Travel  ( Transportation )

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Getting into the Country

Entry by air into the Republic of Korea is generally through Seoul's Kimpo International Airport. Security is very tight at Kimpo because a military airfield is nearby, and Seoul is situated just 20 minutes flying time from the 38th parallel. Therefore, photographs of this area are forbidden, and even loaded camera equipment is suspect.

Kimhae International Airport serves the Pusan area, and Cheju Island now receives international flights from Japan as well as frequent daily domestic service.

Getting in by sea is possible, particularly through the port of Pusan. Most frequent service is from the Japanese ports of Shimonseki, Osaka, Kobe, and Hakata, and service is also available from China.

Transportation from the Airport

Airport express buses are the cheapest option for getting downtown (less than US$2), although space for baggage is limited. Korean Air's limousine bus service is probably the most convenient way to get to the Korea City Air Terminal in southern Seoul. It operates frequently, and the cost is approximately W3,000 (about $4) one way. The airport also offers a deluxe limousine bus service that connects with major hotels in Seoul. In addition, many hotels have a shuttle bus service for guests.

In 1994 a new subway line began service from Kimpo to central and southeastern Seoul. It's quite inexpensive (around US 50 cents). You'll need to catch a bus from the subway station to get downtown.

Taxis to major hotels in Seoul are plentiful. Meter rates vary depending on traffic and distance, but vary between about W6,200 and W10,900 (US$8 and $14). Rates for deluxe taxis are higher.

Unless taxi drivers have helped with luggage or been asked to wait for you, they do not expect a tip. Hotel and airport porters should get about W800 (about US$1) per bag.

Intracity Transportation

Within most cities, you can get pretty much anywhere by bus. Express buses are air-conditioned and less crowded than local buses, though twice as expensive (W600, or about US 76 cents). The system can be confusing-ask hotel staff to help you sort out the routes.

Seoul and Pusan have convenient, clean, and inexpensive subway systems.

Taxis are widely available. Taxi fares are based on both time and distance. For a medium-sized taxi, fares are W1,000 for the first 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) and W100 for each additional 280 meters (300 yards). If the taxi is going less than 15 kilometers (9 miles) per hour, an additional charge of W100 per each 67 seconds is added to the basic fare. There is a night supplement of 20 percent from midnight to 4 AM. Taxis may also be summoned by phone for a surcharge. Yellow-and-black deluxe taxis are more expensive.

Intercity Transportation

South Korea offers excellent transportation between cities.

Korean Air and Asiana Airlines both offer regular service from Seoul to primary and secondary destinations around Korea. Flights usually take about an hour.

The Korean National Railroad offers generally reliable and efficient train service. There are four classes of service: the super-express Saemaul trains, express Mugunghwa trains, ordinary T'ong-il trains, and the Pidulgi trains, which stop at every station. Trains are usually full on weekends and holidays, so buy your tickets at least two weeks in advance.

There are numerous intercity and long-distance express bus services operating between Seoul and other cities. It takes about an hour to get to Inchon, 2½ hours to Kyongju, and a little over 5 hours to Pusan. Fares run between W1,100 and W10,600 (US$1.40 and $13.40); deluxe buses cost a little more. Express buses also operate between Pusan and other cities. In addition, tourist buses go to many popular sites-consult any reputable travel agent.

Ferries

There are at least six ferry services offering regular sailings from Cheju to Pusan and about five other port cities, as well as lake and river cruises on many of Korea's waterways.

Driving

Korea has an excellent highway system. If you want to rent a car, drivers must be at least 21, have more than one year's driving experience, and be in possession of an international driver's license.