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Seoul to Busan: The Ultimate Transport Battle (KTX vs. SRT vs. Bus vs. Flight)

· 2 min read
Kai Miller
Kai Miller
Cultural Explorer & Photographer

The journey from Seoul to Busan covers about 325 kilometers (200 miles) diagonally across the peninsula. It is the "Golden Route" of Korean travel. Almost every tourist will make this trip, and you have four distinct ways to do it.

Do you want to get there fast? Cheap? Or in luxury? Let's break it down.

Seoul to Busan: The Ultimate Transport Battle (KTX vs. SRT vs. Bus vs. Flight)

1. KTX (Korea Train Express): The Default Choice​

  • Time: 2 hours 30 minutes.
  • Cost: ~59,800 KRW (One way).
  • Departure: Seoul Station (Northern/Central Seoul).
  • Verdict: Ideal for most tourists. It's fast, reliable, and Seoul Station is easy to reach from Myeongdong or Hongdae. Book 2 weeks in advance for weekends.

2. SRT (Super Rapid Train): The Gangnam Alternative​

  • Time: 2 hours 10 minutes.
  • Cost: ~52,000 KRW.
  • Departure: Suseo Station (Gangnam/Southern Seoul).
  • Verdict: If you are staying in Gangnam, do not go to Seoul Station. Take the SRT. It's cheaper, faster, and the trains are newer (more legroom).

3. The Premium Bus: A Hotel on Wheels​

  • Time: 4 hours (Traffic dependent).
  • Cost: ~45,000 KRW (Premium Gold Class).
  • Departure: Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gangnam).
  • Verdict: Choose this if you want to sleep. The seats recline 160 degrees, have privacy curtains, and individual TV screens. It is more comfortable than the KTX First Class, but slower.

4. Domestic Flight: The Illusion of Speed​

  • Time: 50 minutes (Air time).
  • Cost: 30,000 - 80,000 KRW (Highly variable).
  • Departure: Gimpo Airport (GMP).
  • Verdict: By the time you travel to Gimpo, pass security, fly, land in Gimhae, and take the Light Rail to Busan city center, you have spent 4 hours. Only worth it if you get a super cheap ticket or live next to Gimpo.

Summary Decision Matrix​

  1. Staying in Hongdae/Myeongdong? -> KTX.
  2. Staying in Gangnam? -> SRT.
  3. On a budget? -> Regular Bus (~25,000 KRW).
  4. Want luxury sleep? -> Premium Bus.

No matter how you get there, the ocean air of Busan makes the trip worth it.