A Travelers Paradise - South Korea

Traveling!!

Let me be completely honest, we as students choose to go abroad to study, that is a given.  There are also experiences that we can have while abroad at a different location that are just not the same at our home university.  We also chose to study abroad just because we wanted to travel.  There is just something amazing and fun about going off and exploring a place we didn't know much about and gaining first hand experiences.  In my opinion South Korea has some of the best ways of transportation to get all over the country.  It is amazing and very well planned out.

Modes of Transportation

Korea has many modes of transportation to get from one place to another.  It can be confusing and intimidating, but trust me.... it is a lot simpler than it seems.  There are Subway and bus apps that you can get on your phone that will be of the best use.  Two of the best I have seen are Kakao Bus and Kakao Metro.  These are the best apps because they also tell you what is around and what time the trains actually arrive.  This has been a huge help all semester.  Before coming to school in Korea, it would be best to download the apps and then check what stations you need to go to and from.  

The express buses are great way to travel on a budget.  The can connect you will cities all over the country.  They have places such as the big cities like Busan, Deagu, and even smaller places such as Gongju.  Pricing depends on where you are going.  

Obviously, the further away; the more expensive the ticket is.  Don't let that discourage you though.  A bus from Seoul to Busan takes around 5 hours but only costs around 23,000 won ($20).  That is super cheap.  They are definitely much cheaper and if you have a Korean student ID, then you could easily gain an 2,000 won discount on your ticket.  To buy these tickets you can either go to the machines or even to the desk.  In my experience, going to the desk is much simpler and less of a hassle.

Seoul KTX Station

The KTX train is one of many different kinds of express trains that go throughout the South Korean peninsula.  It is one of the fastest trains in the country.  The ticket costs can vary depending on what kinds of seat you get.  To stand it can from Sinchang to Seoul it is 7,000 won ($6).  Getting a sitting seat costs around 13,000 wont to 14,000 won ($12-$13).  These trains are extremely fast and very convenient for getting from one place to the next.  A trip from my school to Seoul only takes around 30 minutes by KTX.  These trains are also very punctual, very rarely are they late, maybe on a big holiday they could run a few minutes late.  

To buy the tickets, there are 3 ways.  You could buy the tickets online (ask a Korean student for help),  use the machines at the station to buy the tickets, or you can also go up to the counter and purchase the tickets.  When buying in person you can use English because most of the staff speak enough to understand what you want.  

T-card used to Pay for subways and city buses

The most basic mode of transportation is the subway system and inner city bus routes.  These trains are fast and can go a very far, but there is of course a limit as to where they can go.  Each of the major cities in South Korea.  Seoul has the largest and most intricate subway system in the country.  There are over 100 stations that can go from my University at Soonchunhyang (Sinchang Station) all the way to Soyosan Station which is 32 km from the DMZ.  Here at Sinchang I am 87.2 km from Seoul Station.  That is over 150 km distance wise. 

The subways are a very good way to travel especially if you are on a budget.  I can go from Sinchang to Seoul Station on less that $3.  The trip can easily take around 3 hours that.  It is a long ride, but it is worth it for saving money.  

All you would need is a card known as a T-Card.  Almost all convenient stores sell them and are very easy to get.  Prices can vary depending on the design.  Mine was around 5,000 won ($4).  Then all you have to do if charge the card with money.  There are machines in all of the subways to add money to your balance and they are very easy to use.  The machines can be translate in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.  These cards can be used on the subway, bus, and even taxis.  

Places to Go!

Gangnam Stule Statue by the Gangnam COEX
Easiest way to get here is by subway.

Gong-ju Fortress
Easiest way to get here is by the express bus or car

Gong-ju Hanok Villiage
Easiest way to get here is by express bus or car

Hanbok in Gong-ju

Another part of the Haonok Villiage

Gwanghwamun, Seoul Chirstmas lights
Easiest way to get here is by subway

Line Friends shop in Myeongdong, Seoul
Easiest way to get here is by subway

Namsan Tower, Seoul
Easiest way to get here by subway and bus

Namdaemun Gate, Seoul
Easiest to get here by subway

Onyang Lake, Asan
Easiest to get here by city bus.

HAPPY TRAVELS!