Busan Transport Card

Busan is pretty easy to get around. There are 4 subway lines connecting different parts of the city with a few major stops where the lines cross and you can connect to a different line.

The four main lines are:

Line One: Sinpyeong to Nopo-dong
Line Two: Hopo to Jangsan
Line Three: Daejeo to Suyeong
Line Four: Minam to Anpyeong

A really good map can be found here with both the English and Korean station names:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCm8nsQK0Zemu4UA33r1rL-28PMEfKBtACe9C1PYdV_SzFJ21WJx-spj4VbJdybREbK0xwV5CpXAbsKTGGYKdmT2qmXsOIiOdA7bGpRSw_aZ8Fw0Vfp5SQL_y_OZsuuAX-M3Qllty4QsSz/s1600/BusanV4.png

My station is Kyungsung University/Pukyong National University station (212) on line 2 so it's really convenient if I want to change lines at Seomyeon or Suyeon.

In addition to the subway, there is an amazing bus system here. I have not caught it by myself yet. I've always been with other people so I haven't had to rely on myself to figure out which bus to take. One day I'll plant myself in front of the bus stop and check the routes.

I originally thought it would be difficult to figure out how to get around between the subway and the buses, particularly the buses. It's pretty easy actually.

1. Buy a Hanaro card from a subway station vending machine (6, 000 won).

2. Add value to it at the recharge machine.
3. When you catch the subway/bus you just place your card near the sensor - no need to take it out of your wallet if that's where you keep it, it'll read it through your bag. It comes with a strap so it's just as easy to attach it to your mobile phone.
4. If you need to transfer or will catch another form of transport within 30 minutes the fare is reduced. Eg. Catch the subway and swipe your card then hop on a bus and swipe it again and it'll be cheaper. If you plan to catch 2 buses or a bus and then the subway just swipe the card when you get on the bus, swipe it when you get off the bus and then swipe it when you get on the next one or at the subway.
5. If you only catch one bus or if you finish catching the second bus there is no need to swipe on the way out.

When you swipe the card on the bus the machine talks to you. My friend told me it says 'welcome' if it's the first form of transport and 'transfer' if it is your second.

It's so convenient here; unlike City Rail in Sydney!!!