Korean Dictionary

How to say "Night Bus" in Korean

Night Bus” in Korean is 심야버스 (pronounced "simya beoseu").

심야버스

simya beoseu

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IntermediateTransportation

Usage & Context

심야버스 services operate after midnight in Seoul connecting major entertainment districts with residential areas. Seoul launched its famous 올빼미버스 (Owl Bus) 심야버스 service based on taxi route data analysis to serve late-night commuters. 심야버스 is a lifesaver for Koreans who miss the last subway train.

Example Sentence

막차를 놓쳐서 심야버스를 탔어요.

I missed the last train so I took the night bus.

How to use 심야버스 naturally

Quick answer

The Korean word for “Night Bus” is 심야버스, romanized as simya beoseu.

Usage tip

Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.

Common mistake

Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 심야버스.

Pronunciation Guide

The first part, "Sim-ya," sounds like "shim-yah," where "shim" rhymes with "him" and "yah" like "ya" in "yacht." The second part, "Beo-seu," sounds like "buh-suh," with "buh" like "bur" in "blur" (without the 'r') and "suh" like "suh" in "sugar." The stress is fairly even across the syllables.

More Example Sentences

Giving directions to a friend who needs to travel late at night.

강남에서 홍대까지 심야버스로 갈 수 있어요.

You can go from Gangnam to Hongdae by night bus.

Explaining the cost difference of late-night transportation to a tourist.

심야버스는 요금이 좀 더 비싸요.

Night buses are a bit more expensive.

Discussing public transport schedules with a friend.

주말에는 심야버스 배차 간격이 짧아요.

On weekends, the night bus interval is shorter.

Cultural Context

The "심야버스" (Night Bus), especially Seoul's "올빼미버스" (Owl Bus), is a crucial part of urban life for many Koreans. It's a lifesaver for those who work late, socialize in popular districts like Gangnam or Hongdae, or simply miss the last subway. These buses are often packed, reflecting the vibrant late-night culture and the reliance on public transport. They are a common sight in K-dramas, depicting characters heading home after a long day or a night out.

Editorial note

We review entries like 심야버스 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.

Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.

Common Phrases

심야버스 타고 가다

to go by night bus

심야버스 노선

night bus route

심야버스 시간표

night bus schedule

Related Expressions

막차

makcha

last train/bus (of the day)

올빼미버스

olppaemi beoseu

Owl Bus (Seoul's specific night bus brand)

택시

taeksi

taxi

대중교통

daejunggyotong

public transportation

More Transportation Words

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