Buses
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On July 1, 2004, Seoul opened a new chapter in the public transportation, aiming to achieve a transit system that is both faster and more convenient. To reduce confusion and simplify passenger use, each bus in the municipal transit system will now employ one of four colors: blue, green, red or yellow, depending on its function. Now, passengers can easily identify the starting point and the destination of a bus at a single glance. The entire area of Seoul is divided into eight zones, which are clearly indicated in the numerical designation of each bus.
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Blue buses (Main Line) serve the major trunk roads between downtown Seoul and satellite cities of Seoul. The buses have the letter "B" on them, representing blue buses. Bus numbers have 3 digits. (Example: 141) |
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Green buses (Branch Line) serve routes between subway stations and nearby residential areas/main bus lines. (These routes are often covered by village buses) The buses have the letter "G" on them, representing green buses. Bus numbers have 4 digits, starting with "9." (Example: 2412) |
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Red buses (Wide Area Line) serve routes between major areas (downtown, Gangnam, Yeongdeungpo, etc.) and metropolitan satellite cities (Ilsan, Bundang, Uijeongbu, etc.). The buses have the letter "R" on them, representing red buses.
Bus numbers have 4 digits. (Example: 9412) |
Since Metropolitan (Gwangyeok) buses stop at fewer locations and cover longer distances, they have relatively more seats available to sit on for a more comfortable ride. Also, Metropolitan buses have a large news screen and free WiFi is available inside the bus.
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Yellow buses (Circular Line) serve circular belt roads in the downtown and major metropolitan area. The buses have the letter "Y" on them, representing yellow buses. Bus numbers have 2 digits. (Example: 41) |
Buses starting with N are buses operating from midnight to 5 am. N buses run usually every 40-50 minutes and do not run to every part of Seoul- they only travel to the major transportation locations. But the city plans to expand in the future with demand.
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Bus Numbering System
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- Bus numbers and colors differentiate the bus types (blue- main line, green- branch line, red- wide area line, yellow- circular line).
- This numbering of buses helps passengers easily understand the bus routes.
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Zone number division map for bus route system
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- Zone 0: Jongno-gu, Jung-gu, Yongsan-gu
- Zone 1: Dobong-gu, Gangbuk-gu, Seongbuk-gu, Nowon-gu
- Zone 2: Dongdaemun-gu, Jungnang-gu, Seongdong-gu, Gwangjin-gu
- Zone 3: Gangdong-gu, Songpa-gu
- Zone 4: Seocho-gu, Gangnam-gu
- Zone 5: Dongjak-gu, Gwanak-gu, Geumcheon-gu
- Zone 6: Gangseo-gu, Yangcheon-gu, Guro-gu, Yeongdeungpo-gu
- Zone 7: Eunpyeong-gu, Mapo-gu, Seodaemun-gu
* Gyeonggi Province is also divided into 8 zones, like Seoul.
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Bus stop system
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| Blue (Main Line) bus exclusive |
Blue (Main Line),
Green (Branch Line), combination |
Blue (Main Line),
Green (Branch Line), Red (Wide Area Line) bus |
Yellow (Circular Line) bus exclusive |
Similar to with subways, an electronic display informing of bus arrival times is installed at most stops. Some bus stops near subway stations also show the location of the subway trains.
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Bus Fares
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Unit: won
| Bus Type |
Category |
Transportation Card Fares |
Cash |
Note |
Blue Bus
(Main Line)
Green Bus
(Branch Line) |
Adults |
1,050 |
1,150 |
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| Youths |
720 |
1,000 |
| Elementary School Students |
450 |
450 |
Yellow Bus
(Circular Line) |
Adults |
850 |
950 |
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| Youths |
560 |
800 |
| Elementary School Students |
350 |
350 |
Green Bus
(Village Bus) |
Adults |
750 |
850 |
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| Youths |
480 |
550 |
| Elementary School Students |
300 |
300 |
Red Bus
(Wide Area Line) |
Adults |
1,850 |
1,950 |
* No discount for transfers |
| Youths |
1,360 |
1,800 |
| Elementary School Students |
1,200 |
1,200 |
* From July 1, 2004, intra-city bus and subway fares depend on the total distance traveled.
The most noticeable feature is the integrated fare system designed to reduce financial burdens when switching between forms of mass transportation. Passengers can get free transfers or discount benefits only when using a transportation card. No discounts are available when using cash or single tickets.
Under the new system, passengers have to pay 900 won over a given distance no matter how many times they change between buses (including village buses) and subways, with an increment of 100 won charged for every additional 5 km. (For buses, the distance surcharge only applies to transfers. Without bus transfers, the basic fare will apply.)
When transferring to another bus or subway, make sure to tag (contact) the card reader in the subway turnstile or bus before you exit for the transfer fare to be applied. Otherwise, you will get charged for the full fare for the transfer segment of your trip.
See the benefits of using the Transportation Card.
* Pictures are provided by Seoul city & Stunning Korea.
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Subways
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Subway Fares
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- When travelling by subway only: Distance Scale Rate
| Category |
Card |
| General |
* Basic Fare: within 10km: 1,050 won
* Additional Fare
- 10 ~ 40km : plus 100 won per 5km
- Over 40km : plus 100 won per 10km
* When using the subway in and out of the metropolitan area continuously, transit fare for traveling within the metropolitan area will be charged initially then additional 100 won will be charged for traveling every 4km outside the metropolitan area (Pyeongtaek ~ Cheonan)
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Teenagers
(Age 13-18) |
Basic Fare(1,050won) minus 150won and 20% additional discount
(Basic Fare : 720won)
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Childern
(Age 6-12) |
Basic Fare(1,050won) minus 150won and 50% additional discount
(Basic Fare : 450won)
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- When transferring from subway to bus
When Transferring to a Bus
(Combined Distance Scale Rate for
Public Transportations) |
Basic Fare |
Basic fare within 10km (Free Transfer)
* The higher basic fare from the two means of transportation will be charged.
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| Plus Fare |
Additional 100 won will be charged for every 5km after exceeding the first 10km
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However, the charged fare shall be less than the total fare of each means of transportation even when the passenger has traveled for a long distance.
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