Getting Around Busan

BusesBuses in Busan cover large stretches of the area, though visitors should bear in mind that stops are announced in Korean only. Public buses are less expensive, but involve more stops and longer destination times, while express bus lines are more comfortable. Express bus lines link Busan with other major Korean cities at two main terminals, Nopodong and Seobu.Fares for the bus can be paid in cash or with a transportation card; fares vary by bus type. Fares for the public buses are KRW 1,000 in cash or KRW 950 if paid with a transportation card. Fares for the express buses are KRW 1,500 in cash or KRW 1,400 if paid with a transportation card.Busan SubwayOperated by the Busan Transportation Corporation, the Busan Subway is a convenient and easy way to get around the city. The subway system consists of three lines. Lines 1 and 2 are recently constructed, while the third line is under construction and only partially completed. Once finished, the network is expected to have just over 100 stations and 112 kilometers of track.Each subway line is open from 5 to 12:40 AM. Fares for the subway can be paid in cash or with a transportation card. Fares are charged by section; one section costs KRW 1,100. Travel through two sections is KRW 1,300. Travelers using a transportation card receive a 10 percent discount on fares.Rental CarsFour rental car companies operate out of Gimhae International Airport: Kumho Rent-A-Car, Avis Rent-A-Car, Jeju and Sambo. The information desks are located outside of the baggage claim area.TaxisTwo types of taxi are available for hire in Korea: regular taxis and deluxe taxis, marked by black cars, yellow signs on top and the words "Deluxe Taxi" written on the side. Regular taxis start at KRW 2,200 for the first two kilometers and are metered at KRW 100 for every additional 144 kilometers. If the taxi is going less than 15 kilometers per hour, an additional charge of KRW 100 applies per 35 seconds. Additionally, a 20 percent surcharge applies between the hours of midnight and 4 AM.Deluxe taxis start at KRW 4,500 for the first three kilometers and are metered at KRW 200 for every additional 164 meters. Deluxe taxis do not apply nightly surcharges. Visitors should keep in mind that deluxe taxi drivers cater frequently to tourists and are more likely to speak English than regular taxi drivers.Taxis at Gimhae International Airport can be found outside of both the international and domestic terminals. Taxi fare to downtown costs about KRW 25,000.