Getting around other regions

Intercity travel uses high-speed trains like the KTX, regular trains, express and intercity buses, and domestic flights. The KTX quickly links Seoul with major cities such as Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Gangneung. Smaller towns and rural areas are often better connected by intercity bus.

They used to be separate high-speed services: KTX mainly from Seoul and Yongsan stations, SRT from Suseo Station in southern Seoul. Since September 2026, booking has been merged into Korail, so trains from Suseo are now booked as KTX on the Korail app or website. Choose whichever of Seoul, Yongsan or Suseo is closest to where you stay.

Yes. Foreigners can book on the rail operators' English websites and apps. Whether international cards work or membership is required may vary by site. You can also buy tickets at station ticket counters or self-service machines. Book online ahead for weekends and holidays.

Yes, the KORAIL PASS has been sold for foreign tourists, allowing unlimited train travel for a set period. There are conditions on which trains are included and how to reserve seats. Depending on your itinerary, individual tickets may be better value, so compare before buying.

Express buses mainly connect big cities via highways, while intercity buses reach many more smaller towns and rural areas. They may leave from different terminals, so double-check where your bus departs. Tickets are sold at terminals or through bus booking apps.

Deluxe (udeung) buses have fewer, wider seats than standard express buses for a more comfortable ride. Premium buses offer even larger seats and sometimes personal screens or other amenities. For long trips, compare the fare difference and choose what suits you. Some routes also run late-night deluxe buses, but check the official timetable for your date.

All three are reachable from Seoul by KTX, SRT or express bus. The main stations are Dongdaegu for Daegu, Gwangju Songjeong for Gwangju and Daejeon Station for Daejeon. Each city has a subway system, making local travel fairly easy. From the station, continue by subway or bus.

The KTX Gangneung Line gets you from Seoul to Gangneung fairly quickly. Express buses also run frequently, and coastal towns like Sokcho or Yangyang are usually reached by bus. Tickets sell out fast in summer and on weekends, so book ahead.

Nationally compatible transit cards such as T-money work on buses and subways in most areas, but check whether a given service accepts your card. Some rural county buses or certain services may take cash only. Carry a little cash when heading to the countryside, and top up at convenience stores if your balance runs low.

Rural buses run infrequently and the last bus often leaves early. Check timetables in a map app beforehand and call a taxi when needed. If you can drive, renting a car gives you the most freedom to explore at your own pace.

Domestic flights are handy for islands like Jeju or for long trips from Seoul to the far south, such as Busan or Yeosu. Considering travel to the airport and check-in time, the KTX can be faster on some routes. You need ID for domestic flights, so bring your passport.

When seats sell out, some trains offer standing or unreserved tickets. Standing means riding in the space between cars, which is uncomfortable for long trips. Seats sell out quickly on holidays and weekends, so book as early as you can.

Cancel before departure and you can get a refund minus a fee; even after departure, partial refunds may be possible within a certain time. Fees increase over time, so change or cancel as soon as you know you will be late. Check the rail operator's refund rules for details.

Take the KTX from Seoul to Gyeongju Station, formerly Singyeongju, then a bus or taxi into town. Central sites like Daereungwon, Cheomseongdae and Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond are easy to explore on foot or by bike. Bulguksa and Seokguram are farther out, so take a bus or taxi.

Jeonju is reachable from Seoul by KTX or express bus. The city is famous for its hanok village and bibimbap, and the village is easy to explore on foot. From Jeonju Station, take a bus or taxi to the hanok village area.

Yeosu has Yeosu Expo Station on the KTX line, so you can go by train from Seoul. Tongyeong has no operating train station for now, so express buses are the usual option, though a station on a new line is under construction with a 2031 target. Ferries to southern islands can be canceled in bad weather, so check service information.

Andong is reachable from Seoul by express bus or by train, such as the KTX-Eum. Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a bus ride from downtown. Buses can be infrequent, so check the timetable before you go. Try Andong jjimdak while you are there.

Lodging near train stations or bus terminals is convenient for moving on, while places near sights let you enjoy morning and evening walks. Small cities have fewer options, so book early for weekends and festivals. Local stays like hanok guesthouses or pensions are worth trying.

In big-city tourist areas, basic English often works, but it becomes less common in small towns and the countryside. Prepare a translation app, a map app and your destination's address in Korean. The 1330 Korea Travel Hotline can also help with interpretation.

Use the KTX or SRT on high-speed routes and connect by bus only where there is no train. Choosing a departure station close to your lodging also helps. Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons are busy on highways and trains, so avoid them if possible.