Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Dev]

Do you prefer getting around on buses here or the subway?

People have different opinions on this.

My friend doesn't like the speedy driving of the bus drivers.

Personally I prefer the bus because they're quick and I really dislike riding the subway here. The subways are often packed with people and lack air ventilation. I can rarely get a seat on one, and even when I do I get squished between two Koreans who see an 8 inch space on the seat next to me and must sit down. The problem is that even though the subway has bench seating, some brainiac who designed the seats decided that all Koreans have the same bone size (small) so anyone bigger than the regulated size can't sit comfortably. The seats have curves built in to remind you that you're too big in this country.

Then getting in and out of many stations means climbing about 10 staircases (5 or more at each station). Fine if you have the energy for it. Terrible if you're tired.

[kimchi story]

I love how connected the subway makes the city - and the fact that you can't get hopelessly lost in Seoul as long as you can find a subway station. I agree about the seating, but I love that they are heated. I usually just head for the front of back of the train and lean against the wall.

That said, when I need an adrenaline rush, I head for the bus...

[Bibbitybop]

It depends.

Standing on the subway sucks less than standing on the bus.
If I get a seat on the bus, I can type or write easier than on the subway (more room).
I can read easier on the subway (less jolting/car sickness).
The subway is faster for going long distances.

I guess I prefer taxis, but that's not economically sound everyday.

[Novernae]

I get sick on the bus. They are a lot faster to some places, but I can't handle them.

[Sister Ray]

I hate traffic jams.

Subway (usually.)

[mindmetoo]

The bus is nice to check out what you're missing travelling underground. However, the bus drivers don't give very comfy rides. The bus isn't bad for some short hops. I don't have a problem with the size of the seats on the subway. I fit comfortably numb.

A bus can be good for some of the long hauls... like getting from downtown to Bundang.

[rothkowitz]

The bus is great for going from Bundang to Yangjae.Slows down a fair bit getting to Gangnam

The problem with public transportation though,as usual,is the heat.And Koreans.

On the train if it's too hot or some ajumma is clacking her gum in my ear I can get off and try my luck again on the next carriage.The bus....you're pretty well stuck there,sweating and cursing.

[Zyzyfer]

Always catch the bus from home to somewhere, as the subway station involves 15 minutes down (or up) a hill. From there, it's an issue of convenience. Line 6 isn't usually crowded so I like using that, and Line 2 isn't crowded around 9:30 a.m., but I tend to transfer to a bus as I enjoy a view. The drivers on the buses I take are usually pretty mellow.

[JongnoGuru]

Long or scenic trips: The bus. Of course the bus. Like there's a choice?

Commutes across Seoul: The subway.

Very short trips around one's gu: The bus. The bus is best for this, because diving in and out of underground tunnels like a fieldmouse is silly looking, unmanly and to be avoided whenever possible.

I used to have to do a combination walk/bus/subway/looong walk commute to and from work every day. Did it for years and years. If there weren't any screaming schoolkids on fieldtrips riding the subway, then the subway was the only acceptable part of that journey.

Since going two-wheeling, I really dislike now having to take either the bus or subway. Odd, considering how stressful motorbiking in Seoul is, constantly having to avert catastrophe. So many, many close calls. You drop your guard for a moment and suddenly it's all about, "Did he make arrangements for what to do with the body? " But still, it's better than riding public transportation with the women, the kiddies, the oldies, and the wienerless men.

But that's hardly unique. All of my friends who started driving cars in Korea now hate the very thought of taking buses or the subway. In situations where they cannot drive their cars, they'll take taxis or just refuse to go.

[iiicalypso]

I vote bus, because I like to pretend I am on a tour, not a commute. I would take the same bus route for months, just waiting for myself to get bored, but the scenery was always changing, and there was almost always something interesting or absurd going on outside the window.

I do like the subway, for its efficiency, but I really detest that long walk up to the street, especially at the end of a day. Plus, it seems that no matter where I am trying to get to, I have to switch subway lines at least three times. Finally, directionally challenged as I am, I can never quite get the right exit, even if it is a station I have been to many times. At least on the bus I can orient myself before I get off. And, yes... I am that neurotic.

[thebum]

buses are just more comfy (i only take buses that aren't crowded)

[cwaddell]

I guess if I lived in the middle of Seoul I'd say subway, but living in Ilsan I use the bus a lot more. Much more comfortable for shutting my eyes and listening to music. Once into Seoul however, the subway is so convenient.

[hogwonguy1979]

subway hands down, easier and faster than than the bus, stuff is in english. Yeah the metal seats can be a pain but I dont mind

heck irs even better than taxis during rush hour

[Dev]

If you use the same route daily, for example; going to work, buses are cool for another reason. I enjoy seeing and saying hello to the same bus drivers that do the routes. In Seoul, I have to say that most of the bus drivers are pretty friendly. Riding the subway is same-same every time and there's no nice interaction like that on them. Gets really boring.

[thebum]