To get a worthwhile feel of Korea, you have to learn how to get around. It may seem like a daunting task at first, but with some gumption, it's a doable task.

For starters, you should take time to study and memorize to some degree the subway map, which can be found at any ticket window at the subway stations. These handy maps illustrate all eight lines part of Seoul's subway network. It needn't be like sweating over an SAT exam, just make sure to ay particular attention to major transfer points, such as Chungmuro and Express Bus Terminal.

Armed with such knowledge, you are ready to venture out. Discerning the location of exits and the line's direction shouldn't be a problem - it isn't a labyrinth of slow, miserable death. In fact, nearly all of the signs are in English.

However, there is a caveat: Try to stay away from morning and afternoon rush hours. The swarming mass of commuters can engulf you like an air-restricting bear hug, dizzying your orientation.

A noticeable idiosyncrasy of Koreans is that an inadvertent bump here or there will not necessitate an acknowledgement or apology. Because of the congestion, a shopping bag to the kneecap or an elbow to the sternum is commonplace. Only major infractions, like decking someone to the floor, would warrant a stop, turn and beg for forgiveness.

Seoul's subway system is indeed convenient. But, of course, a direct route cannot always be feasible. That's when you can rely on the city's bus system. The bus system, as you will quickly discover, can be trickier than the Trix Rabbit.

While you scurry to pinpoint the correct bus, twenty buses may have come and gone, needlessly insulting you with a splash of diesel smoke to the face. But not fret. Although you need some reading proficiency in Korean, an industrious browse of the route map should get you going in the general direction.

You may end up in Gangnam even though your intended destination was Sinchon. Or, at the subway station, you may tremble at the thought of being caught in a stampede of high heels and wingtips. But with persistence and decent instincts, you can soon master Seoul's public transportation systems.



 

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