Getting around within the city can be done by subway, bus, taxi, train, car, bike or foot. The Seoul subway system is convenient, cheap and comprehensible (all the signs are in Korean and English). Their eight lines cover downtown and the suburbs, attending all of Seoul's main attractions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Jeongdong Theatre, and the National Folk Museum. All stations are serviced every two minutes during rush hours and every five minutes otherwise. English marked signs make the subway tourist friendly.

Taxis are easy to flag in the city and passengers can choose between inexpensive or pricey. Regular taxis are white or silver and charge less than the deluxe taxis, however almost none of the drivers speak English; having a written destination is recommended. The deluxe taxis are twice as expensive but worth the cost since most of the drivers speak English and are trained to cater to tourists. And as an added bonus mobile car phones are available.

The express bus terminal, located along the Hangang River, handles most of Seoul's bus traffic via four lines which run throughout the city. The regular buses are inexpensive (USD.40), but involve more stops and longer destination times. The express buses (USD1) provide faster service, air conditioning, and a better chance of nabbing a seat. Village buses (USD.30) only service short distances, usually between subway stations.

Trains are clean, safe, punctual and inexpensive, and just about every station has signage in Korean and English. Compartments are non-smoking, but smoking is allowed in the area between compartments. The Seongbuk Station offers the Gyeongchunseon line, popular with tourists for its scenic one-day excursions along the Hangang River. The Seoul Station is the city's main train stop and features the Gyeongbu line which fans out all over the country before terminating in Busan.

You can experience another time by travelling in an old-fashioned train. Passengers can hear the chug-chug and whistle of a steam locomotive as they clickety-clack along the tracks, even though the train is actually powered by a diesel engine. It is an exciting expedition for the children. The train departs from Seoul Station in the morning on all Sundays and holidays, and arrives at Uijeongbu about an hour and a half later. It leaves Uijeongbu in the evening, arriving back at Seoul Station. Between train trips, passengers can visit attractions such as a mountain fortress or a recreation area.

Driving in Seoul can be difficult and not recommended. It's expensive and traffic jams are a common problem. Congestion is constant and parking is limited to private garages, many of which charge as much as USD6 an hour. If that doesn't put you off, make sure you take an International Driving Permit. Avis and Hertz car rental companies can be found at the airports.

Cycling in Seoul is a bit of an extreme sport, but it can be a pleasant way of exploring the parks, mountains, and Han River banks. Cycling within the city streets is quite dangerous.

Many of Seoul’s gardens, palaces and museums can sometimes be connected within walking distance of each other, making up an enjoyable day’s exercise. Just be sure to heed the custom of crossing the streets – wait until the walking green man lights up before setting foot onto the roadway. Otherwise you’ll be met with stunned expressions on the other side of the street, whether the traffic is clear or not.

Seoul offers two airports. The international airport of Incheon is 60km (37mi) from the capital. To transfer into the city, passengers have the choice of taxi or bus. Taxis are easy to locate outside the airport terminals. A regular taxi averages USD23-USD38. Jumbo taxis hold up to nine people and include mobile phone use; expect to pay USD44-USD60. In addition to the regular fare, passengers must also pay the express tolls into Seoul.

There are two bus options into Seoul. The regular bus is economical, yet sparse with amenities. Seats are not guaranteed and luggage storage is limited. A limousine bus assures each rider of a seat and includes air conditioning. Rides into Seoul generally take between 50-60 minutes.

Gimpo Airport in Seoul now operates domestic services only. There are three bus options and all exit every 20 minutes. Regular buses are inexpensive but offer no guaranteed seating. Despite the name, express buses are no faster, but do assure seating. KAL limousine buses are pricey but include air conditioning and use of mobile phones and fax machines.

Taxis can be found outside the terminals. A regular taxi averages USD13, while a deluxe cab charges around USD20.

An underground passageway connects all three terminals with the airport's subway station. Line number 5 leads directly into downtown and takes about 15 minutes.