Feeling a little overwhelmed about navigating Seoul’s bus system with your kids?
Thanks to a famous character named ‘Tayo,’ Seoul’s city buses can become a fun adventure for your little ones.
Here are all the practical tips you need—from fares to fun spots—to make your family’s bus rides a happy memory.
At a Glance: Seoul Buses with Kids
- Best For: Toddlers and young children (especially ages 1-7 who are fans of “Tayo the Little Bus”).
- Key Feature: Turns a simple commute into an exciting character-spotting adventure.
- Cost: Very affordable. Children under 6 ride for free!
- Essential Item: A “T-money” transportation card is a must for discounts and transfers.
For Kids, a Bus in Seoul is a Moving Playground!
(Our Family-Friendly Perspective)
When you’re traveling abroad with little ones, even the simplest things can turn into a special adventure, right? Everyday transport can become the most exciting ride at an amusement park. My 2-year-old daughter absolutely loves buses. Whenever we’re at our local bus stop, she points excitedly at every blue bus and shouts, “Tayo! Tayo!”
Luckily, Seoul is a city where buses and subways are seamlessly connected, making it incredibly convenient to get around with a stroller and kids in tow.
The reason Seoul’s buses are so special for kids is the beloved animated series, ‘Tayo the Little Bus.’
For those who haven’t heard of it, ‘Tayo the Little Bus’ is an incredibly popular animated series for kids, and it’s set right here in Seoul! What makes it extra special is that it was co-produced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government itself, with the goal of teaching children about public transportation in a fun and easy way. The main character, Tayo (a blue trunk bus), and his best friends Rogi (a green branch bus), Lani (a yellow circular bus), and Gani (a red rapid bus), are the real-life buses your kids will be so excited to spot on the streets of Seoul!
But We Know It Can Seem Confusing at First
Of course, if you’re visiting Seoul for the first time—especially when you’re busy taking care of your kids—you’re bound to have some questions.
- “There are so many different colored buses… which one are we supposed to take?”
- “I heard cash and card fares are different. And what’s a ‘transfer’?”
- “Does my child need to pay? The age rules seem tricky.”
Don’t worry! Once you know these few simple things, Seoul’s buses will become your most reliable friend on your family trip.
Know the Colors: The Easy Way to Understand Seoul Buses
You don’t need to overthink it. For your travels, you really only need to remember the blue and green buses!
- 💙 Blue Buses (Trunk Bus): This is the “Tayo” bus! It connects major areas and tourist spots across Seoul, so you’ll be riding this one most often.
- 💚 Green Buses (Branch/Village Bus): These are smaller buses that navigate the alleys between subway stations and local neighborhoods. They’re great for short distances.
- ❤️ Red Buses (Rapid Bus): These connect Seoul with surrounding suburban cities like Gyeonggi-do.
- 💛 Yellow Buses (Circular Bus): You’ll rarely see these, as they only loop around specific central districts. (A Fun Update: These buses, which were traditionally all yellow, were recently redesigned to feature Haechi, Seoul’s cute official mascot!)
👉 For most families, just remember blue and green buses — those will take you almost everywhere you need to go.
Seoul Bus Fares Made Simple: Use a Transit Card (T-money)
A T-money Card Isn’t an Option—It’s a Must-Have!
The best thing about Seoul’s public transit is the ‘transfer discount.’ This means if you switch from a bus to a subway (or another bus) within 30 minutes, you pay almost nothing for the second ride. This amazing perk only applies to T-money card users!
- Which card should I get?
- You can easily buy and top-up a “T-money” or “Cashbee” card at any airport, subway station, or convenience store (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven).
- Child/Teen Cards
- You can register a card for your child’s age at the convenience store to get their discounted fare.
- Why use a card?
- Cheaper: Adult cash fare = 1,500 KRW, card fare = 1,400 KRW.
- Transfer discounts: Free or minimal extra charge when changing between bus ↔ subway (up to 4 times within 30 minutes).
- Faster: Just tap and go, no coins needed while juggling strollers.
- Fares by age (with card):
- Under 6: Free (with adult)
- 6–12 years: 500 KRW (child fare)
- 13–18 years: 800 KRW (youth fare)
- Adults: 1,400 KRW
- Where to buy a card?
- At airports, subway stations, or convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven). Just say: “T-money card, please.”
⭐ The Most Important Tip! Children under 6 years old ride for free! (Up to 3 children per one guardian). Just in case, it’s a great idea to have a photo of your child’s passport saved on your phone to easily verify their age.
