Getting around South Korea
Asia
From Europe ✈️
Direct flight from Paris
Yes
Duration
11h30-12h direct (Paris CDG - Seoul Incheon)
Indicative round-trip price
700-1300 EUR round trip depending on the season
Book
2-4 months ahead, avoid April (cherry blossoms) and summer
Recommended airlines
Local transport
Bus
Express coach network (KOBUS, express bus) comfortable and cheap, linking all cities. City buses payable with the T-money card.
Train
The KTX (high-speed train) is the best way to get around. Seoul-Busan in 2h15 (about 60,000 KRW). KORAIL network punctual and modern. Separate tickets, not payable with T-money.
Taxi
Taxis abondants et honnetes, compteur systematique. Course de base autour de 4 800 KRW a Seoul. Kakao T pour commander sans parler coreen.
Metro
Excellent metros in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon. English signage, single ticket via T-money card (1,550 KRW per trip in Seoul).
Essential apps
Common routes and indicative prices
| From | To | Mode | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul | Busan | KTX | 2h15 | 60,000 KRW (~40 EUR) |
| Seoul (Incheon) | Seoul centre | AREX express train | 43 min | 9 500 KRW |
| Seoul | Gyeongju | KTX + bus | 2h30 | 50 000 KRW |
| Busan | Jeju | Plane | 1h | 40-90 EUR |
Indicative prices for 2025-2026. Fares vary by season, demand and how far ahead you book.
Vehicle rental 🛵
Scooter / Motorbike
30,000-50,000 KRW (especially on Jeju) / day
International permit with motorcycle endorsement (A stamp)
Car
50 000-90 000 KRW / day
International permit required (Geneva/Vienna Convention) + national licence
International permit : Required or strongly recommended
Transport scams to know ⚠️
Fake taxis at the airport
Unlicensed drivers offering an inflated flat fare at Incheon.
Tip :Take the official taxis from the rank, or the AREX (express train to Seoul).
Bar touts in Itaewon/Hongdae
'Juicy' bars or 'room salons' with rip-off bills.
Tip :Avoid establishments with a tout, check the posted prices.
Practical tips
- Buy a T-money card (3,000-5,000 KRW) at a convenience store: metro, buses, taxis and purchases all over the country.
- Book the KTX in advance on the Korail Talk app, especially at the weekend and during cherry-blossom season.
- Naver Map and KakaoMap work better than Google Maps, which is often limited in Korea.
Other transport guides
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