Transportation
Passenger trains operated by the Korean National Railroad are quick, reliable and relatively inexpensive. The trains run on a strict schedule, and are not affected by traffic congestion during the holiday seasons. The Korean National Railroad network covers almost every part of the country. Railroad Information for Foreigners: Seoul 02-392-7811
Taking the bus may differ from city to city. In Seoul, there are basically two types of buses. One is the city bus and the other is the chwa-sok bus ('seating bus'). The fare for a city bus is 700 won for an adult, and it will follow a local route. Due to the existence of designated bus lanes, buses travel quickly throughout the city. So if you don't like traveling underground, it is advisable to ride the city bus. As transfers are unavailable, you must pay the fare for each route. Bus signs are in Korean only, so try to familiarize yourself with the bus number. Be careful and pay attention. The chwa-sok bus is much more spacious and comfortable than a city bus. Although it uses the designated bus lanes as well, it stops less frequently, and therefore travels faster throughout the congested areas of Seoul. The fare is 1200 - 1300 won, and there is a 20% increase after midnight (12 AM to 4 AM).
Eight subway lines serve Seoul and its suburbs. The eight lines are color-coded: red (Line 1), green (Line 2), orange (Line 3), blue (Line 4), purple (Line 5), brown (Line 6), dark green (Line 7), and pink (Line 8). Line 1 connects Seoul and Cheongnyangni Stations, the two major train stations in Seoul, and passes through City Hall and Jongno in the heart of downtown. This line also merges with the surface electric train line of the state-run Korean National Railroad (K.N.R.), linking Seoul to its major satellite cities (Incheon, Suwon, Uijeongbu, and Ansan). Line 2 is a circular route encompassing both sides of the Han-gang River, from City Hall through Euljiro, across the river to Jamsil and Yeongdong, and then north again to the Sinchon area. Line 3 runs from Daehwa in the northwest to Ori in the south, linking Seoul with its two new satellite cities (Bundang and Ilsan). Line 4, a mirror image of line 3, is anchored by Danggogae in the northeast and Sadang in the south, and connects with the railroad line to Ansan. Line 5 passes through central Seoul on its way to the Gimpo Air Terminal. Line 6 runs from Bonghwasan in the east to Eungam in the west. Line 7 starts from Jangam in the north and goes to Onsu in the southwest. Line 8 starts from Amsa and goes to Moran. Seoul Metropolitan Subway Corporation website:
Rental cars are available for visitors, and charges range from 55,000 to 460,000 won per day. Driving safely in Korea takes a great deal of practice. Due to the different traffic laws and the fact that foreigners are often unfamiliar with the roads, it may be advisable to hire a driver along with the car. Visitors must meet the following requirements to rent a car:
Visitors who wish to hire a chauffeur-driven car should pay the driver's charges, including meals and hotel expenses. For further details, call the Korea Car Rental Union at 02-525-9077/8
Korea has a well-developed domestic flight network that links 16 major cities. It is serviced by Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. Contact the airline offices listed below to make reservations. The Korea Travel Bureau (02-753-0870) also operates a ticket sales outlet at KNTO's Tourist Information Centre. Reservation Offices
|
Train
Copyright 2002-2007 IMEA All Right Reserved.