{"id":50246,"date":"2023-10-18T15:00:21","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T14:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/?p=50246"},"modified":"2026-04-09T11:41:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T02:41:15","slug":"how-to-take-a-ktx-train-in-korea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-take-a-ktx-train-in-korea\/","title":{"rendered":"How to take the KTX train in Korea: The complete guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Latest updated: April 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The KTX (<\/span><b>Korea Train Express)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the fastest and most efficient way to traverse South Korea. In recent years, the network is more connected than ever, with new high-speed lines reaching Incheon and Suwon, and the &#8220;Blue Dragon&#8221; cutting travel times significantly. Here\u2019s everything you need to know about getting around by KTX train in Korea.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Choosing your train: Speed and routes<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the latest data, Korea\u2019s high-speed rail has three main tiers:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>KTX-Cheongryong (Blue Dragon):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It is the fastest train in Korea, reaching speeds of 320 km\/h and cutting the <\/span><b>Seoul-to-Busan trip to just 2 hours and 11 minutes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These trains offer the most legroom and modern amenities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>KTX-Ieum:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The &#8220;green&#8221; electric train. Since 2025, it has expanded to the <\/span><b>Donghae Line<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, making it easy to travel from Seoul to eastern coastal cities like Gangneung and down to Bujeon (Busan) in one shot.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>SRT (Super Rapid Train):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Departing from Suseo Station in Southeast Seoul. It\u2019s the best choice if you are staying in Gangnam, Jamsil, or the southern suburbs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-57642\" src=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/KTX-train-Subway-station.png\" alt=\"KTX train\" width=\"798\" height=\"449\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/KTX-train-Subway-station.png 798w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/KTX-train-Subway-station-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/KTX-train-Subway-station-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2>Booking tickets<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tickets can be booked<\/span><b> up to 30 days in advance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Demand for Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons is extremely high.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>The &#8220;Korail Talk&#8221; app<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The app has seen several UI updates. While it supports English, Chinese, and Japanese, many travelers still report issues with foreign credit card authentication.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Payment Tip:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Use a &#8220;3D Secure&#8221; enabled card. If the app fails, many travelers find that booking through the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.korail.com\/global\/eng\/main\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <b>Korail Global Website<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on a desktop is more stable for international banks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Pricing<\/h3>\n<table style=\"height: 187px;\" width=\"644\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Route<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Economy class (Adult)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>First class (Adult)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Seoul \u2192 Busan<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">~KRW 59,800<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">~KRW 83,700<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Seoul \u2192 Gangneung<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">~KRW 27,600<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">~KRW 38,600<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-107047\" src=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/View-from-a-train-window.png\" alt=\"View from a train window\" width=\"798\" height=\"436\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/View-from-a-train-window.png 798w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/View-from-a-train-window-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/View-from-a-train-window-768x420.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2>The KORAIL PASS<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The KORAIL PASS remains the best value for travelers planning three or more long-distance trips.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Pass type<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Adult (26+)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Youth (13\u201325)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>3-day consecutive<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">~KRW 165,000<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">~KRW 132,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>5-day consecutive<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">~KRW 244,000)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">~KRW 195,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>2-day select (Flexible)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">~KRW 131,000)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">~KRW 105,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The KORAIL PASS allows you to pick any 2 or 4 days within a 10-day period. Pass holders can reserve up to <\/span><b>2 seats per day<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for free. After that, you must purchase a standing ticket. Find out more on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.korail.com\/global\/eng\/passengerGuide\/ticketTypes\/korailpass\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">KORAIL official website.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Navigating the station: Boarding made easy<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Korea still operates on an &#8220;open station&#8221; policy. There are no turnstiles or gates. Simply check the departure board, find your platform, and board.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Major stations like Seoul and Busan have improved digital signage in recent years. Look for your <\/span><b>car number<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (e.g., car 5) marked <strong>on the platform floor<\/strong> to ensure you are standing in the right spot.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Seoul Station, you can now connect to the <\/span><b>GTX-A line<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, allowing for rapid travel to suburban areas like Dongtan or Paju in under 20 minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-107046\" src=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Snacks-and-Korail-train-receipts-on-a-tray.png\" alt=\"Snacks and Korail train receipts on a tray\" width=\"798\" height=\"436\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Snacks-and-Korail-train-receipts-on-a-tray.png 798w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Snacks-and-Korail-train-receipts-on-a-tray-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Snacks-and-Korail-train-receipts-on-a-tray-768x420.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Onboard amenities and rules<\/h2>\n<p><b>Charging:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> All KTX-Cheongryong and KTX-Ieum trains feature <\/span><b>wireless charging pads<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and USB-C ports at every seat. Older KTX-1 trains have power outlets located between the windows.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Luggage:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You are allowed one piece of large luggage (up to 20kg). If the end-of-car racks are full, you can use the overhead bins for cabin-sized bags.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Food:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Eating is fully permitted. Most trains have vending machines, but there are no &#8220;dining cars.&#8221; It is best to buy a <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dosirak<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (lunch box) at the station before boarding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Quiet Cars:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you need to work or sleep, select &#8220;Quiet Car&#8221; during the booking process. Talking on the phone is prohibited in these sections.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Pro-tips<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Avoid the &#8220;Sinchon&#8221; confusion:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Many tourists accidentally go to Sinchon Station (Subway Line 2) instead of <\/span><b>Seoul Station<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Make sure your taxi or GPS is set to &#8220;Seoul Station&#8221; (\uc11c\uc6b8\uc5ed).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Standing tickets:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If a train is &#8220;sold out,&#8221; go to the station&#8217;s automated kiosk. You can often still buy a &#8220;Standing\/Non-reserved&#8221; ticket. Look for the small fold-down seats in the hallways between cars\u2014first come, first served!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Punctuality:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The KTX is famous for being on time. Doors close exactly <\/span><b>one minute<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before departure.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We hope that this article has given you a comprehensive idea of how intercity trains and the KTX train work in Korea.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For more information about Korea, keep following the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go! Go! Hanguk blog<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and do not hesitate to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/#form\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">contact us<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about living and studying in Korea.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Latest updated: April 2026 The KTX (Korea Train Express) is the fastest and most efficient way to traverse South Korea. In recent years, the network is more connected than ever, with new high-speed lines reaching Incheon and Suwon, and the &#8220;Blue Dragon&#8221; cutting travel times significantly. Here\u2019s everything you need to know about getting around [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":146,"featured_media":107045,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1220],"tags":[1287,1304,1318],"class_list":["post-50246","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-life-in-korea","tag-costs","tag-life-in-korea","tag-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50246","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/146"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50246"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50246\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":107069,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50246\/revisions\/107069"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/107045"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50246"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50246"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50246"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}