Information for train system in South Korea

(Last Updated: 2018/10/17)

If you plan to visit the major cities in South Korea (obviously not for islands like Jeju), train is a good transportation option for you. On this page, I’d like to give you the overview of Korean train system and links you can find route and tickets for your trip.

There are several categories of train based on fare and on-board amenities.

Express: KTX, KTX-Sancheon, SRT
Special: ITX-Cheongchun
High Speed: ITX-Saemaeul, Saemaeulho, Mugunghwaho, Nuriro, Incheon Airport Train
Commuter Train

As you see in the map below, you can visit number of places in South Korea via Korail (Korean Train System.)

Detailed train map in South Korea (as of 2015) (Source: KorailTalk.com)

KTX is the main and the fastest train system in Korea (like TGV, ICE and Shinkansen) and it goes to most of the main cities from Seoul. The KTX lines spread out from Seoul and there are 4 main lines.

KTX Gyeongbu Line (from Seoul to Busan in South Korea) — KTX Gyeongbu Line (Seoul to Busan) (Source: korail.com)

KTX Honam Line (Seoul to Mokpo via Gwangju in South Korea) — KTX Honam Line (Seoul to Mokpo via Gwangju) (Source: korail.com)

KTX Gyeongjeon Line (Seoul to Jinju in South Korea) — KTX Gyeongjeon Line (Seoul to Jinju) (Source: korail.com)

KTX Jeolla Line (Seoul to Yeosu in South Korea) — KTX Jeolla Line (Seoul to Yeosu) (Source: korail.com)

♦ Resources for Train Trip

Regular Tickets

◊ Buy regular ticket: http://www.letskorail.com/ebizbf/EbizBfTicketSearch.do (English, Korean, Chinese and Japanese)

KORAIL PASS

KORAIL PASS is a train ticket available only for international tourists or foreign residents, which allows unlimited travel on KORAIL-managed trains for a select period.

◊ Details for KORAIL PASS: http://www.letskorail.com/ebizbf/EbizBfKrPassAbout.do (English, Korean, Chinese and Japanese)

◊ Book KORAIL PASS: https://www.letskorail.com/ebizbf/EbizbfForeign_pr16100.do (English, Korean, Chinese and Japanese)

If you need to talk to a real person, call Railway Customer Service Center at +82-1599-7777 (08:00 – 22:00 Korea Standard Time.) (English, Japanese and Chinese)