KTX Train
Korea Train Guide 2026
Train Types at a Glance
| Type | Speed | How to Board | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTX / SRT | β‘ Fastest | App / Counter / Trip.com | Long distance (Busan, Gyeongju...) |
| GTX | β‘ Very fast | T-money card (tap) | Suburbs β Seoul center |
| ITX-Cheongchun | π Fast | App / Counter | Nami Island, Chuncheon |
| ITX-Saemaeul / Maeum | π Medium | App / Counter | Budget long-distance |
| Mugunghwa-ho | π Slow | App / Counter | Scenic countryside |
| Tourist Trains | π Slow | Counter (advance) | V-Train, S-Train experience |
1. KTX & SRT β High-Speed Rail
The fastest way to travel between Korean cities. KTX and SRT reach speeds of up to 300 km/h. Unlike flights, you depart from the city center and skip airport procedures entirely.
Which Station Should You Use?
You don't have to go to Seoul Station. Choose the station closest to your accommodation. KTX stations: β’ Seoul Station / Yongsan Station β Central Seoul β’ Cheongnyangni Station β East coast (Gangneung, etc.) β’ Haengsin Station (Goyang) β Northern Gyeonggi β’ Gwangmyeong Station β Southern Gyeonggi SRT stations (Gangnam & southern Gyeonggi): β’ Suseo Station / Dongtan Station / Pyeongtaek Jije Station
Staying in Ilsan, Goyang, or northern Gyeonggi? Use Haengsin Station. You'll save 40+ minutes compared to going to Seoul Station first.
How to Book Tickets
β Global travel apps (easiest for foreigners) Trip.com or Klook β book in your language with a foreign card. Small service fee applies; allocated seats sell out fast. β‘ Station ticket counter (most reliable) Visit any train station a few days ahead. Even if the app shows sold out, the counter may occasionally have cancellation tickets, remaining seats, or standing tickets. Bring your passport. β’ KR Pass (best for multiple trips) The KR Pass (foreigner-only unlimited rail pass) is great if you plan multiple KTX rides. Note: KR Pass is not valid on SRT.
Rules You Must Know
No ticket gates β trust system. KTX and SRT stations have no QR turnstiles. Check the board for your track number, walk to your seat. A conductor verifies tickets after departure.
They will NOT wait β not even 1 minute. If your ticket says 14:00, doors close at 13:59. Be on the platform at least 10 minutes before departure.
β οΈ Avoid Korean National Holidays Seollal (Lunar New Year, JanβFeb) and Chuseok (SepβOct): tens of millions travel simultaneously, tickets sell out months in advance. Getting a KTX / SRT seat during these periods is virtually impossible. Consider domestic flights or staying in one city.
2. GTX β Seoul Metropolitan Express Rail
Seoul's newest transit line β a subway that moves like a bullet train. GTX runs 40β50 meters underground at up to 180 km/h, cutting travel time from suburbs to the city center dramatically.
GTX-A Route (currently operating)
North β Seoul center: Unjeong Jungang β KINTEX β Daegok β Yeonsinnae β Seoul Station Gangnam β South Gyeonggi: Suseo (SRT transfer) β Seongnam β Guseong β Dongtan β» 2026: Samsung Station (COEX area) is under construction β trains pass through without stopping. Transfer to regular subway at Suseo or Seoul Station for Gangnam.
No advance booking needed. Just tap your T-money card or WOWPASS at the gate β exactly like the regular subway. Transfer discounts to buses and metro apply as usual. Operating: ~5:30 AM β ~12:30β1:00 AM Interval: every 15β20 minutes (much less frequent than the subway). Check Naver Map for arrival times before heading out.
β οΈ Platforms are very deep underground β 40β50 meters (15-story building depth). Escalator ride from entrance to platform takes 5β10 minutes. If your phone says "3 minutes to arrival" when you're at the entrance β you will miss it. Arrive at the station entrance 10β15 minutes early.
3. ITX & Mugunghwa-ho β Conventional Trains
Slower, cheaper, and more scenic than KTX. These trains stop at smaller towns KTX doesn't reach.
π ITX-Cheongchun β Korea's only double-decker train Route: Seoul (Yongsan / Cheongnyangni) β Gapyeong β Chuncheon Best for visiting Nami Island and Chuncheon. Book a 2nd floor seat for the best views! π Note: Nami Island is not directly at the station β from Gapyeong Station, take a bus or taxi (about 5β10 min) to reach the island. π ITX-Saemaeul / ITX-Maeum β Best value intercity Mid-range between KTX and Mugunghwa-ho. Wide, comfortable seats at lower prices. π Mugunghwa-ho β The retro budget train Stops at every small town. Very affordable. Best for slow travel and countryside views.
β οΈ Some routes (e.g., ITX-Cheongchun) share platforms with the regular metro, so you may need to scan the QR code on your ticket at the gate. Do NOT tap your T-money card β that's illegal boarding and carries a heavy fine.
KR Pass is valid on ITX-Saemaeul, ITX-Maeum, and Mugunghwa-ho. Discounts also apply to tourist trains.
4. Tourist Trains β Ride the Scenery
These trains are the destination, not just the transport. Panoramic windows, seats facing mountains or ocean, and one-of-a-kind landscapes.
| Train | Route / Theme |
|---|---|
| V-Train (ν곑μ΄μ°¨) | Baekdudaegan cliffs and valleys |
| S-Train | Southern coast ocean views |
| Donghae Santa Train | East Sea coastline |
These trains run only 1β2 times per day and are extremely popular. Walk-up tickets are almost always sold out. Book in advance at any Korail station counter or the official Korail website.
Quick Reference
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Seoul β Busan / Gyeongju fastest | KTX or SRT |
| Staying in Ilsan / Goyang | Haengsin Station β KTX |
| Staying in Gangnam area | Suseo Station β SRT |
| Nami Island (Gapyeong) | ITX-Cheongchun (2nd floor!) |
| Budget long-distance | ITX-Saemaeul or Mugunghwa-ho |
| Suburb β Seoul center fast | GTX-A |
| Multiple train trips | KR Pass (foreigners only) |
| During Seollal / Chuseok | Avoid trains β consider domestic flights |