KTX High-Speed Train: How to Book & Tips
If you want to see more of Korea without wasting time, hop on the KTX train. It is the country’s high-speed rail, and it connects all the big cities. You can leave Seoul in the morning and be in Busan before lunch. Pretty wild, right?
In this guide, I’ll share the main KTX routes, how to buy tickets, what it’s like onboard, and a few KTX travel tips that will make your trip smoother.
What is the KTX?
The KTX (Korea Train Express) is South Korea’s high-speed rail system. It’s been running since 2004, and it’s still the fastest way to get around the country.
Trains hit speeds of up to 305 km/h, which means you can go from Seoul to Busan by KTX in under three hours.
I like to think of it as Korea’s version of the bullet train in Japan. It’s quick, reliable, and the stations are right in the middle of the cities. That makes it way more convenient than flying, since you don’t waste time getting to airports or waiting in long security lines.
Popular KTX Bullet Train Routes
The KTX makes it simple to cover a lot of ground. Here are the routes you’ll probably use:
- Seoul to Busan (Gyeongbu Line): Around 2.5 to 3 hours. Trains run almost every 20 minutes.
- Seoul to Gwangju or Mokpo (Honam Line): About 3 hours. Great if you want to explore the southwest.
- Seoul to Yeosu (Jeolla Line): Around 3.5 hours. Perfect if you want seafood and coastal views.
- Seoul to Gangneung (Gangneung Line): Just under 2 hours. Beaches in summer, skiing in winter.
- Seoul to Jinju or Donghae: Not as frequent but handy if you’re headed south or east.
I’d say the Seoul to Busan KTX train is the most popular, but the others are just as useful depending on your plans. Trains usually run often, but if it’s a major holiday like Chuseok or Lunar New Year, book early.
How to Book KTX Tickets Online
The best way to buy KTX train tickets is online. It saves you time at the station, you can see all the options in English, and you don’t risk trains selling out before you arrive.
Here’s how to do it:
- Korail website or KorailTalk app: This is the official platform. You can choose your route, date, and seat. The English version works, but it can feel a little clunky.
- Klook or Trazy: These are the easiest if you want a smooth booking process. The sites are in English, you can pay with an international card, and you’ll get instant confirmation.
I always recommend booking online before your trip, especially for the Seoul to Busan KTX or during holidays like Chuseok. It’s much less stressful than lining up at a ticket counter or trying to figure things out last minute at the station.
Yes, you can still buy tickets at the station, but honestly, why bother? Booking online means you step off the plane already knowing your train is sorted.
Standard vs First Class on the KTX
When you book your KTX ticket, you’ll see two main choices: Standard or First Class. I’ve tried both, and here’s how they stack up.
| Feature | Standard Class | First Class |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | Wide with good legroom | Bigger, more recline, often with a footrest and small blanket |
| Noise level | Can be busy, regular vibe | Quieter, less crowded |
| Amenities | Power outlets, overhead racks, clean restrooms | All of Standard plus extras like more space and comfort |
| Price | Cheapest option, good value | Around 50% more than Standard |
| Best for | Almost everyone, short or long trips | Travelers who want more comfort or a quieter ride |
KTX Ticket Prices
So how much does the KTX train from Seoul to Busan cost? Here’s the latest info:
- Standard class: ₩59,800 (about $45 USD) one way
- First class: ₩83,700 (about $63 USD) one way
A round trip in Standard usually works out to about ₩119,600 (~$90 USD).
Other routes are a little cheaper. For example:
- Seoul to Gwangju: around ₩47,000 (~$35 USD)
- Seoul to Gangneung: about ₩28,000 (~$21 USD)
Prices are fixed, so booking early won’t get you a discount. The only reason to book in advance is to make sure you get a seat, especially around busy Korean holidays like Chuseok or Lunar New Year.
Is the Korail Pass Worth It for KTX Trips?
If you’re a tourist, you can buy a Korail Pass (KR Pass). It gives you unlimited rides on most Korail trains, including KTX. Subways and tourist trains aren’t included, but for long-distance travel, it can be a money saver.
Here’s how it works:
- Consecutive Pass: 3 or 5 days in a row. Good if you’re moving every day.
- Flexible Pass: 2 or 4 days within a 10-day window. Nice if you want a few breaks between travel days.
So is it worth it? I’d say yes if you’re planning a loop like Seoul → Gyeongju → Busan → back to Seoul. Just two or three KTX rides will usually make the pass pay for itself.
If you’re only taking a single trip, like Seoul to Busan one way, then it’s cheaper to just buy individual tickets.
Quick tip: you can buy the KR Pass on the Korail website or through English-friendly sites like Klook or Trazy.
