Seoul Bus

The Seoul bus system offers a convenient, affordable, and extensive way to navigate the city with routes covering every corner of Seoul. Buses also provide a reliable alternative to the subway, especially in areas where the subway does not reach.

As of 2025, Seoul has over 400 bus routes. The buses are divided by color, with each type covering different parts of the city and surrounding areas.

The system might seem confusing for first-time visitors, but it quickly becomes easy once you understand the different bus types, payment methods, and boarding procedures.

With its affordability, frequency, and extensive routes, the bus is an excellent way for visitors to explore the city.

Types of Buses in Seoul

Blue Bus (Trunk Bus)

Blue Buses, sometimes called trunk or mainline buses, serve as the primary routes in Seoul’s public transit network. These trunk lines connect the city’s major areas.

These buses cover longer-distance routes through central areas and connect major districts, including Myeongdong, Gangnam, Hongdae, and Itaewon, with downtown Seoul.

Blue Buses run frequently throughout the day and travel faster than local or neighborhood buses.

Most Blue Buses have three-digit route numbers. The first digit represents the district or region served:

1. Central Seoul and nearby areas
2. Northeastern Seoul, including Dongdaemun and Seongbuk
3. Southeastern Seoul, including Gangnam, Seocho, and Songpa
4. Southwestern Seoul, including Yeongdeungpo and Guro
5. Northwestern Seoul, including Mapo and Eunpyeong
6. Special routes or cross-town services
7. Often longer-distance routes passing through multiple major districts

As Blue Buses connect popular tourist areas and run frequently, they are a convenient option for visitors planning to explore different parts of the city.

Green Bus (Branch Bus)

Green Buses, sometimes called branch or feeder buses, operate on short-distance routes.

Most Green Buses have four-digit route numbers. The first two numbers indicate the primary area served, and the last two digits represent specific routes within the area.

These buses link neighborhoods and residential areas to subway stations and major transit hubs.

Green Buses operate at slower speeds and make more stops over shorter distances. Many of these buses stop at major transit hubs, such as subway and bus stations, in downtown Seoul and suburban areas.

These buses are ideal for reaching places the Blue Buses don’t cover, like residential neighborhoods and smaller roads off the main routes.

Red Bus (Express Bus)

Red Buses, also known as express or intercity buses, run between Seoul and nearby suburbs and surrounding cities. These express buses are designed for longer-distance travel and make minimal stops along the way.

Red Buses are great for commuters who need a fast, direct ride over longer distances. They are especially popular with office workers who live outside Seoul but work in the city since they make fewer stops and save time.

Because of their longer routes and express service, at 3,000 won, Red Buses are more expensive than other city buses.

Yellow Bus (Circular Bus)

Yellow buses, known as circular or loop buses, operate on routes that circle limited areas within downtown Seoul. Yellow buses, with two-digit route numbers, often loop around tourist areas, local neighborhoods, and central business areas.

As Yellow buses run on circular routes, they are ideal for short trips within specific neighborhoods or districts without taking long-distance routes. These buses are also great for areas where subway coverage is limited.

These buses also stop at Blue Bus stops, allowing commuters to connect to areas in central Seoul and the suburbs easily.

Maeul Bus (Village Bus)

Maeul Buses, or Village Buses, are local buses that operate on short routes within smaller neighborhoods not fully served by the main bus network.

They connect local communities to major transit centers such as subway stations and main bus stops, making it easier for residents to access the broader transportation system.

Maeul Buses use smaller vehicles to navigate narrow streets and areas that can’t accommodate larger buses. They also make frequent stops to serve the community better.

At 1,200 won, Maeul Buses are one of Seoul’s most affordable public transportation options. They are especially convenient for locals, senior citizens, and students who need budget-friendly ways to travel from their neighborhoods to other bus stops and subway stations.

Night Bus (Owl Bus)

Night Buses, also known as Owl Buses, are late-night buses that operate after regular bus and subway services end, typically running from around midnight to 4:00 or 5:00 AM.

Due to a shortage of taxis late at night and frequent refusals by taxi drivers, especially toward foreigners, the government introduced the first night bus in 2014.

These buses are an essential transit option for late-night workers and night owls. These buses are also popular in areas with nightlife, including Hongdae, Itaewon, and Gangnam, where people stay out late eating, drinking, and partying.

Due to the popularity of these night buses, the government of Seoul expanded its night bus service from 9 to 14 routes in 2022.

Most night buses start with the letter N followed by two digits, except for N6001, which operates between Incheon International Airport and Seoul Station.

Last Updated on Mar 24, 2025