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๐Ÿš„ Train / KTX

Pick the right station, book, read your ticket, board and get off, with KTX and other intercity trains.

KTX connects Seoul, Suseo, Busan, Daejeon, Daegu, Gyeongju, Gwangju, Jeonju, Gangneung and many other cities. You normally need a separate train ticket with a reserved seat. Your T-money card is not your KTX ticket.

๐Ÿ”Ž Where are you going?

๐ŸŽŸ Book with KORAIL โ†—๐Ÿš‰ Already have a ticket? How to board

Quick answers

Do I need a ticket?

Yes. Buy a train ticket before you board.

Can I use T-money?

Not as your KTX ticket.

Where do I book?

The KORAIL website or the KORAIL+ app.

Is my seat reserved?

Usually yes. Check Car and Seat on your ticket.

Can I bring luggage?

Yes. Keep it with you or use the luggage space on board.

How early should I arrive?

We suggest about 20 to 30 minutes before departure.

Your train journey

  1. BOOK

    Choose city, date, train and seat.

  2. GO TO THE STATION

    Aim to arrive 20 to 30 minutes early.

  3. CHECK THE BOARD

    Train number, time, platform.

  4. FIND YOUR CAR

    Match the CAR number on your ticket.

  5. FIND YOUR SEAT

    Match the SEAT number.

  6. GET OFF

    Check the station name before you stand up.

Step 1: choose the right station

Seoul Station ์„œ์šธ์—ญ
  • โ€ข Central Seoul
  • โ€ข Handy for Myeongdong, Hongdae and the center
  • โ€ข Many KTX services
Yongsan Station ์šฉ์‚ฐ์—ญ
  • โ€ข A main departure point for many Honam and Jeolla routes
  • โ€ข Easy to reach from central Seoul
Suseo Station ์ˆ˜์„œ์—ญ
  • โ€ข South-east Seoul
  • โ€ข Handy for Gangnam, Songpa and southern Seoul
  • โ€ข High-speed KTX services since the 2026 integration
The station name may differ from the city name
DestinationSearch for this station
SeoulSeoul ์„œ์šธ ยท sometimes Yongsan ์šฉ์‚ฐ ยท Suseo ์ˆ˜์„œ
BusanBusan ๋ถ€์‚ฐ
DaejeonDaejeon ๋Œ€์ „
DaeguDongdaegu ๋™๋Œ€๊ตฌ
GyeongjuGyeongju ๊ฒฝ์ฃผ
GwangjuGwangju-Songjeong ๊ด‘์ฃผ์†ก์ •
JeonjuJeonju ์ „์ฃผ
GangneungGangneung ๊ฐ•๋ฆ‰
MokpoMokpo ๋ชฉํฌ
YeosuYeosu-Expo ์—ฌ์ˆ˜์—‘์Šคํฌ

Going to Jeju? There is no train connection to Jeju Island. You need a flight or a ferry.

Step 2: which train should I take?

KTX
Fastest and easiest for long distances
  • โ€ข Seoul โ†” Busan, Daejeon, Daegu, Gyeongju
  • โ€ข Seoul โ†” Gwangju, Jeonju, Gangneung
The best choice for most international travelers.
ITX
Medium-distance intercity train
  • โ€ข Useful on routes where KTX is not needed or not available
  • โ€ข Examples: ITX-Cheongchun and ITX-Saemaeul
Mugunghwa
Slower, but good for smaller towns
  • โ€ข Stops at more stations
  • โ€ข Choose it when your destination has no handy KTX
What happened to SRT?
On 1 September 2026, KORAIL and SR began running the high-speed network together. Former SRT trains now run as KTX (KTX-Sancheon). You can search trains from both Seoul and Suseo in KORAIL and the KORAIL+ app.

Step 3: how to buy a train ticket

  1. 1Open the KORAIL website or the KORAIL+ app
  2. 2Enter From and To
  3. 3Choose the date and departure time
  4. 4Choose the train and your seat
  5. 5Pay
  6. 6Keep your ticket on your phone

You can also buy at a station ticket office or kiosk.

