Hello everyone! This is Standard Korea, your ultimate guide to South Korean lifestyle. If you’re traveling in Korea and are planning to take a ‘city bus’ with your large suitcase full of goodies, stop right there! This is arguably one of the most unexpected rules for foreign tourists: strict restrictions on large luggage on city buses.
Today, we’ve curated a list of everything you need to know about the suitcase policy on Korean buses to save your time and prevent awkward situations.
1. Why are large suitcases not allowed on city buses?
Recently, city buses in major Korean cities like Seoul have strictly enforced a policy to ban large luggage for safety reasons.
- Preventing Accidents: A heavy suitcase can slide and injure other passengers during sudden stops.
- Securing Aisles: City buses have narrow aisles. A large suitcase blocking the exit door can hinder evacuation in an emergency and cause great inconvenience to other passengers.
2. What are the allowed size and weight for a suitcase? (Seoul City Bus)
It doesn’t mean all suitcases are banned. While generally, carry-on sized bags (under 20 inches) are accepted, the official standard is as follows:
- Weight: Under 20kg (44 lbs)
- Size: The sum of width, height, and depth must be under 110cm (approx. 50cm x 40cm x 20cm).
If your suitcase is a “large” size (usually 24 inches or above), the bus driver has the legal right to refuse your boarding. Please don’t take it personally—it’s not because the driver is unfriendly, but because they are following a safety regulation.
3. Which transportation should you use with a large suitcase?
If you have a large suitcase, it is much wiser and safer to use the following alternatives instead of a city bus:
✅ Airport Limousine Bus
Unlike city buses, these have a dedicated luggage compartment under the bus. The driver will safely load even your large 28-inch-plus suitcases. If you want to go directly to your accommodation, this is the most recommended option.
✅ Subway
The Korean subway has a much more relaxed luggage policy. Many travelers use the subway with large suitcases, so you can too! However, try to avoid “rush hours” (commuting times) as it gets extremely crowded.
✅ Taxi
A regular taxi can usually fit two large suitcases in its trunk. If you are traveling in a group or have very heavy luggage, calling a “jumbo taxi” (like ‘Venti’ or ‘i.M’) would be a much more convenient option.
4. Standard Korea’s Shopping Tips!
What if you’re already in a situation where you need to use a city bus but have many bags?
- Luggage Delivery Service (e.g., LuggAgent): Consider using a service that sends your luggage from the airport straight to your accommodation. Start your Korean journey hands-free!
- Station Lockers: Utilize the lockers available at most subway stations. You can store your heavy bags temporarily and enjoy sightseeing.
💡 Final Thoughts
Bus drivers in Korea place the highest priority on safety. If you are refused boarding because of your large bag, don’t get flustered. Just understand it as “Safety first!”. Standard Korea supports your safe and enjoyable Korean journey.
