Getting Around Cheongju-si. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation: Buses

Cheongju-si's bus the system is the backbone of its public transportation. Buses cover extensive routes throughout the city and connect to surrounding areas. Types include Regular City Buses (녹색/파란색, green/blue) with frequent halts and Express City Buses (급행, geup-haeng) with fewer stops.

Some routes use BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) with dedicated lanes for quicker travel times. Main hubs are the Cheongju Intercity Bus Terminal and Cheongju Fast Bus Terminal. Downtown areas also serve as important bus stops.

Ticketing & Fares

T-Money Card: Recommended. Purchase at convenience stores. Tap in and out.
Cash: Exact fare needed, drivers give no change.
Standard Adult Fare: ₩1,500-₩2,000 (T-Money usually ₩1,500).
Transfers: T-Money allows free transfers (30-60 min) with tap in/out.

Hours & Frequency

Buses generally operate from 5:30 AM to 10:30-11:00 PM. Popular routes have buses every 5-15 minutes.

Accessibility

Newer buses feature low floors and wheelchair ramps for mobility challenges, though not all buses are fully accessible.

Navigation Apps

Use Naver Map (네이버 지도) or KakaoMap (카카오맵) for real-time tracking, routes, and estimated arrival times in English.

Efficient Bus Navigation

App Use

Download Naver Map or KakaoMap for tracking and planning.
Track your location using the application to know your stop.
Press the stop button before your desired stop.

T-Money Benefits

T-Money card offers convenience, cost savings, and transfer benefits.
Remember to tap both when entering and exiting the bus.
Pay attention to bus numbers and displayed destinations.

Bus Travel Metrics

Payment Options

T-Money Card, Cash

Operating Hours

Approx. 5:30 AM - 11:00 PM

Frequency Popular

Every 5-15 minutes

Transfer Benefit

Free with T-Money

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis provide a convenient and comfortable way to travel, especially for shorter distances or when carrying luggage. Kakao T is the dominant ride-hailing software in South Korea.

Taxi Identification & Hailing

Look for silver, white, or orange taxis with "Taxi" (택시) marked.
Deluxe Taxis (모범택시, mobeom taxi) are black with a yellow stripe.
Hail from the street, find at taxi stands, or use an app.
"빈차" (bincha) or a red light means the ride is available.

Fares & Payment

Regular Taxi: Initial fare approx. ₩3,300-₩4,800. Metered.
Late-night surcharge: 20-30% applies 23:00 - 4 AM.
Payment: Cash, credit card (Visa, MasterCard), or T-Money card.
Deluxe Taxi: Higher initial fare (approx. ₩7,000), no late-night surcharge.

Safety Tips

Licensed taxis are very safe, with regulated drivers.
Kakao T provides tracking and driver information for added safety.
Ensure the taxi driver uses the meter.

If you suspect overcharging, note license plate and contact 1330.
Uber has limited presence (Uber Black) in major cities, not standard for Cheongju.
Kakao T may need a Korean phone number for full payment functionality.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Kakao T 카카오 T

Dominant ride-hailing app, with English interface. Integrates various taxi types.

Uber

Limited presence in South Korea, mainly Uber Black in major cities. Not widely used in Cheongju.

Payment

Kakao T allows booking and estimated fares, but Korean number for payment registration might be needed.

Rental Options

For greater flexibility, especially for day trips outside the city, consider rental vehicles. Cheongju offers public bicycle sharing and some private shops.

Car Rental

Requirements: National driver's license, IDP, passport, credit card.
Major companies: Lotte, SK, Hertz, Avis; also DiscoverCars.com.
Rental cars often have built-in English GPS.
Purchase adequate insurance coverage.

Motorcycles & Scooters

Not as common for visitors due to traffic and license requirements.
Generally not recommended for foreign visitors.
Traffic flow can be challenging.
Specific license requirements apply.

Driving & Road Conditions

Driving Laws

Drive on the right, seatbelts are required, speed limits strictly enforced. Drunk driving penalties are severe.

Wear seatbelts.

Road Quality

Excellent road infrastructure with well-maintained highways and local roads.

Good road network.

Parking

Can be challenging and expensive in central Cheongju. Public multi-story car parks are available.

Plan for parking.

Bicycle Rentals

Cheongju City Bicycle Onda

Public bicycle sharing system.
Check the Onda app or website for details, locations, and fees.
A pleasant way to explore areas like Musimcheon Stream.

Private Rental Shops

Some parks or tourist areas might have private bicycle rental shops.
Availability varies by location.
Inquire locally for specific spots.

Safety on the Road

Wear a Helmet when cycling.
Be aware of pedestrians on shared paths.
Exercise caution near vehicle traffic.
Motorcycle/scooter rentals are generally not for foreign visitors.

No specific "no-go" areas for pedestrians/cyclists.
Avoid busy main roads with heavy traffic when cycling.
Older buildings and some public transport still pose accessibility challenges.
Accessible "Call Taxis" may pre-booking is necessary and local help.

Walking & Cycling

Cheongju has many pedestrian-friendly areas and pleasant routes for walking and biking. Dedicated cycling paths run along Musimcheon Stream and through many city parks.

Pedestrian Routes

Downtown Cheongju: Explore Seongnanggil, Jungang Park, Yukgeori Market on foot.
Musimcheon Stream: Long stretch of going on foot and cycling paths.
Sangdangsanseong Fortress: Walls offer excellent walking trails with scenic views.
Suamgol Village: Hillside village with delightful wall murals.