What to Expect Onboard the KTX
The KTX train in South Korea is one of the easiest ways to travel, and I always find the ride comfortable. Here’s what you can expect once you’re onboard.
Seats
The seats are wide and pretty roomy. Standard class has enough legroom that I never feel cramped, even on the longer routes like Seoul to Busan by KTX.
First class is quieter and has extra space, but honestly, standard class feels pretty good to me.
Food and Drinks
I don’t count on getting food on the train. Sometimes a snack cart rolls by with coffee, chips, or cup noodles, but sometimes it doesn’t.
I usually grab something at the station before boarding. Korean train stations are full of bakeries and convenience stores, so it’s easy to pick up a quick meal.
Luggage
Carry-on bags go in the racks above your seat, and larger suitcases fit at the ends of the car.
I like to board a little early if I have a big bag so I don’t have to fight for space. It’s not a huge hassle, but those luggage racks can fill up quickly on busy routes.
Extras
Most seats have outlets for charging, Wi-Fi is available, and there are clean restrooms in every car.
What I like most is how quiet the train feels. You can nap, read, or just watch the countryside fly past the window without much distraction.
KTX vs SRT: What’s the Difference?
The SRT train is Korea’s other high-speed option. It’s just as fast as the KTX, sometimes even a little quicker on the Seoul to Busan line. The main difference is where it starts.
- KTX: Leaves from Seoul Station (central Seoul), plus Yongsan and Cheongnyangni for some routes.
- SRT: Leaves from Suseo Station in southern Seoul, which is closer if you’re staying in Gangnam.
Ticket prices are about the same, and both trains are comfortable.
I usually book whichever one fits my schedule, but if I’m already in southern Seoul, the SRT saves me the extra trip north to Seoul Station.
KTX Travel Tips for First-Timers
If it’s your first time on the KTX train in South Korea, don’t worry. It’s super simple once you know the basics. Here are a few things I always keep in mind:
- Arrive a little early. Ten minutes is plenty. Trains leave exactly on time, and they will not wait.
- Keep your ticket handy. Conductors may check it during the ride. I just keep mine open on my phone.
- Snacks are a lifesaver. Buy something at the station before boarding because the snack cart isn’t always there.
- Respect the quiet. Koreans don’t really chat loudly or take calls on trains. Use headphones and you’ll fit right in.
- Know your station. In Seoul there’s more than one train station. KTX usually leaves from Seoul Station, but some routes go from Yongsan or Cheongnyangni. Double-check your ticket so you don’t end up in the wrong place.
FAQs
How fast is the KTX train in South Korea?
Pretty fast! The KTX can hit around 305 km/h (190 mph). That’s why you can cross the country in just a few hours.
How long does the Seoul to Busan KTX take?
Usually between 2.5 and 3 hours. Long enough for a nap or a couple of Netflix episodes, but still quick for such a big trip.
How much does a KTX ticket cost?
A one-way Standard seat from Seoul to Busan costs about ₩59,800 (~$45 USD). First class is around ₩83,700 (~$63 USD). Prices don’t change, so you don’t save by booking early.
Where do KTX trains leave from in Seoul?
Most of them go from Seoul Station, right in the city center. Some routes also leave from Yongsan or Cheongnyangni. Just double-check your ticket before you head out.
Can I eat on the KTX?
Yes, but don’t expect a big meal. Sometimes a snack cart rolls by with noodles and drinks, but it’s not guaranteed.
Is there Wi-Fi on KTX?
Yes, and it’s free. It works fine for messaging and browsing. Streaming a movie might be a stretch, so I usually download something before the trip.
What about luggage on KTX?
Small bags fit overhead. Bigger suitcases go at the ends of the cars. If you’re carrying a large bag, get on a bit early because those spaces fill up fast.
Do KTX tickets sell out fast?
On regular weekdays, you’ll probably be fine buying last minute. But on weekends or holidays like Chuseok, seats go fast. I always book online for peace of mind.
Which side of the train has the best view?
On the Seoul to Busan KTX, I usually sit on the left for sea views near Ulsan. On the way back north, the right side gets the better scenery.
Is the KTX worth it compared to flying?
I think so. Airports mean early check-ins, security, and long transfers into the city. With the KTX, you just show up at the station and go.
Before You Go
Riding the KTX train in South Korea is one of the easiest ways to explore more of the country. It saves time, it’s stress-free, and it drops you right into the center of every major city.
If you’re planning your trip, here are a few guides you might find helpful:
- Best Time to Visit South Korea so you can plan your KTX trips around the perfect season.
- Korea SIM vs eSIM vs Pocket Wi-Fi to make sure you stay connected while traveling.
- Korea T-Money Card Guide so you can hop on subways and buses when you’re not riding the KTX.
- Best South Korea Travel Apps to help with booking, navigation, and language.
