🚆 Transportation in Korea
KTX and SRT rail, metro systems, buses and transport cards — understand how to move around South Korea.
KTX — Korea High-Speed Rail
Headline ServiceKTX is South Korea's high-speed rail service operated by Korail (한국철도공사). It connects major cities including Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju at speeds up to 300 km/h, reducing Seoul–Busan travel time to around 2.5 hours.
Operator
Korail (한국철도공사) — state-owned national rail corporation.
Major Stations
Seoul Station (서울역), Yongsan (용산역), Busan (부산역), Daegu (동대구역), Gwangju Songjeong (광주송정역), Daejeon (대전역).
Booking
Book via the official KORAIL website (korail.com), the Korail Talk app, or station ticket machines. Advance booking is strongly recommended during holidays and peak periods.
Official KORAIL Booking ↗Train Categories
KTX (high-speed), KTX-Eum (next-gen), ITX-Saemaeul (inter-city express), Mugunghwa (standard). Fares and journey times vary by category.
Foreign Visitors & Residents
Passport or Korean ID is sufficient for travel. KTX uses reserved tickets (printed or mobile), not T-money swipe. No special foreigner restrictions apply.
Luggage
No checked baggage service unlike air travel. Luggage goes in overhead racks or beside seats. Avoid oversized luggage during peak hours.
SRT — Suseo High-Speed Rail
SRT is South Korea's second high-speed service, operated by SR Corporation (주식회사 SR) — distinct from Korail. SRT departs from Suseo Station (수서역) in southeastern Seoul and covers Busan, Gyeongsang routes and others.
Practical difference from KTX
SRT departs from Suseo, not Seoul Station. Tickets are booked separately via SRT's own platform, not through Korail.
Official SRT Booking ↗When to choose SRT
If you're located in southeastern Seoul (Yeoksam, Banpo, Daechie area), Suseo may be closer than Seoul Station. Compare fares and times with KTX before deciding.
Metro & Urban Rail
South Korea has extensive metro networks in major cities. Each city operates its own system, but they're integrated with seamless transfers.
Seoul
Seoul Metro (9 lines + GTX)
Seoul Metro Corp + Korail
Largest network, covers Seoul and parts of Gyeonggi-do.
Busan
Busan Metro (4 lines)
Busan Transportation Corporation
Covers port areas, coast and city center.
Daegu
Daegu Metro (3 lines)
Daegu Urban Railway Corporation
Includes elevated monorail line (Line 3).
Incheon
Incheon Metro (2 lines)
Incheon Transit Corporation
Connected to Seoul network and AREX airport line.
Practical Metro Tips
- Use T-money or Cashbee for seamless transfers between lines with transfer discounts (환승 할인).
- Last trains in Seoul typically run around midnight but vary by line. Always verify via the official app — do not rely on unofficial sources.
- For metro routes: use Naver Map or Kakao Map for real-time route planning.
City Buses
City buses operate across all Korean cities. In Seoul, buses are color-coded: Blue (간선) for major arterial routes, Green (지선) for neighborhood feeders, Red (광역) for express inter-city.
How to Board
- Wait at the designated stop (numbered signs).
- Tap T-money on reader when boarding.
- Tap again when exiting for transfer discount.
Stop Information
Most stops have digital boards showing arrival times. Use Naver Map or Kakao Map apps for stop numbers and real-time arrival.
T-money Transport Card
T-money is a prepaid transport card used across virtually all public transit in Korea: metro, city buses, urban rail, and even some taxis. Essential for any resident or visitor.
Where to Buy
Available at metro station ticket machines, convenience stores (GS25, CU, emart24, 7-Eleven), and post offices. Initial card fee plus loaded balance.
How to Reload
Reload at metro station machines, convenience store counters, or self-service kiosks. Maximum balance is 500,000 KRW.
Transfer Discounts
Transfer discount applies within 30 minutes of exit in Seoul (bus↔metro). You must tap on boarding AND alighting from the bus for the discount.
For Visitors
Metro allows cash purchase but buses are often card-only. T-money is the easiest solution for all transport needs.
Taxis
Taxi Types
Regular taxis (grey or yellow), premium (black), and app-hailed (Kakao T most common). Airport taxis have separate fare structures.
Payment & Destination
- Most drivers accept T-money, credit cards, and cash.
- Write your destination in Korean or show Naver Map to the driver.
- Kakao T sends your destination directly — eliminates language barriers.
Airports & Transport Links
✈️ Incheon International Airport (ICN)
South Korea's main international gateway, approximately 55 km west of Seoul.
- AREX: Airport Express (AREX): direct to Seoul Station in ~43 min (express) or ~66 min (all-stops).
- Limousine Buses: Cover most Seoul neighborhoods and Gyeonggi, with luggage space.
- Taxi: Available 24h. Regular taxi to central Seoul: ~60-90 min depending on traffic.
✈️ Gimpo Airport (GMP)
Domestic and some short-haul international flights (Tokyo, Osaka, Beijing). Metro connected: Seoul Lines 5, 9, and KAIX airport rail.
✈️ Gimhae Airport (PUS)
Busan's main airport. Accessible by Busan metro or bus. No dedicated airport rail currently — check current transport options.
✈️ Jeju Airport (CJU)
Busiest domestic destination. No metro in Jeju — visitors use buses, taxis, and car rental.
AREX — Incheon Airport Express
AREX connects Incheon Airport directly to Seoul Station. The express (43 min) runs non-stop; the all-stop (66 min) serves intermediate stations. Both integrate with Seoul metro and accept T-money.
Intercity & Express Buses
Intercity express buses operate from central terminals like Seoul Express Bus Terminal (강남터미널) and Dong Seoul Terminal. Usually cheaper than KTX with wider coverage of smaller cities.
Booking
Book via Kobus (kobus.co.kr) or at the terminal. Advance booking essential during weekends and public holidays.
Official Kobus Portal ↗Foreign Resident & Visitor Guide
How do I travel from Incheon Airport to Seoul?
Easiest: Take AREX from the airport basement — express to Seoul Station in 43 min. Or take a limousine bus directly to your neighborhood, or a taxi if you have heavy luggage.
How do I take KTX?
Book via korail.com or at station ticket machines. Go to Seoul Station (서울역) or Yongsan (용산역). Select destination, buy ticket (print or mobile QR). Board at specified platform to your assigned seat.
Where do I buy and reload a T-money card?
Buy at metro station machines or any GS25, CU, emart24, 7-Eleven. Reload at the same places or metro kiosks with cash.
How do I travel from Seoul to Busan?
① KTX from Seoul Station (~2.5 hrs) ② SRT from Suseo (~2.5 hrs) ③ Express bus (~4-5 hrs) ④ Domestic flight (~1 hr, but airport overhead adds time). KTX is usually best overall.
Latest Transport Updates
No urgent transport updates at this time. This section updates automatically when new transport news is published.