyond that, an additional fare proportional to the distance will be charged.

• Bus-to-Bus Transfer: In most cases, transfers are possible without additional charge (however, changing routes is mandatory).
• Bus-to-Subway Transfer: Fares are combined and settled based on the total distance traveled. For example, if you travel a basic fare distance by bus and then transfer to the subway, traveling a much longer distance, the difference between the total fare for the entire distance and the bus fare already paid will be charged.

Key point: Fares are not charged separately for each ride; instead, the fare for the 'entire travel distance' is calculated and settled ultimately. If the final fare is less than what you've already paid, there's no additional charge. If the final fare is more, you only pay the difference.

5. Tips for Using the Transfer System!

• Transport Card is Essential: Use a transport card instead of cash. For tourists, it's recommended to purchase a 'Korea Tour Card' or a regular transport card.
• Make Tagging a Habit: Don't forget to tag your transport card both when boarding and alighting!
• Check the Time: Remember the transfer time limits (30 minutes, 1 hour at night) and plan your travel accordingly.
• Avoid Same Routes: Be aware that transfers do not apply when re-boarding the same bus number or the same subway line.

Korea's public transport transfer system might seem a bit complex at first, but once you get used to it, it's an incredibly convenient and economical system. We hope this information makes your trip to Korea more enjoyable and smarter. If you have any questions, feel free to ask for help from locals or inquire with subway station staff! Enjoy your trip to Korea!