Buses reach places the subway doesn't and run late, but they intimidate first-timers because stops and announcements are Korean-first. The color system and a map app remove almost all the guesswork.
- 1
Learn the four bus colors
Blue = long trunk routes across the city. Green = short branch routes feeding subway stations. Red = express/suburban routes to outer areas. Yellow = short loops inside a district. Color tells you the route's job at a glance.
- 2
Board at the front and tap your T-money
Tap the card on the reader as you board. Fares are similar to the subway and distance-based on longer routes.
Set up your T-money first → - 3
Tap off at the rear door when you leave
On distance-based routes, tapping off is how the system knows your fare and keeps your free transfer valid. Forget it and you may be overcharged or lose the transfer discount.
- 4
Signal your stop with the app's help
Press the red stop button before your stop. Use Naver Map or KakaoMap to track how many stops remain — announcements include English for major stops, but the app is your safety net.
Naver Map setup →
Common questions
Are buses harder than the subway?+
Do transfers between bus and subway cost extra?+
Sources & official links
- Seoul Metropolitan Government transport ↗checked 2026-06-01
- Korea Tourism Organization ↗checked 2026-06-01
Fares, schedules, and app details change. Always confirm on the official site before you rely on anything time- or money-critical.