If you’ve been living in Korea for a while or traveling here for an extended period, you’ve probably thought about visiting other cities beyond where you’re currently staying.
You could always take a flight or a bus.
But honestly, taking a Korean train is something you should experience at least once.
Still, I’ve often seen foreigners struggle with booking train tickets.
Some even end up paying a service fee to have a Korean book the tickets for them.
That’s why I’m writing this post.
KORAIL (Korea Railroad Corporation) provides full online booking support for foreigners — which means you can absolutely do it on your own.
KTX: Korea’s High-Speed Train
Korea has two main high-speed train services: KTX and SRT.
In this post, I’ll focus on KTX, since it operates more routes and offers more station options across the country.
(Don’t worry, I’ll cover SRT in detail in another post!)
KTX (Korea Train eXpress) is Korea’s high-speed train, operated by KORAIL.
Seats are divided into First Class with a 2+1 seating configuration and Economy Class with a 2+2 configuration.
On board, you’ll find luggage racks for suitcases, restrooms, vending machines, and even nursing rooms.
Different Types of KTX Trains
Depending on when they were developed and the technology used, KTX trains are divided into several types.
KTX-Sancheon, introduced in 2010, was the second high-speed train commercialized in Korea. It was developed using Korean technology by KORAIL.
Compared to the original KTX, it offers a quieter and smoother ride.
You can think of it as the second generation of KTX.
KTX-Eum, which began operating in January 2021, is an EMU-type (electric multiple unit) high-speed train.
Unlike earlier KTX models that rely on separate power cars, KTX-Eum uses a distributed traction system.
This allows for better acceleration, smoother braking, and overall improved ride quality.
The newest model, introduced in 2024, is KTX-Cheongryong.
It’s the latest-generation EMU high-speed train and currently the fastest and most advanced KTX model in operation.
Not all types operate on every route. The train type depends on your destination.
But don’t stress if the names seem confusing.
As long as the train name starts with “KTX-,” that’s the high-speed train you’re looking for.
How to Buy KTX Tickets
You can purchase KTX tickets:
- At the train station (ticket counter or kiosk)
- Online via the KORAIL website
- Through the KORAIL Talk mobile app
I highly recommend buying your ticket online.
The KORAIL website and app both support multiple languages and accept international credit cards.
It’s easier to choose schedules and seats, and you can use a mobile ticket instead of printing a paper one.
📌 Book Tickets on the Official KORAIL Website
📌 Install the KORAIL Talk App (Search “KORAIL TALK”)
Buying Tickets on the KORAIL Website
First, select your preferred language.
KORAIL supports Korean, English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Indonesian.
For this guide, I’ll use English screenshots.
You can ignore the “Normal type” option and start by selecting your departure and arrival stations.
When selecting stations, a pop-up window will appear. Stations highlighted in blue are KTX stations.
Most popular travel destinations in Korea are accessible by KTX.
One important note:
Daegu has three stations — Daegu Station, Dongdaegu Station, and Seodaegu Station.
KTX stops only at Dongdaegu and Seodaegu, so make sure you choose the right station.
Even if KTX doesn’t stop at your departure or arrival station, there’s no need to worry.
You can still purchase tickets to all listed stations through KORAIL, and those without KTX service are accessible by regular trains.
Select your departure date and number of passengers, then click Search.
For this example, let’s assume you’re taking a KTX from Seoul to Busan on March 10, 2026, between 12 PM and 1 PM.
Here’s what you need to check carefully: the train type.
Even if you select Seoul Station and Busan Station, which are both KTX stations, you’ll see other train names like ITX-Maum and Mugunghwa.
These are regular trains, not high-speed trains.
They are cheaper than KTX and will still get you to your destination — but travel time is longer.
A KTX trip from Seoul to Busan takes about 3 hours. A regular train may take 5–6 hours.
If you’d rather avoid confusion, click the KTX button instead of “All” to filter only KTX trains.
Now choose between Economy Class and First Class.
As of 2026, a one-way ticket from Seoul to Busan costs ₩59,800 in Economy and ₩83,700 in First Class.
Once you’ve picked your class, don’t click “Reservation” just yet.
