Navigating public transportation in Korea can be an exciting part of your travel experience. Understanding some key phrases will make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a guide to essential Korean phrases that will help you get around using buses, trains, and subways.
지하철 (Jiha-cheol) – Subway
지하철역에서 만나요.
This word refers to the subway system, which is a common mode of public transport in major cities like Seoul and Busan.
버스 (Beo-seu) – Bus
버스를 언제 타야 하나요?
Used to refer to a bus, this term is essential when traveling through areas where trains or subways are not available.
택시 (Taek-si) – Taxi
택시를 호출해 주세요.
Although not public transport in the traditional sense, taxis are a common sight and can be an easier option for direct routes.
역 (Yeok) – Station
가장 가까운 역이 어디예요?
This term is used for any type of station, whether it’s a bus station or a train station.
승차권 (Seung-cha-kwon) – Ticket
승차권을 한 장 주세요.
This is the term for a ticket, necessary for traveling on buses, subways, and trains.
노선도 (No-seon-do) – Route map
노선도를 볼 수 있을까요?
A route map helps you navigate the different lines and stops in the transportation system.
환승 (Hwan-seung) – Transfer
여기에서 환승해야 합니다.
This phrase is used when you need to switch from one bus line to another or from one subway line to another.
출구 (Chul-gu) – Exit
출구 번호는 무엇인가요?
Used to refer to the exit in a station, knowing this word is helpful for finding your way out to the correct street or area.
도착 (Do-chak) – Arrival
이 열차는 언제 도착하나요?
This term refers to the arrival of a bus, train, or subway.
출발 (Chul-bal) – Departure
버스가 언제 출발하나요?
This is used to refer to the departure of any form of transportation.
요금 (Yo-geum) – Fare
버스 요금은 얼마인가요?
The term for the cost or fare associated with traveling on public transportation.
좌석 (Jwa-seok) – Seat
좌석을 예약할 수 있나요?
Refers to a seat, which you might want to ask about if you prefer not to stand, especially on long trips.
정류장 (Jeong-ryu-jang) – Bus stop
다음 정류장에서 내려야 해요.
This term specifically refers to a bus stop, where you can catch or alight from a bus.
간선버스 (Gan-seon-beo-seu) – Mainline bus
간선버스는 중요한 도시를 연결합니다.
This refers to a mainline bus that typically runs on major routes connecting significant parts of the city.
일반버스 (Il-ban-beo-seu) – Local bus
일반버스는 작은 거리를 담당합니다.
This term is used for local buses, which operate on smaller, community-centered routes.
급행버스 (Geup-haeng-beo-seu) – Express bus
급행버스로 빠르게 목적지에 도착할 수 있어요.
Refers to an express bus, which makes fewer stops and therefore reaches destinations quicker.
막차 (Mak-cha) – Last bus/train
막차 시간이 언제인지 아세요?
This is crucial to know if you are out late; it refers to the last bus or train of the day.
첫차 (Cheot-cha) – First bus/train
첫차는 몇 시에 출발하나요?
Similarly, knowing when the first bus or train is can be important for early morning travel.
Understanding these terms and phrases will undoubtedly enhance your ability to navigate the public transportation system in Korea, making your travel experience less daunting and more efficient. Whether asking for directions, purchasing tickets, or ensuring you don’t miss your stop, these words will be your tools for a smooth journey.
