Booking and riding KTX and trains

You can buy KTX tickets on Korail's official website and app, at station ticket counters and at ticket machines in stations. Booking pages are available in foreign languages. Trains sell out quickly on weekends and holidays, so book early once your dates are set.

Since September 2026, Korea's high-speed rail has been integrated under the KTX name, so former SRT routes now run as KTX services. Trains to and from Suseo Station in southern Seoul continue, alongside departures from Seoul and Yongsan stations. Simply pick whichever departure station is closer to where you are staying.

The KTX from Seoul Station to Busan Station usually takes around two and a half hours, but individual trains range from about two hours 20 minutes to over three hours. Trains with more stops take longer, so check the journey time when booking. With less airport transfer and waiting time, the overall trip can be as fast as flying or faster.

Foreign tourists can buy the Korail Pass, which allows travel on KTX and conventional trains for a set period. There are conditions on seat reservations and eligible trains, and since the high-speed rail integration in September 2026, check the latest official guidance on whether former SRT routes are covered. If you plan to visit several cities, compare it with individual tickets.

Since October 2026, regular train tickets can be booked up to two months before the travel date. During major holidays, booking opens on specially announced dates and competition is intense. Cancellations do appear, so even if a train shows as sold out, check the app again later. Booking rules can change, so also check Korail's official guidance.

Most Korean train stations have no ticket gates, so you go straight to the platform and board. Conductors check seat information on handheld devices, so you just need your ticket or the app screen. Riding without a ticket results in a penalty fare, so always buy one before boarding.

Your ticket shows the car number and seat number, and car positions are marked on the platform floor or pillars. Wait at the right spot before the train arrives. Trains stop only briefly, so find your position in advance. Trains are long, so standing at the wrong end means a long walk with luggage.

First class has wider seats with a roomier layout and costs more, while standard class is still comfortable enough for long trips. When trains are sold out, standing or unreserved seats are available only on trains that offer them, and unreserved cars run only on some weekday trains. Compare prices and seat types on the booking screen.

KTX trains have luggage spaces for large bags, but their location and size vary by train type and formation. Smaller bags fit on the overhead racks above the seats. Luggage space fills up quickly in peak season, so board early and keep valuables with you. If the luggage area is full, ask a crew member for help.

You can cancel before departure, but the fee increases the closer you get to departure time, and it is higher after the train leaves. Tickets bought in the app can be refunded directly in the app. Check Korail's official rules for the exact fee schedule.

Go to the station ticket office right away. Even after departure, you can request a refund at a station, minus a penalty, until the train reaches its destination. Refunds through the app follow a separate process with conditions. Korean trains leave on time and doors close quickly, so aim to be on the platform at least ten minutes before departure.

Yes. KTX trains run to Gangneung from stations including Seoul Station and Cheongnyangni. It is a popular way to reach the east coast's beaches and sights. Trains often sell out on weekends and in the vacation season, so book ahead.

KTX trains stop at Gyeongju Station, formerly called Singyeongju, for Gyeongju and at Jeonju Station for Jeonju. Gyeongju Station is some distance from the city center, and from Jeonju Station you also need a bus or taxi to the hanok village. Departure stations in Seoul can differ by line, so check when you book and allow time for the onward trip.

Yes. Conventional trains such as ITX-Saemaeul, ITX-Maeum and Mugunghwa are slower than the KTX but cheaper and stop at smaller stations. They are nice for slower, scenic trips. You book them the same way as KTX tickets. They are also useful for reaching smaller towns where the KTX does not stop.

You can eat light meals and snacks on KTX and conventional trains, though it is considerate to avoid strong-smelling food. KTX trains have vending machines for drinks and snacks instead of a dining car, so buy a proper meal at the station before boarding. Taking your trash with you when you get off is good manners.

No. A mobile ticket bought in the app only needs to be on your phone screen. Show it if the conductor asks to check. Make sure your phone is charged so the battery does not run out before or during the trip.

Children get discounted fares, and infants below a certain age may ride free if they do not occupy their own seat. Check Korail's guidance for the age limits and discount rates. Make sure you select a child passenger type when buying the ticket so the discount applies.

Major stations such as Seoul, Busan and Dongdaegu connect directly to the subway and buses. Stations far from city centers, like Singyeongju, require a local bus or taxi. Check the route from the station to your hotel in a map app before you arrive.

With the high-speed rail integration in September 2026, SRT's separate booking channel has closed, and trains on former SRT routes are now booked as KTX through Korail's website and app. If you are staying in the Gangnam area, trains from Suseo Station are convenient. Check the latest official guidance on whether the Korail Pass covers these trains.

Korail and SRT's official websites and apps show timetables, fares and seat availability. Station information desks and the 1330 Korea Travel Hotline can also help. Schedules may change during holidays, so check again shortly before your trip. Station staff can also help with ticket changes.