๐Ÿ“… When can I book?
Usually from 07:00, one month before departure. Online purchase is normally possible until about 20 minutes before departure. Other channels can have different cut-off times.
Weekends and holidays
Popular KTX trains can sell out. Book early. Seollal and Chuseok have special booking dates, so check the holiday notice.
Book with KORAIL

Step 4: how to read your ticket

KTX 123
= your train number
09:27
= departure time
CAR 08
= find Car 8 on the platform
SEAT 11A
= your seat inside the train

This is our own illustration. Your real ticket may look different.

Step 5: at the station

  1. 1
    Arrive at the station

    Aim for 20 to 30 minutes before departure. In big stations it takes time to get from the subway to the KTX platforms.

  2. 2
    Find the departure board

    Look for train number, destination, departure time and platform.

  3. 3
    Go to your platform

    Follow the signs for the train and platform (ํƒ€๋Š” ๊ณณ). Korean and English are usually shown together.

  4. 4
    Find your car

    Numbers on the platform show where each car stops. Match the CAR number on your ticket.

  5. 5
    Board the train

    Check the train number and the time again before you get on.

  6. 6
    Find your seat

    Enter the car shown on your ticket and sit in your seat number.

Do not board just because it says KTX.
Check the train number and the departure time too.
Where do I scan my ticket?
KTX is not used like the subway. Some stations have ticket gates where you scan the QR code on your ticket, and others do not. Follow the signs and keep your ticket ready in case staff check it.

Step 6: on the train

Restrooms

Available on board.

Wi-Fi

Available on most trains, but the connection can be unstable.

Power

Available on many trains and seats, depending on the train type.

Luggage

Keep it with you or use the luggage space on board.

Quiet travel

Keep phone calls and sound low.

Large suitcase?
Arrive early and look for luggage space near the end of the car. KORAILโ€™s carry-on rule allows items you can carry yourself that do not take up a seat or the aisle.

๐Ÿ“ Step 7: getting off

  • โœ“ Check the station name
  • โœ“ Take all your luggage
  • โœ“ Check your seat and the overhead rack
  • โœ“ Follow Exit (๋‚˜๊ฐ€๋Š” ๊ณณ)

Stations can have several exits. After you leave the platform area, open Naver Map or KakaoMap to find the right subway, bus, taxi or walking route.

๐Ÿ“ฑ Navigation apps โ†’๐Ÿš‡ Subway โ†’๐Ÿš• Taxi โ†’

Popular train trips

Seoul โ†’ Busan

Search Seoul โ†’ Busan, or Suseo โ†’ Busan if you stay in the south-east of Seoul.

Best for Busan, Haeundae and Gwangalli.

Seoul โ†’ Gyeongju

Search Seoul โ†’ Gyeongju.

You will need a bus or taxi from the station to the sights.

Seoul โ†’ Daegu

Search Seoul โ†’ Dongdaegu.

Search Dongdaegu, not just Daegu, for the main high-speed station.

Seoul โ†’ Daejeon

Search Seoul โ†’ Daejeon.

A major rail junction.

Seoul โ†’ Gwangju

Search Yongsan, Seoul or Suseo โ†’ Gwangju-Songjeong.

The high-speed station is Gwangju-Songjeong, not simply Gwangju Station.

Seoul โ†’ Jeonju

Search Seoul or Yongsan โ†’ Jeonju.

Best for Jeonju Hanok Village.

Seoul โ†’ Gangneung

Search Seoul โ†’ Gangneung.

Best for east-coast beaches.

You do not need to go back through Seoul

Busan โ†’ Gyeongju

Train or regional transport options are available. Search both.

Busan โ†’ Dongdaegu

Direct rail connections are available.

Daejeon โ†’ Busan

Search Daejeon โ†’ Busan.

Gwangju-Songjeong โ†’ Mokpo

Search Gwangju-Songjeong โ†’ Mokpo.

Jeonju โ†’ Yeosu-Expo

Search Jeonju โ†’ Yeosu-Expo.

Travel time varies by train and stopping pattern. Check your exact train before booking.

