# Korea Trains > Korea Trains is a travel guide covering South Korea's railway network, operated by Korail, including KTX and SRT high-speed trains, classes, routes, and stations. ## About our website Korea Trains is an unofficial website with verified information about the Korean rail network. It offers comprehensive details on schedules, routes, fares, and more to help plan your journey. Some images on the website are AI-generated; while accuracy is a goal, mistakes in these images are not the site's responsibility. Korea Trains is brought to you by Rail Ninja. ## Key stats - Total rail length: 3,668 km - Longest travel time: 2 hours 58 minutes - Number of stations: 638 ## Korean railway system overview South Korea has a highly efficient railway network spanning high-speed, intercity, and regional commuter services, operated primarily by Korail (Korea Railroad Corporation). The network connects major cities and rural regions, stimulating local economies. Around 2.5 million tourists visit Korea annually, and the train network is one of the most popular ways to explore the country's history, culture, and landscapes. The most popular routes are Seoul–Busan, Daegu–Seoul, Daegu–Busan, Seoul–Gwangju, and Daejeon–Seoul. See: [All Routes](https://www.koreatrains.com/korean-railway-routes) ## KTX High-Speed Train KTX (Korea Train Express) is South Korea's flagship high-speed train, reaching maximum speeds of 305 km/h. It connects major cities, with the fastest Seoul–Busan travel time being approximately 2 hours 8 minutes for non-stop services. KTX operates on five main lines: Gyeongbu, Honam, Gyeongjeon, Jeolla, and Gangneung. The Gyeongbu KTX service runs between Seoul and Busan, reducing the travel distance from 441.7 km to 408.5 km since its inception, with a minimum travel time of 2 hours 40 minutes. The initial KTX system, part of the first phase of the Gyeongbu high-speed railway, entered service on April 1, 2004, after 12 years of construction. The second phase, including the Daegu–Busan section, opened on November 1, 2010, at a cost of ₩17,643.4 billion. Construction of the Seoul–Busan Gyeongbu line began on June 30, 1992, with a test track from Cheonan to Daejeon. The Gyeongbu and Honam lines are the two busiest KTX routes, connecting Seoul–Busan and Seoul–Gwangju respectively, with stops including Daejeon, Daegu, and Ulsan. KTX II is an updated model offering enhanced comfort over the original KTX I. See: [KTX Train](https://www.koreatrains.com/ktx-korean-train) ## Classes, fares, and booking KTX trains offer two main classes: First Class (2+1 seat configuration, wider seats, more legroom) and Standard Class (2+2 configuration). KTX-Eum and KTX-Cheongryong trains feature Superior Class and Standard Class instead. Discounts are available for children, seniors, and groups, reaching up to 30%. Booking in advance is recommended, especially on weekends, holidays, and peak season. KTX is around 50% cheaper than comparable high-speed systems such as Japan's Shinkansen. Rail Ninja is presented as the most convenient booking option for international travelers. Check-in at Korean stations is typically 10 minutes before departure. See: [All Classes](https://www.koreatrains.com/korean-train-classes), [First Class](https://www.koreatrains.com/first-class-korean-trains), [Standard/Economy Class](https://www.koreatrains.com/standard-economy-train-classes) ## SRT: Super Rapid Train SRT is South Korea's second high-speed train service, operated by SR. It is known for being slightly faster and more cost-effective on specific routes compared to KTX. SRT departs exclusively from Suseo Station in southern Seoul, offering wider legroom in standard class — a convenient option for travelers staying in southern Seoul. See: [SRT Train](https://www.koreatrains.com/srt-korean-train) ## Other train types - **ITX (Intercity Train Express)** — operates up to 150 km/h, comfortable for tourists and intercity commuters. - **Mugunghwa-ho** — the most common regular train, offering affordable travel with many stops. - **KTX-Sancheon** — an upgraded version of the original KTX with improved design and technology. - **KTX I** — the original KTX model, still in service on several routes. - **KTX II** — an updated model with