Around Cheongju:
Taxis and Buses

• TAXIS

Easy, cheap, and fast. Fares start at 2,800won (3,360won after midnight). If a taxi is free, the light on top will be on and/or a red LED 빈차 sign will be on. To flag a taxi, just put your arm straight out in front of you and wiggle your hand.

Most taxi drivers will not speak English well, so know how to say your destination in Korean, or have it written down on paper. If the driver doesn't understand, call 1330 on your phone to reach a helpline where they can translate for you.

Don't give taxi drivers a street address or the names of small neighborhood buildings-- they will not know these. Use the biggest nearby landmark, like a school, police station, intersection, apartment complex, or shopping center.

If you need to direct the driver to a more specific location, you can say (left) 좌회전 "chai juhn," (right) 우회전 "way juhn," and (straight) 직진 "jeek jeen."

• CITY BUSES

Cheap, but it can be difficult to figure out the routes. For traveling within Cheongju, the fare is 1,150 won. Some buses also travel to small nearby towns, such as Ochang (오창),  Jeungpyeong (증평), and Naesu (내수), for a higher fare.

If you plan on using the buses at least sometimes, buy a "My B" card. It's an electronic bus card so you don't have to mess with exact fare in cash (and charges slightly less). You can buy one at many convenience stores for around 2,500 won. You can also use a T-Money card (the same card for the subway in Seoul).

As far as the routes, if you can read Korean, or have a Korean friend to help you, you can consult the bus service website, or get a smartphone app, such as 청주버스. Or, you can call 043-1330 (English-speaking foreigner helpline) for assistance with bus routes/times.