Korea's transport is cheap, fast and everywhere — once you have the one card and the right apps. (Spoiler: Google Maps barely works here.)
One rechargeable card for subway, buses, and even taxis and convenience stores. Buy it at any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) for ~₩3,000, then charge it with cash at the store or machines. Tap in and out — transfers between bus and subway are free or discounted. A single subway ride is about ₩1,400.
Google Maps has no driving/walking directions in Korea. Locals use 네이버 지도 Naver Map or 카카오맵 KakaoMap — both have English modes and are far more accurate for transit, walking and finding places.
High-speed trains connect Seoul to Busan in ~2.5 hours. Book on Korail (KTX) or SRT. Students often travel on weekends — book ahead for holidays. Express buses (Kobus) are cheaper and reach smaller towns.
Use 카카오 T Kakao T — call a taxi from your phone, pay by registered card, no language needed. Much safer than hailing for newcomers. Base fare is around ₩4,800.
A student guide can ride with you from the airport to your dorm, set up your T-money, and show you the route to campus — so day two you're on your own, confidently.
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