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Korea Train Express

South Korea boasts a well-developed high-speed railway system, offering convenient connections on modern bullet trains between the country's capital and other major destinations in short periods of time. One of the most popular rail routes is the one from Seoul to Busan. The most popular fast trains are called KTX and KTX Sancheon which are operated by Korail. As a rule, there are 10 or 20 train cars forming the train set as well as several coach classes to choose from: 2nd Class (Standard) usually has seats arranged 2 by 2, whereas the KTX first class have a 2 by 1 arrangement. Both classes of the Korea Train Express offer spacious comfortable seats, have onboard bathroom facilities, vending machines. Among the biggest advantages of travel on KTX Korea trains is that there are 10+ daily departures in the KTX schedule to select from, making train travel in Korea simple and convenient.

How fast is the KTX train?

On average such a Korea train travels at the speed of 305 kph (approximately 190 mph), the maximum possible KTX speed is 330 kph (205 mph).

KTX Stations

As mentioned previously, Korea rail is a very developed transportation network, and a great perk of taking a South Korea train is that departures and arrivals are at central stations. The most popular KTX station is the Seoul Station. Other major South Korea train stations servicing the high-speed KTX train are Busan Station and Daejeon Station.

How to buy KTX tickets?

Those who plan to buy KTX tickets should know that KTX online booking is available here on Rail Ninja. You may purchase roundtrip tickets, plus make your KTX bookings for departure dates that'll be as far as 2 years ahead. It is also possible to get KTX tickets directly at the stations, yet you may encounter the possibility of no availability and higher rates for last-minute purchases as opposed to tickets with prior KTX reservation. After receiving your ticket, make sure to print it out or at least have it on your mobile device as you'll be asked to show it together with your passport when boarding the train.

KTX Lines

When looking at the KTX map it is clearly seen that there are 4 major lines making up the Korea high-speed rail. All lines begin in the capital city, Seoul. The KTX Gyeongbu Line from northwest to southeast Korea includes such cities like Busan, Ulsan, Daejeon, Suwon, among others. The KTX Gyeongjeon Line has a similar route as the previously mentioned one and stretches to towns, including Changwon. The KTX Honam Line travels mostly along the west coast of the country from north to south from Seoul to Makpo. The fourth line, KTX Jeolla Line, is used for linking Seoul with southern destinations like Suncheon.

KTX train seat map

Travel Classes Onboard KTX Train

Economy Class Seat
This type of coaches offers comfortable 2x2 arranged seats with enough legroom and enough space for your belongings as well. Onboard the train you will find free WiFi at your disposal and electric power sockets commonly available. Passengers can purchase food from vending machines onboard.
1st Class Seat
This type of cars offers comfortable seating with enough legroom and enough space for your belongings as well. The seats are arranged in three rows with the possibility to select a single seat. Seating for passengers with special needs is also provided. Passengers can also indicate their preference to be located in the silent car of the train while booking the ticket. Onboard the train you will find free WiFi and individual electric power sockets at your disposal. Travelers can purchase food from multiple vending machines.
First Class Seat
This type of cars offers comfortable seating with enough legroom and enough space for your belongings as well. The seats are arranged in three rows with the possibility to select a single seat. Seating for passengers with special needs is also provided. Passengers can also indicate their preference to be located in the silent car of the train while booking the ticket. Onboard the train you will find free WiFi and individual electric power sockets at your disposal. Travelers can purchase food from multiple vending machines.