How to Ride the KTX in South Korea: Tips & Tricks for a Smooth Journey

If you’ve seen Train to Busan, don’t worry — the real KTX experience has a lot fewer zombies and isn’t nearly as terrifying. The ride is usually very pleasant, with beautiful views.

The Korean equivalent of a Shinkansen, KTX (Korea Train Express), is South Korea’s high-speed bullet train that zips between cities like Seoul, Busan, and Gwangju at over 300km/h. Whether you’re planning a chill day trip or a cross-country adventure, here’s how to ride it like a pro (If you’re looking for zombie survival tips, though… you’re in the wrong article.).

Also read: Explore Seoul, Busan, and Jeju with This 10D9N South Korea Itinerary.

Booking tickets

Booking a KTX ticket is simple… until you realise the good seats are gone and you’re stuck with a 7 am departure, which leads to you almost missing your train. Been there, done that, not doing it again.

The Korail website is where most people book. It opens seats one month in advance, has an English version, and accepts foreign cards. Just be prepared, the interface feels like it hasn’t changed since the early 2000s. Still, it gets the job done, and you’ll get a printable ticket at the end. Screenshotting your ticket sometimes works, but it’s safer to have a PDF or printout on hand.

If clunky websites aren’t your thing, Klook or Rail Ninja are more user-friendly. They let you book earlier than Korail, and the whole process feels smoother, though prices are slightly higher.

There’s also the Korail Pass, which is a tourist pass for unlimited rides over a few days (choose between 2, 3, 4, or 5 days, either back-to-back or flexible). It’s worth considering if you’re hopping around the country a lot. Just make sure to buy it before you arrive in Korea.

Tripzilla Tip: If you’re travelling over a weekend or during a public holiday, book early. Popular routes like Seoul to Busan fill up fast. Don’t be like me and end up groggy on a morning train just because you waited too long.

Where to board the KTX (if you’re coming from Seoul)

KTX trains don’t all leave from the same place, so double-check your ticket before rocking up with your hotteok and coffee.

If you’re in Seoul, your train might depart from any of these stations:

• Seoul Station: The main hub, especially for the popular Seoul–Busan route

• Yongsan Station: For trips to places like Gwangju or Mokpo (Honam Line)

• Cheongnyangni Station: Serves routes heading northeast

• Yeongdeungpo Station: Less common, but still in the mix

The departure station is listed on your ticket. Please don’t be like that one tourist who casually strolled into Seoul Station, only to realise their train was at Yongsan… across town… leaving in 15 minutes.

TL;DR: Always check your departure station. Naver Maps is your friend.

Also read: Best Korea Travel Apps to Download For Your Trip in 2025

Boarding tips

You should arrive about 20 to 30 minutes early. That gives you time to find your platform, grab a snack, and avoid unnecessary panic.

You’ll tap your T-money card at the gantry to enter, just like the subway. And then (kind of shockingly) you can just walk straight onto the train. Your ticket might not even get checked! As long as you sit in the right seat, no one says anything.

Not gonna lie, it’s tempting not to buy a ticket at all. But let’s not do that. The staff know which seats are supposed to be filled, and random spot checks do happen. Plus, it’s Korea. People will notice, and you will feel shame.

Your carriage and seat number will be printed on your ticket (e.g., Car 6, Seat 14B). The trains are well-labelled, so just walk along the platform, find your door, and hop in.

One last thing is that trains leave on the dot. If you’ve been to Japan, you should be used to this, but if the ticket says 7.00 am, it’s moving at 7.00 am. No holding the door.

What it’s like onboard

Once you’re on the KTX, the vibe shifts. It’s quiet, clean, and weirdly peaceful for a train that hits 300km/h.

The seats in economy class are comfy with decent legroom. Not airplane levels of cramped, but don’t expect to fully stretch out either. Some rows have USB ports or power sockets, though not every seat gets one, so it’s smart to charge your phone beforehand just in case.

There’s free Wi-Fi, but it comes with a time limit and can be spotty if you’re streaming or downloading. If you want a stable connection, having a Korean SIM or pocket Wi-Fi is a better bet. For luggage, there’s space above your seat for smaller bags, and racks near the doors for bigger suitcases. Just stash and go; this isn’t a “watch your bags every second” kind of country.

Oh, and bring your own snacks. Some trains have vending machines, but there’s no meal cart, and once you’re rolling, options are limited. Most people stock up at the station before boarding.

Also read: Unlocked: Filming Locations Of Your Favourite Korean Shows

Things you might be wondering, but felt too awkward to ask)

Can I use my phone on the train?
Yes, totally. Just keep your voice down and use earphones. Most people scroll quietly or nap. It’s a silent main character kind of vibe.

Will I get lost if I can’t read Korean?
Unlikely. Signage and announcements are in both Korean and English, and staff are usually helpful if you ask. You’ll be fine, even if you’re solo.

Do I need to show ID or anything?
Nope. You just tap your transport card to enter the platform, and no one checks your passport or ID. In most cases, even your ticket won’t be checked unless there’s a seat mix-up.

Can I eat on the train?
Yes, quietly. There’s no meal service, so most people bring food from the station. Just be considerate, and maybe skip anything with strong smells.

Is it safe to leave my bag unattended?
It is. Korea’s public transport culture is built on trust. There are luggage racks near the doors and overhead compartments above the seats. Most people don’t keep their bags right next to them.

Do the seats face forward?
Some do, some don’t. Half the carriage usually faces backward. Your ticket will say which direction you’re facing, so if motion sickness is a thing, try booking early and requesting a forward-facing seat.

Final thoughts

I love long train rides, especially with a window seat. There’s something about watching the countryside blur past that just hits differently. The KTX makes that experience easy, comfy, and honestly peaceful.

It’s not as complicated as it seems. Book your ticket, show up on time, and let the train do the rest. So don’t stress too much. Just sit back and enjoy the view.