The Frantic Efficiency of Seoul’s Public Transport

From my short-lived experience, I imagine Seoul’s public transport network to be some incredible amalgamation of Brisbane, Beijing, and Bangkok. How? Well, I honestly have no idea. I haven’t even visited Beijing, nor Bangkok, just yet. Frankly, I could’ve selected a city renowned for its world class subway system, like Tokyo, but then I wouldn’t have the same, fun alliteration triplet that I get from including Beijing.

Nevertheless, the underground metro here is, in fact, resoundingly world class. The system is simple, cohesive, and unnoticed in the best way. Yet, despite being such an effective way to get around, we’ve still only caught train once to date. Whilst some of this is location specific, for us, buses have usually been the preferred option.

Before I explain why, I should elaborate on Brisbane’s inclusion among these world megacities. Actually, the public transport back home is not the most flash. It holds one clear strength, though. Cost. No matter where you’re headed to, or from, the fare is only 50 cents. The model in Seoul is similar. Any journey costs only 1,500₩ (~$1.5), no matter how long, or how many different connections you make.

The bus infrastructure is amazing. They run like clockwork and in mass. Often you look over to the opposite lane and see only a horde of buses. Dedicated bus lanes and stops that are often in the middle of the road rather than a sidewalk foster a natural parting of the seas between cars.

The combined efficiency in terms of cost and effective people-moving between Seoul’s bus fleet and subway lines is unquestioned. That doesn’t mean it isn’t a frantic experience though. That’s why I also think of Bangkok. The traffic here certainly crazier and more bold than Japan. I actually don’t know whether or not it’s more dense, but there does seem to be a lot more weaving between lanes and slamming on horns. On our very first bus ride, it felt like there were maybe three or four near death experiences just about. The drivers also do not wait around for anyone. Although this keeps everything precisely on schedule, speeding off in a herky-jerky fashion as soon as everyone has stepped foot on the bus creates some scary moments, particularly when there is a group of elderly women yet to find a seat or handrail.

Also, why is setting up a contactless transit card so difficult here? To get anywhere, you first need to buy the physical thing, then go to an ATM and withdraw cash, solely just for the purpose of using said cash to top up your card. You require three separate transactions, and cash is a must, despite it not really being the prevailing mode of payment here. It can definitely be a frustrating and stressful process, especially for first time visitors.

Anyway, the point: public transport here is incredible, albeit a little stressful a times. The bus network is unlike I’ve seen before and it help keeps the metropolis humming at a frenetic pace few cities can rival