Busan practical guide
Getting around Busan, step by step
Subway lines, village buses, payment cards, and the small rules that make daily travel in Busan easier to manage.
Transit basics
Cards, lines, and bus boarding
Subway lines and local village buses use different tap and transfer rules. Check which card you are using and where you tap before you board.
1. Load a transit card
Buy a rechargeable transit card at a convenience store or subway station kiosk, then check the balance before you travel.
2. Tap on and off
Tap your card at the subway gate and on the reader when boarding a bus. Tap again when you exit so the fare is recorded correctly.
3. Plan interchanges
Subway transfers are free within the same station, while village buses in hillside areas often run on fixed loops. Confirm the route number before you board.
Street logistics
Survival rules for daily travel
Pharmacies and signage
Look for the green cross sign to find pharmacies. Many street signs are written in Korean first, so save your station name in Korean or show the address on your phone.
Kiosk ordering
Automated kiosks usually offer an English menu. Choose your order, confirm the total, and pay by card before collecting your receipt.
Rubbish and recycling
Bins are less common on the street, so keep wrappers in your bag until you find a convenience store or station bin. Separate recyclables where bins are labeled.
Emergency numbers
Dial 112 for police and 119 for fire or ambulance. Keep your hotel address written in Korean for taxi drivers and emergency contacts.