Travelling around South Korea is incredibly easy with KTX (Korea Train Express), the country’s high-speed rail network. The modern bullet trains connect major cities like Seoul, Busan, Jeonju, and Daegu, so you save a lot of time from travelling by car or bus.
If you’re planning to ride the KTX, this thorough guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from train types to the different platforms to buy tickets.
KTX travel & train types
Korail offers different travel types and train types, which can be confusing for first-time travellers.
In a nutshell, travel type would refer to the different scenic train routes offered by Korail. Type of train would typically refer to the train fleets:
- KTX is the fastest and most convenient for long-distance, high-speed travel between major cities.
- ITX-Chuncheon is a great option for tourists visiting destinations near Seoul, like Chuncheon.
- ITX-Saemaeul provides a mid-level service, combining speed with comfort for intercity travel.
- Nuriro serves short regional routes and provides a comfortable, affordable option for shorter distances.
- Mugunghwa is slower but widely accessible, offering a cost-effective way to reach smaller towns and rural areas.
Tip: For most journeys between major cities like Seoul and Busan, I always pick the Normal Train and KTX options.
Buy KTX Tickets online
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to purchase KTX tickets is through the Korail website or the Korail Talk mobile app.
How to buy KTX tickets online:
- Visit the Korail Website: Go to www.letskorail.com, the official site for Korail (the company that operates the KTX).
- Select language: At the top right corner, you can switch the language to English for easier navigation.
- Enter travel details: Input your departure and destination stations, the date of travel, and the number of passengers. Click “Search” to see available trains.
- Choose your train: A list of available KTX trains will appear, showing the departure time, arrival time, and ticket price.
- Select ticket type: Choose between Standard Class, First Class, or Economy Class. If you prefer, you can also select a seat on the Quiet Car for a more peaceful journey.
- Make payment: After selecting your desired train, proceed to the payment page where you can pay using credit or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.). Once payment is confirmed, you’ll receive an electronic ticket via email.
The Korail Talk app (Google Play, Apple) offers a similar process. You can consider using this mobile-friendly option for booking KTX tickets on the go.
Tip: Be careful not to buy your KTX tickets from third-party websites, such as Rail Ninja, Koreantrain.com etc.! These are NOT the official Korail website and tickets CAN be voided with no refunds!
Purchase KTX Tickets at the train station
If you’re already in Korea or prefer buying tickets in person, you can purchase KTX tickets directly at any KTX station.
How to buy KTX tickets at the station:
- Visit a KTX Station: Head to any major KTX station, such as Seoul Station, Busan Station, or Daegu Station.
- Find the ticket counter: KTX ticket counters are clearly marked and often have English-speaking staff to assist foreign travelers.
- Use a self-service machine: Most KTX stations also have self-service ticketing machines, which offer multiple language options (including English, Chinese, and Japanese). Simply follow the on-screen prompts to select your destination, date, and seat class.
- Make payment: At the ticket counter or machine, you can pay by cash or card. After payment, you’ll receive a printed ticket with all your travel details.
Tip: Tickets tend to sell out early on weekends and during public holidays. If you don’t purchase early, you may end up having to stand the whole ride, or even worse – with no available ticket! I personally still recommend purchasing online at least a month in advance if you already have your itinerary locked in.
Use a KTX Rail Pass for unlimited travel
If you’re planning to travel extensively in Korea, consider purchasing a Korail Pass (sometimes called the KTX Rail Pass). This pass allows unlimited travel on the KTX and other Korail-operated trains for a set number of days.
Note: This pass is ONLY available for foreigners and will not be available for anyone with Korean nationality.
Types of Korail Passes
You can choose between a flexi pass with x number of days of unlimited travel, or 3 or 5 consecutive days of travel.
You can purchase the Korail Pass online through the official Korail website or at select train stations in Korea. Keep in mind that you must reserve a seat for each journey, even with a Korail Pass.
How to reserve a seat with a Korail Pass
Even with a Korail Pass, you still have to do a separate booking to reserve a seat for each trip! Here is how you should reserve your seat with a Korail Pass:
Online seat reservation:
- Visit the Korail Website: Go to the Korail website and log in with your pass details.
- Select travel details: Choose your travel date, departure, and destination, and search for available trains.
- Reserve your seat: Once you select a train, confirm your seat reservation. You’ll receive a confirmation email with your seat details.
In-person reservation:
- At the station: Visit the ticket counter or use a self-service machine to reserve your seat.
- Show your Korail Pass: You’ll need to show your Korail Pass when reserving your seat. After reservation, you’ll receive a printed ticket showing your seat number.
Tips for buying KTX Tickets
Book in advance
KTX trains can fill up quickly, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak travel seasons like Chuseok or Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year). Book your tickets as early as possible if you want to secure your preferred departure time and seat class.
Book first class for a premium experience
If you’re willing to spend a little extra, First Class offers larger seats, more legroom, and additional amenities like complimentary snacks and drinks. It’s a great option for longer journeys, such as the one from Seoul to Busan.
Check for discounts
KTX often offers discounts for seniors, children, groups, and early bookings. If you’re traveling with a group or qualify for one of these discounts, you can save on your fare by selecting the appropriate option during the booking process.
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