Should I buy a KORAIL PASS?

It may be useful if
  • โœ“ You will take several long-distance trains
  • โœ“ You will visit several cities
  • โœ“ Your plan includes many KTX trips
Single tickets may be better if
  • โœ“ You only take one or two trains
  • โœ“ You already know your exact schedule
  • โœ“ Single tickets cost less for your plan
Select PassAdultChild
2 daysโ‚ฉ131,000โ‚ฉ66,000
3 daysโ‚ฉ186,000โ‚ฉ93,000
4 daysโ‚ฉ234,000โ‚ฉ117,000
5 daysโ‚ฉ275,000โ‚ฉ138,000
Check the current coverage
KORAIL PASS coverage follows KORAILโ€™s current rules. Check the official KORAIL PASS page before you book, especially for services that start at Suseo. Prices can change.

It may save money if you take several long-distance trains. Compare the pass price with individual tickets before you buy.

Changes, refunds and children

๐Ÿ”„ Need to change your train?
Do not simply board another train with your old ticket. Change or return the old ticket first, then book the new train.
๐Ÿ’ณ Need a refund?
Open KORAIL, go to your tickets and choose refund. Fees depend on how close you are to departure, and different rules apply after departure.
๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง Traveling with children?
Child and infant fares can be discounted depending on age and seat use. Enter each passengerโ€™s age when you book.

Something went wrong?

I missed my train
  1. Do not simply board the next train with your old ticket.
  2. Open KORAIL+ or go to a ticket counter.
  3. Check whether your ticket can be changed or refunded.
  4. Buy a valid ticket for the next train if you need to.
I went to the wrong station
  1. Check the departure station on your ticket. For example, a ticket from Suseo cannot be used at Seoul Station.
  2. Do not try to board at the wrong station.
  3. Use the subway or a taxi to reach the right one.
I left something on the train
  1. Note the train number, date, car, seat and route.
  2. Describe the item.
  3. Contact KORAIL, and search the police lost-property service.
The train is sold out
  1. Try a different time or day.
  2. Compare Seoul Station and Suseo.
  3. Look at ITX or Mugunghwa, or at an express bus.
๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Show this at the counter
๊ธฐ์ฐจ๋ฅผ ๋†“์ณค์–ด์š”. ๋‹ค์Œ ๊ธฐ์ฐจํ‘œ๋ฅผ ์‚ฌ๊ณ  ์‹ถ์–ด์š”.
I missed my train. I would like to buy a ticket for the next train.
Police lost property search (formerly LOST112)

Train FAQ

Can I buy KTX tickets without a Korean phone number?

Use the KORAIL global booking pages or the KORAIL+ app, which have English steps. You can also buy at a station counter or kiosk.

Can I use T-money for KTX?

No. T-money is for subways and buses. Use a separate train ticket.

Do I need to print my ticket?

Usually no. A mobile ticket on your phone is normally enough, but keep it handy.

How early should I arrive?

We suggest about 20 to 30 minutes before departure. This is a travel tip, not an official deadline.

Can I bring a suitcase?

Yes, within KORAILโ€™s carry-on rules. Large suitcases fit better in the luggage space of the car.

Can I eat on the train?

Yes, but be considerate of the people around you and avoid strong smells.

Does KTX have Wi-Fi?

Most trains do, but the connection can be unstable.

Where do I put my suitcase?

Luggage space varies by train. Look near the ends of the car and above the seats.

What if I miss my train?

Change, refund or rebook with a valid ticket. Do not just board another train.

Can I take KTX from Gangnam?

Check trains from Suseo Station, which is in south-east Seoul.

Is SRT still separate?

No. High-speed services were integrated into KTX on 1 September 2026.

Can I take a train to Jeju?

No. Jeju has no train connection. You need a flight or a ferry.

Should I buy a KORAIL PASS?

Compare it with your actual single-ticket prices first.

Official information

Schedules, fares and rules can change. Always check the official operator before you travel.

Information last verified: 2026-10-07 ยท Updated: 2026-10-07

๐ŸŽŸ Book a train๐Ÿš‰ How to board

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