Where Do I Catch This? – Learning Essential Korean Public Transportation Phrases

Hello! Today, we will learn the essential phrase "**"Where do I get on this?"**" (이거 어디서 타요?), which is absolutely necessary when using public transportation in Korea. This phrase is used to ask about the boarding location of a specific public transportation method. While public transportation in Korea is very convenient, it can feel complicated for first-time users. This guide will make using public transportation much easier!

1. Basic Expression: 이거 어디서 타요?

1) Korean Expression
이거 어디서 타요?
(i-geo eo-di-seo ta-yo?)
→ Meaning: Where do I get on this (bus/subway)?
2) Pronunciation
이거 (i-geo): Pronounced like [ee-guh], smoothly.
어디서 (eo-di-seo): Pronounced like [uh-dee-suh], similar to the English 'uh'.
타요 (ta-yo): Pronounced [tah-yo], short and simple.
3) Example Sentences
This expression is very useful for asking about the boarding location of a bus or subway.

Example: "이 버스 어디서 타요?" (Where do I get on this bus?)
Example: "2호선 어디서 타요?" (Where do I get on Line 2?)

2. Situational Applications

1) At the Bus Stop
This can be used to find the location of a bus stop or a specific bus number when taking a bus.

"이 버스 어디서 타요?" (Where do I get on this bus?)
→ Useful when you need to take a specific bus number.

"공항 가는 버스 어디서 타요?" (Where do I get on the bus to the airport?)
→ Suitable for finding the airport limousine bus stop.

2) At the Subway Station
The subway is the heart of Korea's public transportation. There are many lines, which can be confusing, but it's easy to use if you learn a few expressions.

"2호선 어디서 타요?" (Where do I get on Line 2?)
→ When looking for the Line 2 platform in Seoul.

"공항철도 어디서 타요?" (Where do I get on the Airport Railroad?)
→ When looking for the Airport Railroad platform to the airport.

3. Frequently Heard Answers

Familiarizing yourself with frequently heard answers when asking for directions will be helpful.

1) Bus-related
"저쪽 정류장에서 타세요."
(Take it at the stop over there.)
→ You can point to the bus stop while guiding them.

"길 건너편에서 타세요."
(Take it across the street.)
→ When the bus stop is across the street.

2) Subway-related
"2번 출구로 나가세요."
(Take Exit 2.)
→ When being guided to a specific exit.

"계단 내려가서 오른쪽으로 가세요."
(Go down the stairs and turn right.)
→ When explaining the way to the subway platform.

4. Useful Tips

1) Utilizing Map Apps
**Naver Map (네이버 지도)** and **Kakao Map (카카오맵)** are very useful for checking public transportation information in Korea.
They support English, Chinese, and Japanese, and provide real-time bus arrival information and subway schedules.
2) Checking Exit Numbers
Checking the exit number of the subway station in advance can save time.

Example: "To go to Myeongdong Street, take Exit 6 at Myeongdong Station."
3) Learning Simple Expressions
Learning a few simple expressions when asking for directions will be more convenient.

"이 버스 맞아요?" (Is this the right bus?)
"몇 정거장 남았어요?" (How many stops are left?)
"다음 정거장은 어디예요?" (What's the next stop?)

5. Practical Conversation Examples

Example 1:At the bus stop
Tourist: "이 버스 어디서 타요?"
(Where do I get on this bus?)
Local: "저기 앞 정류장에서 타세요."
(Take it at the stop ahead.)
Example 2: At the subway station
Tourist: "공항철도 어디서 타요?"
(Where do I get on the Airport Railroad?)
Station employee: "계단 내려가서 오른쪽 플랫폼으로 가세요."
(Go down the stairs and take the platform on the right.)

6. Additional Information: FAQ

Q: Where do I get on the Airport Railroad ('공항철도')?
A: You can take the Airport Railroad at platform 15 in Seoul Station.

Q: Are there route maps at the bus stops?
A: Yes, most bus stops have signs indicating routes and bus numbers.

Q: Can I use this expression when taking a taxi?
A: No. When taking a taxi, it's better to directly tell the driver your departure and destination.

7. Today's Summary

"**Where do I get on this?**" (이거 어디서 타요?) is a very useful phrase when using public transportation in Korea. This simple sentence will make finding bus or subway platforms much easier. Remember the expressions and tips we learned today, and try using them during your travels!