enhanced passenger comfort. Regular trains like Mugunghwa-ho serve smaller towns on older routes not covered by KTX. Tickets for regular trains are available at station ticket offices, vending machines, or online. ## Major routes and travel times - Seoul to Busan — approximately 2 hours 8 minutes by KTX non-stop - Seoul to Daegu — approximately 1 hour 40 minutes by KTX - Seoul to Gwangju — approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by KTX Honam line - Seoul to Daejeon — approximately 50 minutes by KTX - Incheon Airport to Seoul — approximately 40 minutes by AREX express train - Seoul to Gyeongju — scenic route via the Gyeongjeon line AREX connects Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station in 40 minutes. KTX operates on both high-speed and conventional lines, connecting to cities such as Daegu and Daejeon. See: [All Routes](https://www.koreatrains.com/korean-railway-routes) ## Onboard experience KTX trains offer onboard food service (snacks, drinks, light meals — no dining cars) and free Wi-Fi on several routes, though availability may vary. Trains have clean restrooms and designated luggage storage. Passengers can bring their own food onboard, with no restrictions on outside food. Power outlets are available on long-distance routes. ## Tickets and the Korail Pass Tickets can be purchased at vending machines, station ticket counters, or booked online in advance via Rail Ninja to avoid queues and secure preferred seating. Booking online is available for all major services, including KTX and SRT. The **Korail Pass** is designed for foreign visitors, allowing multiple trips on KTX trains within a set period. It is available in 2, 3, 4, or 5-day formats. See: [Korail Pass](https://www.koreatrains.com/korail-pass), [Train Tickets](https://www.koreatrains.com/korean-train-tickets) ## Frequently Asked Questions - What is the fastest train in South Korea? - What is the difference between KTX and SRT? - How do I buy Korea train tickets? - What is the Korail Pass? - Is there Wi-Fi on Korean trains? - How far in advance should I book KTX tickets? - What are ferry services in South Korea? (Answers to these are covered across the sections above.) ## Booking Rail Ninja is presented as the recommended way to book Korean train tickets. A Rail Ninja mobile app is also available for booking and managing trips. See: [Book Tickets](https://rail.ninja/korean-trains) ## Key pages - [All Korean Trains](https://www.koreatrains.com/about-korean-trains) - [KTX Train](https://www.koreatrains.com/ktx-korean-train) - [SRT Train](https://www.koreatrains.com/srt-korean-train) - [All Classes](https://www.koreatrains.com/korean-train-classes) - [First Class](https://www.koreatrains.com/first-class-korean-trains) - [Standard/Economy Class](https://www.koreatrains.com/standard-economy-train-classes) - [Korail Pass](https://www.koreatrains.com/korail-pass) - [All Routes](https://www.koreatrains.com/korean-railway-routes) - [Seoul to Busan](https://www.koreatrains.com/seoul-busan-train-timetable) - [Busan to Seoul](https://www.koreatrains.com/busan-seoul-train-timetable) - [Seoul to Daegu](https://www.koreatrains.com/seoul-daegu-train-timetable) - [Daegu to Seoul](https://www.koreatrains.com/daegu-seoul-train-timetable) - [Seoul to Gwangju](https://www.koreatrains.com/seoul-gwangju-train-timetable) - [Gwangju to Seoul](https://www.koreatrains.com/gwangju-seoul-train-timetable) - [Busan to Daegu](https://www.koreatrains.com/busan-daegu-train-timetable) - [Daegu to Busan](https://www.koreatrains.com/daegu-busan-train-timetable) - [Incheon Airport to Seoul](https://www.koreatrains.com/incheon-airport-seoul-train-timetable) - [Daejeon to Seoul](https://www.koreatrains.com/daejeon-seoul-train-timetable) - [All Stations](https://www.koreatrains.com/korean-railway-stations) - [Seoul Station](https://www.koreatrains.com/seoul-train-station) - [Yongsan Station](https://www.koreatrains.com/yongsan-train-station) - [Cheongnyangni Station](https://www.koreatrains.com/cheongnyangni-train-station) - [Yeongdeungpo Station](https://www.koreatrains.com/yeongdeungpo-train-station) - [Suseo Station (SRT)](https://www.koreatrains.com/suseo-train-station) - [Busan Station](https://www.koreatrains.com/busan-train-station)