For Seoul to Busan, the KTX high-speed train is the default: about two and a half hours station to station, with a standard one-way fare around ₩54,000. Since 1 September 2026 the old SRT trains from Suseo Station (수서역) are sold as KTX too, in the same app, so the old KTX-versus-SRT choice is now mostly a question of which Seoul station is closer to your hotel. Express buses cost less and take longer. Domestic flights make sense mainly for Jeju.
Which one should you take?
| Option | Leaves from | Time (Seoul to Busan) | Cost (adult, one way) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KTX | Seoul Station (서울역), Yongsan Station (용산역) or Suseo Station (수서역) | About 2.5 hours, depends on the train | Around ₩54,000 standard; check the app | Most trips between big cities |
| Express bus | Seoul Express Bus Terminal (서울고속버스터미널) and others | Several hours, depends on traffic | Usually cheaper than the train; check the fare when you book | Cities with no train, tight budgets |
| Domestic flight | Gimpo Airport (김포공항) | Flight is short, but add airport time | Varies by date and airline | Jeju Island |
KTX and the SRT merger
- What changed Korail (the KTX operator) and SR (the SRT operator) merged their high-speed services on 1 September 2026. Former SRT trains now run under the KTX name.
- Fares Fares were lowered to the SRT level, an average cut of about 10% on KTX routes. Seoul to Busan standard class was reported at ₩54,400, down from ₩59,800. Confirm the exact price in the app.
- Stations Seoul Station, Yongsan and Suseo are all still in use. Check the departure station on the booking screen, because trains are no longer split strictly by operator.
Suseo is in southeast Seoul, handy if you stay in Gangnam, Jamsil or Songpa. Seoul Station is the central hub, linked to the subway and the AREX airport train.
Booking the train as a visitor
- Where Use the Korail+ app (the renamed Korail Talk), the Korail website, or a station ticket counter. The old SRT app and SR website have been wound down.
- Languages The ministry says Korail+ supports seven languages. Check that your language is on the list in the app store.
- Paying with a foreign card Korail has said its English site accepts cards issued overseas. We could not confirm how this works in the new app, so try it a day or two ahead. If it fails, buy at a station counter and bring your passport.
- When Booking opens two months before the travel date from October 2026. Weekends and holidays sell out, so book early.
KORAIL PASS for visitors
KORAIL PASS is a rail pass sold to foreign visitors for a set number of days. Korail's pass page says it does not include SRT, metropolitan railway or special tourist trains; whether that changes after the merger is not confirmed. Prices, eligibility and rules change, so read the current terms on Korail's English site before buying. A pass only pays off if you take several long trips in a few days; for one Seoul to Busan return, compare it with two single tickets.
Express bus
- Where Seoul Express Bus Terminal (서울고속버스터미널) is the main hub. Other cities have their own terminals, so check which one your bus uses.
- Booking Buy at the terminal counter or on the official bus booking site. We could not confirm online foreign-card acceptance, so plan on the counter.
- Good to know Seats come in standard and more spacious classes. Traffic on Friday evenings and holidays can add a lot of time.
Domestic flights
The usual route is Gimpo Airport (김포공항) to Jeju. Gimpo is on the AREX line and subway lines 5 and 9. Arrive early for security, bring your passport as ID, and check baggage rules with the airline. For Seoul to Busan the train is normally less trouble once you count airport time.
At the station: step by step
- Show up 15 to 20 minutes before departure. Large stations like Seoul Station are big.
- Check your platform and car number on the departure board and in your ticket.
- Use your mobile ticket or printed ticket. Keep the ticket on your phone or in hand, because staff can check it on board.
- Find your seat number. Large suitcases go on the racks at the end of the car or above the seats.
- Get off at your station and check the name on the display in the car.
FAQ
Is SRT still a separate train?
The SRT name has been replaced by KTX on the booking side since 1 September 2026. Trains from Suseo are sold in the same Korail+ app.
Can I buy a ticket on the day?
Sometimes, at a station counter or in the app, but popular times sell out. Book ahead for weekends and holidays.
Does the KORAIL PASS cover the SRT line from Suseo?
Korail's page listed SRT as excluded. After the merger, check the current terms before relying on it.
Do I need a Korean phone number?
Some sign-up steps may ask for one. If the app will not let you register, use the station counter.
Sources and last check
Written from Korean government and Korail/SR announcements about the KTX and SRT merger, and Korea JoongAng Daily and SBS reports of the fare change, checked on 28 October 2026. Fares, timetables and pass terms change, so confirm them in the Korail+ app or at the station before you travel.