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Korea's Rail Network
Explore every corner of Korea by train
If you're looking to explore South Korea, traveling by train is your ultimate way to get around. Whether it’s your first time visiting Korea or you’re a frequent traveler, experiencing the country is incomplete without using its extensive railway system. Korea’s trains are known for being fast, reliable, and easy to use, offering a smooth and comfortable travel experience. From vibrant metropolitan cities to scenic coastal towns and historic regions, South Korea’s nationwide rail network is expertly operated and connects the entire country with efficiency and precision.
Create a memorable journey through a landscape or ancient heritage, all connected by South Korea’s world-class rail system. The railway system in South Korea is anchored by the world-class KTX (Korea Train eXpress). As the nation's premier bullet train, which is a high-speed train with maximum speeds up to 352 km/h, turning long-distance travel into a seamless city to other city breeze. Korea Rail offers a diverse, comfortable, and smooth way to witness the country’s iconic landscapes. Whether you are zipping across the country on a bullet train or taking a scenic regional route, the travel times are highly predictable.
South Korea’s rail network provides the most convenient options for connecting major cities and the country's regions. There is no need for ticket redemption or QR code scanning, just walk into the station to take the train. We also offer comprehensive online booking tickets across over 250 stations, covering major routes including Seoul Metropolitan Area (Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, Suwon), the southeast Yeongnam region (Busan, Daegu, Gyeongju), the southwest Honam area (Jeonju, Gwangju, Mokpo), and the eastern Gwandong coast (Gangneung, Pyeongchang). Ready to ride? Start exploring South Korea's rail journey today!
Map of South Korea Rail system
High-speed train coverage
The network is anchored by the KTX High-Speed Train, which operates on a network of tracks extending over 3,600 km, connecting major cities in South Korea within 2 to 3 hours, effectively putting the entire nation within a "half-day" travel zone. This means travelers can depart in the morning, conduct business or sightsee, and return home by evening.
Examples of popular routes within the half-day zone:
Seoul Station to Busan Station: approximately 2.5 hours
Seoul Station to Daejeon Station: approximately 1 hour
Seoul Station to Gangneung Station: approximately 2 hours
Key features of the Seoul-centered network
The South Korean railway system is uniquely designed as a radial network. The capital city, Seoul, connects major cities. Seoul Station serves as the primary starting point for the Gyeongbu (Busan) and Gangneung lines, while Yongsan Station is the main hub for Honam (Mokpo) and Jeolla (Yeosu) departures.
Seamless Integration
Rail hubs in Seoul are directly integrated with the Seoul Metropolitan Subway and the AREX (Airport Railroad Express), allowing travelers to transition from international flights to cross-country bullet trains with ease.
Major KTX lines
KTX trains offer a variety of routes, including from Seoul to Busan, with multiple trains operating daily. This high frequency of service ensures that passengers can enjoy seamless KTX train travel with departures available nearly every hour. By connecting these major cities through a reliable and dense schedule, booking KTX trains become the most efficient way to navigate the entire peninsula.
KTX Gyeongbu Line: As the backbone of the network, this route connects the two cities of Seoul and Busan with the highest train volume. You can expect frequent KTX stops at major cities including Daejeon, Dongdaegu, and Ulsan, making it the most vital corridor for high-speed KTX train travel.
KTX Honam Line: This route serves the southwest region, branching off at Iksan to connect Seoul with Mokpo. It is a primary link to the Jeolla-do provinces.
KTX Jeolla Line: Branching from the Honam line at Iksan, this route heads further south to the foodie capital of Jeonju and terminates at the coastal city of Yeosu.
KTX Gangneung Line: Connecting the capital to the Gwandong (East Coast) region, this route stops at Olympic venues like Pyeongchang and Jinbu before reaching the beaches of Gangneung.
KTX Gyeongjeon Line: This route serves the southern coast, extending from the main corridor down to Jinju.
KTX Donghae High-Speed Line: A specialized route connecting the inland hub to the industrial and coastal city of Pohang.
Popular route schedules
Seoul to Busan
Catch the KTX Gyeongbu Line for the fastest connection between the capital and the southern coast. With over 100 daily departures, it’s the most convenient way to reach Korea's second-largest city.
Seoul to Gyeongju
This route whisks you away to the "museum without walls." The high-speed KTX takes approximately 2 hours, landing you right in the heart of Korea’s ancient Silla Dynasty history.
Seoul to Daejeon
Ideal for a quick trip to Korea's Silicon Valley. This high-frequency route offers over 100 daily trips, with the fastest bullet trains reaching the central city in just 50 minutes.
Gyeongju to Busan
A perfect short hop for travelers touring the southeast. This swift 30-minute journey bridges the gap between Gyeongju's historic temples and Busan's vibrant urban beaches.
Seoul to Dongdaegu
A vital transit hub for business and regional travel, this route offers frequent departures every 20–30 minutes, connecting Seoul to the bustling inland city of Daegu in under 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Seoul to Pyeongtaek
A key route for commuters and international residents heading south of the capital. This efficient line connects the metropolitan area to Pyeongtaek's growing industrial and logistics centers.
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Price of Korea trains
Price of KTX tickets
KTX is the fastest way to travel around South Korea and the best choice for travelers on a tight schedule. It connects major cities quickly and offers great value. KTX fares typically range from KRW10,000 for short trips to around KRW59,800 for cross-country journeys. A First class upgrade is available for about 40% more than the standard fare.
Estimated Prices of KTX Tickets(Standard Class):
Seoul to Busan: KRW59,800
Seoul to Gyeongju: KRW49,300
Busan to Gyeongju: KRW11,000
Affordable Trains: ITX and Mugunghwa
ITX and Mugunghwa are the most affordable options for budget travelers or those who prefer a more relaxed pace. These regional routes connect major cities, scenic destinations, and rural areas across South Korea. Fares start from around KRW 5,000, with most long-distance trips costing under KRW 30,000. Many routes are included in rail passes—book on Klook for the best value.
KORAIL PASS
KORAIL offers a variety of KORAIL PASS to suit different travel plans. As the most economical way to experience South Korea, this all-in-one rail pass provides unlimited access to almost all train services operated by KORAIL, including the KTX, ITX, Mugunghwa and Nuriro. Whether you are planning a rapid cross-country tour or a relaxed exploration of hidden gems, the Pass allows passengers to enjoy their trip without any hassle. *Passengers cannot board SRT trains, metropolitan subway trains, and special tourist trains with the Pass.
Types of train in Korea
KTX
KTX—including KTX, KTX-Sancheon, KTX-Eum, and KTX-Cheongryong—is the fastest train in Korea, stopping only at major stations to get you across the country quickly. It’s the best choice for long-distance travel, connecting cities like Seoul and Busan in about 2.5 hours.
ITX
ITX – including ITX-Saemaeul, ITX-Maum, ITX-Cheongchun, and ITX-Eum – is the perfect middle-ground for travelers seeking a more relaxed pace. Operating at speeds of 150–180 km/h, it offers a balance of comfort and affordability, making it ideal for mid-distance journeys to destinations like Busan, Yeosu, Gapyeong (Nami Island), and Chuncheon.
Mugunghwa train
Mugunghwa – the most affordable regional train – is ideal for exploring South Korea at a slower pace. Operating at around 120 km/h, it stops at small cities and rural villages, making it perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want to experience the “real Korea” beyond the main routes.
Nuriro train
Nuriro – a regional connector train – links major cities with nearby suburban areas. Designed for short to mid-distance routes, it offers a practical and affordable alternative to KTX for traveling to regional hubs beyond the main high-speed corridors.
