South Korea has one of the most efficient and affordable transportation systems in the world. Whether you’re staying in Seoul, heading to Busan, or exploring hidden countryside gems, you’ll find plenty of options to get around.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common transportation in South Korea—and tips on which type of vehicle you should use for different distances.
Long-Distance Transportation (100+ km)
KTX (Korea Train Express) - High-Speed Rail
Best for: Intercity travel between major destinations
Distance: Long-distance routes (Seoul-Busan, Seoul-Daegu, Seoul-Gwangju) Speed: Up to 305 km/h Travel Time Examples:
- Seoul to Busan: 2.5 hours
- Seoul to Daegu: 1.5 hours
- Seoul to Gwangju: 1.5 hours
When to Choose KTX:
- Business travel requiring punctuality
- Comfort-focused travelers
- Weather-independent travel
- Routes between major cities
Pros: Extremely fast, comfortable, reliable, city center to city center
Cons: More expensive than buses, limited routes
Intercity Buses (고속버스)
Best for: Budget-conscious long-distance travel Distance: All long-distance routes throughout Korea Cost: Significantly cheaper than KTX Travel Time Examples:
- Seoul to Busan: 4-5 hours
- Seoul to Daegu: 3-4 hours
- Seoul to Jeju City: N/A (ferry or flight required)
When to Choose Intercity Bus:
- Budget travel
- Routes not served by KTX
- Flexible departure times
- Traveling to smaller cities
Pros: Affordable, extensive network, comfortable seats, frequent departures
Cons: Longer travel times, affected by traffic, less comfortable than trains
Domestic Flights
Best for: Travel to Jeju Island and distant mainland destinations Distance: Long-distance routes, especially Seoul-Jeju Popular Routes:
- Seoul (Gimpo/Incheon) to Jeju: 1.5 hours
- Seoul to Busan: 1 hour
- Seoul to Daegu: 1 hour
When to Choose Flights:
- Traveling to Jeju Island (most convenient option)
- Time-sensitive business travel
- Traveling to distant cities when time matters more than cost
Pros: Fastest option, essential for Jeju Island, frequent flights
Cons: Most expensive, airport transfer time, weather delays possible