Learning Korean vocabulary about transportation will help keep you onboard on one of the most modern and environment-friendly public transportation in the world, which is Transportation in Korea. The extensive railways, ferry services, bus routes, highways, and air routes would not want to tour Korea and learn Korean vocabulary about transportation.
Korea never stops developing its modern infrastructure throughout the country. With their complex subways and extensive railways that connect large cities, you can go to your destination fast and conveniently. What’s interesting about Korea’s public transportation (대중교통 / daejung-gyotong) is that they use T-Money Transit cards for payment. You don’t have to worry about the struggle of bringing your money in and out of your pocket. Payment can be made with just a swipe or tap of a card. Cash is still accepted, but this is one of the best experiences you should never miss in Korea.
Korean Transportation Vocabulary
Now that you have learned a little bit about Korean Transportation culture, let us learn Korean vocabulary about transportation. This will really be essential if you are traveling to Korea to experience its beautiful culture.
1. 택시 – Taxi
Pronunciation: taekssi
When you are in a large city like Seoul, one of the best public transportation (대중교통 / daejung-gyotong) that you can use is the 택시 / taxi. This will really be convenient for the tourists since there is an increasing number of taxi drivers who know how to speak English. Taxis can be flagged down the streets, or you can also book taxis online. Taxis booked online is more expensive than the one in the streets.
Korean 택시 / taxi usually has four different types and colors: General Taxi, International Taxi, Model Taxi, and Large Taxi. You should know that in Korea, each color has a different purpose and price range.
2. 버스 – Bus
Pronunciation: beoseu
Korea has several intra-city buses (buses within your local area) and inter-city buses (buses outside your local area). 버스 – the bus is one of the most convenient means of transportation. It is readily available, which is why it is easy for travelers to reach their destinations easily. For the fare, passengers can pay cash or using a transportation card. This can make passengers easily transfer from one bus line or subway system, whether locals or foreigners.
Korean 버스 – bus has designated colors and numbers for each route. Here are the different types of Korean buses:
- Blue Buses- These buses run relatively long distances through Seoul. They also travel on major roads.
- Green Buses – These buses travel shorter distances than the first one. These can carry travelers between transfer points like longer bus routes.
- Red Buses- These buses are express buses that travel from Seoul to suburban areas.
- Yellow Buses – These buses operate on a closed circuit within a district of Seoul.
4. 지하철 Subway
Pronunciation: jihacheol
Did you know that Korea has one of the most extensive 지하철 subway systems in the world? When you are in Seoul or any other large city, it is hard not to take the subway. They are fast, cheap, and convenient, which is basically what foreigners want when they travel. Just like in buses, you can also pay the fare through cash and a transportation card. But, when you are taking the subway in Korea, you should at least learn some basic words and phrases in Korean or Korean vocabulary about transportation. It would be best to learn some etiquette since you are a foreigner, and respect and discipline are really valued in Korea. Check out these etiquettes below:
- Don’t sit in the priority seating.
- Seats are for people. Put your bags up on top.
- Wear your backpack in front.
- Stand by the door and always allow passengers to alight first.
- Sleeping is acceptable in subways, just don’t lay down on it.
- Do not eat and drink inside the train.
- Let the passenger off first before you enter.
- Avoid talking loudly.
5. 기차 – Train
Pronunciation: gicha
Another convenient means of transportation in Korea is the 기차 train. Just like other means of transportation, there are different options in 기차 trains. There is a standard train system with six different lines that access several areas of Korea, and there is also the Korea Train Express, also known as the KTX. Etiquettes in riding 지하철 subway can also apply to 기차 train.
6. 자전거 – Bicycle
Pronunciation: jajeongeo
Imagine going around the city in a 자전거 bicycle? You don’t have to worry about traffic, you can visit your friends, you can save money, and most of all, you can get exercise. The Korean government really spends a lot on making bike lanes to be safe for cyclists. You can buy a brand new 자전거 bicycle or a second-hand one cheaper than the new one.
7. 자동차 – Car
Pronunciation: jadongcha
Some people prefer to use 자동차 cars for personal reasons. However, if you want to buy or rent a car, you should have your own license. If you are a foreigner, you can get one without having your license from your country revoked.
8. 스쿠터 – Scooter
Pronunciation: seukuteo
스쿠터 Scooter is also a common means of transportation that many people invest in. You don’t have to apply for a license or insurance. It is affordable, and you can also buy second-hand scooters.
9. 배 – Boat / Ship Or 선박 – Ferry
Pronunciation: bae / seonbak
Some people prefer traveling by ferry. Many ferries can transport passengers’ vehicles. Aside from this, passengers can also have a beautiful view of the ocean along with sunrises and sunsets.
10. 비행기 – Airplane / Plane
Pronunciation: bihaenggi
If you are a foreigner, you must probably arrive by plane. Korea’s Incheon International Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. It is also the most widely used international airport in Korea. Korea’s airport has foreigner-friendly services that you will enjoy, like golf courses, spas, private sleeping rooms, and more.
Other Korean Vocabulary About Transportation
If you want to create meaningful memories and experiences in Korea, you should learn how to connect with people. This will not just help you travel with ease but, it can also help you experience the beauty of their culture through their people. This is also a sign of respect that you will give to them as a foreigner.
Learning the Korean language will lead you to different destinations that you might not expect. You can also use different transportation that will lead you to your destination which is learning Korean. If you are wondering what’s that transportation, check it out below.
Heading To Korea? Why Not Learn The Korean Language?
South Korea offers everything a traveler wants. From its magnificent tourist spots down to its rich culture and incredible people. If you are watching their dramas and listening to their songs, you will actually know why people want to learn Korean. Now that you have learned Korean vocabulary about transportation, it is time to go to the next 역 station to learn Korean words and phrases through Ling App.
If you choose Ling App to Learn Korean language or any other languages, learning will be like traveling where lessons can be compared to different 역 stations and 정류장 bust stop. Each station or bus stop has something new to offer. Learning Korean won’t cause you any struggle because, like booking taxis in Korea, it can be done online. Just download the app or visit the Ling App website. Learning languages is in the palm of your hand. So, do not miss any learning stations. Start learning Korean now!