First, tap “Seat Selection” so you can choose your seat.
You can select your preferred car and seat number.
On KTX trains, seats are arranged either forward-facing or backward-facing, usually centered around seats 8 and 9 where the table seats are located.
It really comes down to personal preference, but forward-facing seats tend to sell out a bit faster.
Once you’ve chosen your seat, click Apply Selection, then proceed to Reservation.
To complete your purchase, you’ll need to create a simple account and follow the payment steps on the screen.
Keep in mind that your selected seat is usually held for about 10 minutes.
So it’s best to complete your payment within that time to secure your seat — otherwise, you may have to go through the selection process again.
Buying Tickets on the KORAIL Talk App
The process for buying tickets through the app is almost identical to booking on the website.
First, tap the Language icon and select your preferred language from Korean, English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, or Indonesian.
There’s no need to worry about “Normal type” — simply start by selecting your departure and arrival stations.
When choosing your stations, a pop-up window will appear. Stations highlighted in blue are KTX stations.
Most major travel destinations in Korea are accessible by KTX.
One important note:
Daegu has three stations — Daegu Station, Dongdaegu Station, and Seodaegu Station.
KTX stops only at Dongdaegu and Seodaegu, so make sure you choose the right station.
Even if KTX doesn’t stop at your departure or arrival station, there’s no need to worry.
You can still purchase tickets to all listed stations through KORAIL, and those without KTX service are accessible by regular trains.
Next, select your departure date and number of passengers, then tap Search.
For this example, let’s assume you’re taking a KTX from Seoul to Busan on March 10, 2026, between 12 PM and 1 PM.
Be sure to check both the train type and travel time carefully.
The schedule includes not only KTX trains but also regular trains such as ITX-Maum and Mugunghwa operating on the same route.
If you only want to see KTX options, simply tap the KTX filter button.
Now, choose between Economy Class and First Class.
As of 2026, a one-way ticket from Seoul to Busan costs ₩59,800 in Economy and ₩83,700 in First Class.
Once you’ve selected your class, a new window will appear at the bottom of the screen.
Before tapping Reservation, select Seat Selection so you can choose your seat.
Here, you can choose your preferred car and seat number.
On KTX trains, seats are arranged either forward-facing or backward-facing, usually centered around seats 8 and 9 where the table seats are located.
It ultimately comes down to personal preference, but forward-facing seats tend to sell out a bit faster.
Once you’ve chosen your seat, tap Apply Selection, then proceed to Reservation.
To complete your purchase, you’ll need to create a simple account and follow the payment steps on the screen.
Keep in mind that your selected seat is usually held for about 10 minutes.
It’s best to complete your payment within that time to secure your seat — otherwise, you may need to go through the selection process again.
What to Do If Seats Are Sold Out?
If your train is fully booked, check whether standing tickets are available.
Standing tickets allow you to stand in the aisle between cars at a lower price.
If you’re okay standing for the trip, it can be a cheaper alternative.
Ticket Checks on the KTX
There is no separate ticket check at the station.
Just check the train number on the departure board, go to the right platform, and get on the train.
Ticket checks happen once the train has departed.
Train staff walk through the train and checks passengers’ seat information using a handheld device.
If someone is sitting in a seat that isn’t assigned to them, they’ll be checked.
Passengers with standing tickets are more likely to be checked.
If you ride without a valid ticket or refuse inspection, you must pay double the ticket price.
Fraudulent use of discount tickets or ticket forgery will result in a penalty of 10–30 times the ticket price.
Train Etiquette in Korea
Train etiquette in Korea tends to be stricter than on buses or subways.
Here are the key rules:
- Avoid loud conversations or laughter.
- Use earphones when watching videos or listening to music.
- Take phone calls outside the train car and speak quietly.
- Store large suitcases in luggage areas near the doors.
- Eating is allowed, but avoid strong-smelling food.
- Smoking and hazardous materials are strictly prohibited.
- Line up before boarding and let passengers exit first.
Now you’re fully ready to travel across Korea by KTX!
I hope this guide was helpful.
Have a safe and enjoyable train journey in Korea! 🚄🇰🇷
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