Getting Around in Korea: Subway, Bus & Taxi Phrases You Must Know

Whether you're riding the subway, taking a bus, or hopping in a taxi, getting around in Korea is easy—especially if you know a few key phrases. This guide will teach you the essential expressions for navigating Korea’s public transportation like a pro!

🚇 Subway Phrases

지하철 어디예요? (ji-ha-cheol eo-di-ye-yo?) – Where is the subway?
[역 이름]에 가려면 어떻게 가요? ([yeok i-reum] e ga-ryeo-myeon eo-tteo-ke ga-yo?) – How can I get to [station name]?
이 노선 맞아요? (i no-seon ma-ja-yo?) – Is this the right line?
환승은 어디서 해요? (hwan-seung-eun eo-di-seo hae-yo?) – Where do I transfer?
문이 열립니다 (mun-i yeol-lim-ni-da) – The door is opening

🚌 Bus Phrases

이 버스 [장소]에 가요? (i beo-seu [jang-so] e ga-yo?) – Does this bus go to [place]?
다음 정류장에서 내려요 (da-eum jeong-ryu-jang-e-seo nae-ryeo-yo) – I’ll get off at the next stop
벨 어디 있어요? (bel eo-di i-sseo-yo?) – Where is the stop button?
교통카드 있어요? (gyo-tong-ka-deu i-sseo-yo?) – Do you have a transportation card?
현금도 돼요? (hyeon-geum-do dwae-yo?) – Can I pay with cash?

🚖 Taxi Phrases

[장소]까지 가 주세요 ([jang-so] kka-ji ga ju-se-yo) – Please take me to [place]
택시 불러 주세요 (taek-si bul-leo ju-se-yo) – Please call a taxi
얼마예요? (eol-ma-ye-yo?) – How much is it?
영수증 주세요 (yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo) – Please give me the receipt
카드 되나요? (ka-deu doe-na-yo?) – Can I pay by card?

🗺 Asking for Directions

[장소] 어떻게 가요? ([jang-so] eo-tteo-ke ga-yo?) – How do I get to [place]?
이 근처에 있어요? (i geun-cheo-e i-sseo-yo?) – Is it near here?
지도를 볼 수 있어요? (ji-do-reul bol su i-sseo-yo?) – Can I see a map?

📘 Practice Mini Dialogue (With English Translation)

Situation: Asking for directions and taking a taxi

A: 지하철 어디예요? (ji-ha-cheol eo-di-ye-yo?)
→ Where is the subway?

B: 저쪽이에요. (jeo-jjok-i-e-yo)
→ It’s that way.

A: 강남역까지 가 주세요. (gang-nam-yeok kka-ji ga ju-se-yo)
→ Please take me to Gangnam Station.

B: 네, 알겠습니다. (ne, al-get-seum-ni-da)
→ Yes, understood.

A: 카드 되나요? (ka-deu doe-na-yo?)
→ Can I pay by card?

B: 네, 됩니다. (ne, doem-ni-da)
→ Yes, you can.

💡 Quick Tips

Always say "주세요" (ju-se-yo) to sound polite
Use Naver Map or KakaoMap instead of Google Maps in Korea
Subway and bus announcements are usually in English too!

Next Lesson: Emergency Korean Phrases – What to Say If You’re Lost or Need Help