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Mastering the KTX: How to Book High-Speed Trains in Korea

· 3 min read
Elena Vance
Elena Vance
Editor-in-Chief & Logistics Expert

Are you planning to visit Busan, Gyeongju, or Jeonju? You need to take the KTX (Korea Train Express). South Korea's high-speed rail hits speeds of 305 km/h (190 mph), turning the 5-hour drive to Busan into a smooth 2.5-hour ride.

However, booking tickets can be surprisingly tricky for foreigners. Credit cards get declined, weekends sell out instantly, and there is a confusing rival train called SRT.

Here is your complete guide to booking Korean trains like a pro.

Mastering the KTX: How to Book High-Speed Trains in Korea

1. KTX vs. SRT: Which one should I take?​

Most travelers don't realize there are two high-speed train companies.

KTX (The Standard)​

  • Departures: Seoul Station (Downtown) or Yongsan Station.
  • Best For: Travelers staying in Myeongdong, Hongdae, or Jongno.
  • Network: Covers almost every city in Korea.

SRT (The Challenger)​

  • Departures: Suseo Station (Gangnam).
  • Best For: Travelers staying in Gangnam, Jamsil (Lotte World), or COEX.
  • Pros: Newer trains, more legroom, 10% cheaper, and 10 minutes faster to Busan.
  • Cons: Suseo Station is far from the historic center.

Verdict: Pick the train station closest to your hotel. The speed difference is negligible.

2. How to Book Tickets (The 3 Ways)​

Tickets open 1 month before departure at 7:00 AM. Weekend tickets sell out fast.

Method A: Korail Talk App (Official)​

This is the best way.

  • Download "KorailTalk" (English supported).
  • No booking fee.
  • You don't need to print the ticket; just show the app.

Wait, my card was declined! This is a common issue. Korail's payment gateway uses "3D Secure," which often conflicts with foreign Visa/Mastercards. If it fails, try Method B.

Method B: Trip.com (The Reliable Backup)​

If the official app fails, use Trip.com.

  • They are an official partner.
  • They accept all foreign cards (and Apple Pay/PayPal).
  • There is a small service fee (~$1-2), but it saves you the headache.

Method C: Station Counter​

  • Risky. On weekends, signs will say "All Tickets Sold Out."
  • Only do this if you need a "Standing Ticket."

3. Survival Guide: "Everything is Sold Out!"​

It's Friday afternoon, and you need to get to Busan. The app says "Sold Out." What do you do?

Option 1: Buy a "Standing Ticket" (Ipseok)​

These are not sold online (usually).

  • Go to the ticket counter at the station.
  • Ask for "Ip-seok" (Standing).
  • It is 15% cheaper.
  • You don't have a seat, but you can sit on the fold-out chairs in the train vestibules (between cars).

Option 2: The "Cancellation Fishing"​

Korean travelers often book multiple tickets and cancel the ones they don't need 1 day before departure (cancellation fees are low).

  • Refresh the App intensely between 11 PM and midnight the day before travel. You might catch a released seat.

4. Is the Korail Pass Worth It?​

The Korail Pass allows unlimited KTX rides for a set period (e.g., 2 consecutive days or 2 flexible days).

The Math (Adult Fare):

  • Seoul ↔ Busan Round Trip: ~119,600 KRW
  • 2-Day Select Pass: ~121,000 KRW

Conclusion:

  • Just going to Busan and back? Don't buy the pass. It's roughly the same price, but individual tickets are more flexible.
  • Going to Busan + Gyeongju + Seoul? Yes, the pass saves you money.

Need to figure out how to get to Seoul Station first? Check our Public Transport Guide.