KTX (Korea Train eXpress)

KTX (Korea Train eXpress) is South Korea's flagship high-speed railway service, connecting Seoul with major cities across the country. It provides fast intercity travel for business, tourism, education, and everyday commuting while linking the nation's principal transportation hubs.

Operated by Korail, KTX serves destinations including Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju, Mokpo, Pohang, Gangneung, Jinju, and Yeosu. High-speed services operate on dedicated rail corridors for much of their journey before continuing onto conventional railway lines to reach additional cities.

Contact Information

Information	Details
Official Service	KTX (Korea Train eXpress)
Operator	Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail)
Category	High-Speed Rail Service
Head Office	240 Jungang-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea
Customer Center	1544-7788
International Telephone Format	+82 1544-7788
Online Booking	Korail website and Korail Talk mobile application
Website	www.letskorail.com
Primary Routes	Gyeongbu Line, Honam Line, Jeolla Line, Gyeongjeon Line, Gangneung Line, Jungang Line, and connecting routes
Service Area	South Korea
Top Operating Speed	Up to 305 km/h

Overview

KTX began commercial operations in 2004 and has become the backbone of South Korea's national passenger railway network. The service significantly reduced travel times between Seoul and regional cities while supporting economic activity, tourism, and regional connectivity.

Passengers can board KTX trains from major stations including Seoul, Yongsan, Cheongnyangni, Daejeon, Dongdaegu, Busan, GwangjuSongjeong, Mokpo, Gangneung, Pohang, Jinju, and Yeosu-Expo. Many stations provide convenient transfers to Seoul Metro, Busan Metro, local railways, intercity buses, airports, and conventional Korail train services.

KTX trains offer Standard Class and First Class seating, luggage storage areas, accessible facilities, restrooms, passenger information displays, onboard attendants on selected services, and reserved seating throughout the journey. Available amenities may vary depending on the train type and route.

Stations and Passenger Facilities

KTX stations provide ticket offices, self-service ticket machines, passenger information displays, waiting areas, restrooms, convenience stores, restaurants, lockers, and customer service counters. Major stations also offer parking, taxi stands, bus terminals, and connections to local subway or commuter rail services.

Facilities vary by station. Larger railway terminals such as Seoul Station and Busan Station include shopping areas, cafés, banking services, tourist information centers, and additional passenger amenities.

Station Transfers

Many KTX stations connect directly with Seoul Metro, Busan Metro, Daegu Metro, Gwangju Metro, conventional Korail trains, airport transportation, intercity buses, and local bus networks. Transfer procedures differ depending on the station and connecting service.

Passengers should follow station signs carefully, as some transfers require walking between platforms, station buildings, or separate fare areas.

Tickets and Reservations

KTX tickets can be purchased through Korail ticket offices, self-service machines, the official Korail website, the Korail Talk mobile application, travel agencies, and selected ticket partners.

Every passenger is assigned a reserved seat. Travelers should board the train indicated on the ticket and occupy the assigned carriage and seat number shown on the reservation.

Korail Talk Mobile Tickets

The Korail Talk application allows passengers to search schedules, purchase tickets, receive mobile boarding tickets, change reservations, and cancel eligible bookings.

Passengers using mobile tickets should ensure that their device is sufficiently charged before boarding and have the ticket available for inspection during the journey.

Korail Pass

Eligible international visitors may purchase a Korail Pass, which provides unlimited travel on participating Korail train services during the selected validity period. Different pass options are available for consecutive or flexible travel days.

Seat reservations remain necessary for KTX travel even when using a Korail Pass. Availability depends on the selected train and travel date.

Train Classes

Standard Class

Standard Class provides reserved seating, luggage storage, air conditioning, power outlets on many trains, restrooms, and passenger information displays. Amenities may differ between train models.

First Class

First Class offers wider seating, additional legroom, and a quieter travel environment. Complimentary services and onboard amenities may vary according to the train type and operating service.

Operating Services

KTX operates daily across South Korea with departure frequencies varying by route, destination, time of day, weekends, holidays, maintenance work, and passenger demand.

Some trains operate as express services with limited stops, while others serve additional intermediate stations. Passengers should review the stopping pattern before completing their reservation.

Baggage

Passengers are responsible for supervising their own belongings throughout the journey. Small luggage may be stored in overhead racks, while larger suitcases should be placed in designated luggage storage areas within the carriage.

Items that may endanger railway operations or inconvenience other passengers are prohibited. Oversized luggage, dangerous goods, flammable materials, and prohibited articles are subject to Korail's passenger regulations.

Accessibility and Passenger Assistance

KTX stations provide accessible entrances, elevators, escalators, tactile guidance, accessible restrooms, wheelchair-accessible boarding facilities, and designated seating areas for passengers with disabilities.

Passengers requiring boarding assistance are encouraged to contact Korail before departure or request assistance from station staff upon arrival.

Connections

Metro Systems

Major KTX stations provide convenient connections to Seoul Metro, Busan Metro, Daegu Metro, Daejeon Metro, and Gwangju Metro, allowing passengers to continue their journeys throughout each city.

Regional and Conventional Rail

Korail's conventional passenger services, including ITX and Mugunghwa trains, connect many destinations beyond the high-speed railway network.

Buses and Airports

Intercity buses, express buses, airport limousine buses, taxis, and local bus routes operate from many KTX stations, providing onward transportation throughout South Korea.