Step-by-Step Guide: Riding a Bus with Kids
Here’s how to make the ride smooth and stress-free:
① Find the stop
Use Google Maps or Naver Map — they show bus numbers and stop locations. Most stops also have LED boards showing arrival times.
② Board through the front door
Tap your card on the reader. If you’re traveling with more than one paying child, say “du-myeong-i-yo” (two people) to the driver, then tap again.
③ Press the stop button
When your destination is announced, press the red STOP button near the window.
④ Exit through the back door
Don’t forget to tap your card again when getting off — this is required to get transfer discounts later.
Bonus Tips: Tayo Toys and Kid Cafés
Want to make your child’s bus adventure even more memorable?
- Buy Tayo toys
Department stores and big supermarkets sell plenty of Tayo merchandise: mini cars, stickers, dishes, even ride-on toys. A perfect souvenir of Seoul. - Visit a Tayo Kid Café
These indoor play cafés are themed around the Tayo buses. Kids can climb, slide, and play inside mini “buses,” while parents enjoy a coffee break. Weekends can be busy, so check opening hours online before visiting.
More Than Just a Ride, It’s About Making Memories
With these tips, the buses of Seoul will no longer feel like a complicated system. They’re a chance to see the city from your child’s perspective. Watch their face light up as they gaze out the window and share in their excitement.
Even now, my daughter loves to press her face against the window and watch the world go by. For your child, too, the bus ride in Seoul might just become one of the highlights of their entire trip.
Q. My child is 5. Do I need to pay for them?
No. Children under 6 ride free with a parent (up to 3 kids per adult). Keep a passport copy as proof of age.
Q. Can I bring a stroller on the bus?
Officially, strollers are allowed on buses that are wheelchair-accessible (the low-floor buses). However, we want to be honest with you: it’s not very common for people in Korea to take an open stroller onto a bus. Unfortunately, the bus culture isn’t always as kid-friendly as we’d like, and it can be difficult on crowded buses. Our recommendation? If you need to take the bus, it’s best to fold your stroller before getting on. If folding it isn’t easy, you might find that taking the subway is a much more comfortable and stress-free option when traveling with a stroller.
Q. What if my T-money card doesn’t have enough balance?
Recharge at subway stations or convenience stores before boarding. If you run out mid-trip, you can still pay in cash on the bus.
Q. Do I need a reservation for Tayo Kid Cafés?
Usually no, but weekends and holidays get crowded. Search the location on Google Maps for updated hours.
Q. Can I pay for the bus with cash?
Logically, paying with cash is possible. However, please be aware that ‘cashless buses’ are becoming more and more common in Seoul, meaning some buses may not accept cash at all. On top of that, you won’t get any transfer discounts, and managing coins while holding a child’s hand is no fun. For these reasons, we strongly recommend preparing a T-money card. It will make your journeys much smoother and cheaper.
Q. As a foreigner, can I get a discounted child/teen T-money card?
Absolutely. After buying a standard T-money card at a convenience store, simply tell the clerk, “Please register this for a child,” and show them your child’s passport to verify their date of birth. They can register it for the correct discount on the spot.
Q. Are Seoul’s buses safe? Are they kid-friendly?
As a local mom, I want to be completely honest with you: the bus culture in Seoul isn’t what I would call “kid-friendly.” There isn’t a strong culture of giving up seats for children, although you can use the yellow priority seats or pink pregnancy seats if they are available. The most important thing to know is that many drivers have a very aggressive driving style. Sudden starts and stops are extremely common, and it’s very normal for a bus to start moving quickly before you or your child have even had a chance to sit down. Because of this, you must hold onto your child’s hand tightly at all times. While the bus is a convenient and fun way to see the city, please never forget to be prepared for a bumpy ride and prioritize holding onto your child for safety.
When are the buses least crowded?
As a rule, I personally avoid taking the bus with my daughter during the peak rush hours. This is on weekdays from roughly 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Buses are extremely crowded then, and you will find it nearly impossible to get a seat—even if you are holding a small child. It’s also very difficult to board with a stroller, a suitcase, or even a large backpack. If you’re carrying a lot of gear or just want a more comfortable ride with your little one, we highly recommend planning your bus travel for the midday hours (approx. 10 AM – 4 PM) or later in the evening.
Feeling a bit more confident about riding the bus in Seoul with your little one?
The bus is the cheapest and most convenient way to get between tourist sites and popular areas, so you’ll almost certainly ride one during your trip. I truly hope this guide was helpful for you. If you have any more questions, please feel free to leave a comment below! I’ll do my best to find the information you need.
Cheering for you and your child to have a wonderful Seoul Travel. – aehobak.com
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