How to Take a City Bus in Rural Areas When Apps Do Not Work
When Apps Do Not Work, the Bus Stop Pole Is Your Timetable
Real-time bus apps are built mainly for cities, so in rural areas with long headways, information is often missing or inaccurate. In these situations, the bus stop pole and signs are the most reliable sources of information. The pole usually lists the route numbers that stop there, major stops along the way, first and last bus times, and the average service interval. When you arrive, take photos of these four things first.
| Section | Key summary |
|---|---|
| When Apps Do Not Work, the Bus Stop Pole Is Your Timetable | In these situations, the bus stop pole and signs are the most reliable sources of information |
| How to Read a Route Map | Check whether your destination name, or a similar place name, appears in the list of stops |
| Prepare Both Cash and a Card for the Fare | Some buses do not give change, so it is best to prepare the exact fare in advance |
| The Most Reliable Method Is to Ask Someone | If the route map is confusing, the fastest thing to do is ask without hesitating |
| Plan the Return Trip at the Same Time | When you get off, check the last bus time and route number at the stop on the opposite side |
How to Read a Route Map
To avoid feeling lost in front of an unfamiliar route map, decide on the order in which you will read it.
- Check whether your destination name, or a similar place name, appears in the list of stops.
- Confirm the direction of the route, such as inbound or outbound, using the arrow or the name of the terminal stop.
- Check the service interval. If it says something like "30 minutes to 1 hour," missing one bus means a long wait.
- Check the last bus time and calculate your return option in advance.
Prepare Both Cash and a Card for the Fare
City bus fares are usually around 1,200 to 1,700 won, and some areas use zone fares that increase with distance. Some routes may not accept transit cards, and card readers can fail, so keep two or three 1,000 won bills and some coins separately. Some buses do not give change, so it is best to prepare the exact fare in advance.
The Most Reliable Method Is to Ask Someone
If the route map is confusing, the fastest thing to do is ask without hesitating. How you ask matters. Instead of asking, "Does this go to ○○?" ask something like, "If I want to go to ○○, is this the right stop to board from?" Including the direction helps prevent you from taking a bus going the opposite way.
- Before boarding: confirm the direction with an older local person waiting at the stop.
- When boarding: ask the driver, "Does this pass ○○?" and ask them to let you know when your stop is coming up.
- After boarding: check the names of stops outside the window one by one to see whether you are getting closer to your destination.
- Just before getting off: when your stop is announced, press the bell in advance and move toward the door.
Plan the Return Trip at the Same Time
The most common problem in rural areas is getting to your destination successfully but finding that the buses back have stopped running. When you get off, check the last bus time and route number at the stop on the opposite side. Many tourist-area terminal stops have early last buses, so if you arrive late in the afternoon, you may have no way back. Allow plenty of time for the whole trip by adding the outbound ride, 30 minutes, your stay, the return ride, 30 minutes, and any waiting time between buses, and you will avoid getting stranded.