How does the KTX high-speed train work, and what other train options are there for traveling around Korea?

Korea's KTX high-speed train (300+ km/h) makes nationwide travel easy and affordable. The two main lines are KTX (Seoul to Busan in 2h 30min, around 60,000 won) and SRT (Suseo to Busan in similar time, around 53,000 won). Other major routes serve Gwangju, Mokpo, Yeosu, Jeonju, and Pohang. Book at korail.com (English), the Korail Talk app, or any subway station kiosk. Reservations open 30 days in advance and tickets sell out for major holidays like Chuseok and Lunar New Year, so book early.

For slower but cheaper options, ITX-Saemaul (about 70 percent of KTX speed at 60 percent price) and Mugunghwa-ho (slowest, scenic, very cheap) cover the same routes. Local Nuriro trains serve smaller cities. Foreign tourists can buy the Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass) for unlimited rides over 3, 5, or 10 days at 130,000 to 280,000 won, available only to non-residents with a passport from outside Korea. For commuting between Seoul and surrounding cities, the GTX-A line opened in 2024 connecting Suseo to Dongtan in 20 minutes, with more lines opening through 2030. Subway-style express commuter trains (ITX-Cheongchun) run hourly to Chuncheon and Gangwon-do mountain destinations. Foreign travelers should download Korail Talk and Naver Map for English itinerary planning.