Guides

Taking an express or intercity bus in Korea

Compare terminals as well as departure times. Two buses serving the same city can leave from different places.

KoreaBase Editorial · November 3, 2026
Taking an express or intercity bus in Korea

Express buses (고속버스) generally travel between major terminals with few stops. Intercity buses (시외버스) also serve smaller cities and may stop along the way. The best choice is the service that leaves from the right terminal and arrives closest to your destination.

Before buying a ticket

  1. Check both terminals. Search by terminal name, not just by city. Save the Korean name of the arrival terminal for the last part of your trip.
  2. Compare the full journey. Include your travel time to the terminal, the bus ride and any onward connection.
  3. Check how to buy. Use the operator’s booking channel or the terminal ticket office. If online payment fails, check counter availability before making the trip.

At the terminal

Match the destination, departure time and boarding bay on your ticket with the departure board. Ask where to stow a large bag and keep your ticket and valuables with you.

Sources & review

VISITKOREA: Express Bus & Intercity Bus ↗
Source published: 2026-06-05 00:00:00
Checked: 2026-11-03 00:00:00 KST

Official Site of Korea Tourism Org.: Express and Intercity Buses ↗
Checked: 2026-11-03 00:00:00 KST

Official Travel Guide to Seoul: Intercity Travel ↗
Checked: 2026-11-03 00:00:00 KST

Official Travel Guide to Seoul: Bus ↗
Checked: 2026-11-03 00:00:00 KST

Last reviewed: November 3, 2026

Discussion

Be the first to add something useful.

Sign in to join the conversation →