Bus booking in Korea can be confusing because express and intercity buses use different systems. Start with your destination and departure terminal, then choose the booking route that serves it.
Sources checked October 10, 2026. Coverage and payment rules vary by route.
Express or intercity?
These are separate services, not two names for one booking system. VISITKOREA explains that express buses mainly serve longer-distance routes while intercity buses cover a wider set of regional destinations. A route may appear in one system and not the other.
- Check KOBUS for express routes.
- Check TxBus/T-money or the named operator for intercity routes.
- Use the KTO bus guide to match your destination to its terminal.
Match the terminal and ticket type
Major cities can have multiple terminals. Match the exact name to your hotel and onward trip. Before leaving, check whether your ticket is mobile, requires printing, or uses a QR code. Allow time for ticket collection if the booking page directs you to a counter.
If your foreign card fails
Foreign-card acceptance is not uniform across routes and apps. KTO lists partner options including Klook for express buses and GoHanpass for some intercity services, but coverage differs. Search your exact route and date; do not assume one app sells every bus. If online purchase fails, check the terminal counter or kiosk and confirm the departure is available.
For the broader transport decision, see our Korea public transportation guide. No live route inventory or foreign-card checkout was tested.
Official source: VISITKOREA, Express Bus & Intercity Bus (page says updated June 5, 2026). Checked October 10, 2026.