Seoul to Busan by Train (2026): KTX from Seoul Station or Suseo, Fares and Booking
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What changed in 2026
Until 2026, Korea had two high-speed train operators:
- KTX (KORAIL) from Seoul and Yongsan Stations
- SRT (SR) from Suseo Station in southern Seoul
On 1 September 2026 the two were merged. Here’s what that means for you:
- One booking system: KORAIL’s website or the Korail+ app, which replaced both the Korail Talk and SRT apps.
- Lower fares: Seoul–Busan standard fares dropped about 10%, from ₩59,800 to ₩54,400.
- Both stations still have trains: former SRT trains from Suseo now run under the KTX name.
Many guides online still describe “KTX vs SRT” as two separate choices. That’s out of date.
Which Seoul station should you leave from?
| Departure | Best if you’re staying in | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul Station | Myeongdong, Jongno, Hongdae, anywhere north of the river | Direct airport train (AREX) from Incheon |
| Suseo Station | Gangnam, Jamsil, southeast Seoul | Trains from here skip central Seoul, saving time if you’re staying nearby |
Both arrive at Busan Station, which connects to Busan Metro Line 1.
Fares and journey time
| Seoul → Busan | |
|---|---|
| Standard seat | ₩54,400 |
| Journey time | About 2½ hours; fastest services just over 2 hours |
First class costs more. We couldn’t confirm the new post-merger first-class fare, so check it when you book.
How to book as a visitor
- Online: use KORAIL’s English website (korail.com/global) or the Korail+ app. Search for Seoul or Suseo to Busan and pay by credit card.
- At the station: use the ticket machines or the counter. You can’t buy train tickets at subway stations.
Things to know:
- When tickets go on sale: KORAIL’s English pages give different booking windows (one month in one place, two months in another). Check the booking page for your date.
- Foreign cards: they can fail at the card security step. If that happens, try another card or buy at the station.
- No seats left? Standing and non-reserved tickets are sold on busy trains.
Luggage
- Bring at most two pieces you can carry yourself.
- Keep them in the racks or luggage areas, not on seats or in the aisle.
- Pets under 10 kg must travel in a carrier. Bikes must be folded or bagged.
- For long trips with big suitcases, consider a luggage delivery service so you can travel light.
Changing or cancelling
Changes: after the merger, free changes are allowed from 7 days before to 7 days after your travel date, up to 30 minutes before departure.
Cancellations:
- Within 10 minutes of buying: free.
- Until the day before travel: usually free, though a small fee applies on weekends and holidays.
- After that, the fee rises the closer you get to departure.
- Once the train has left, refunds are only possible at a station counter, and not after the train arrives.
Check the exact percentages in KORAIL’s ticketing guide before you book a non-refundable plan around the train.
If your train is 60 minutes or more late, you’re entitled to compensation of 50–100% of the fare, depending on the delay.
Lost something on the train? Call +82-1599-7777, or search lost112.go.kr.
Heading to Busan in spring? See cherry blossoms 2027. For the KORAIL Pass and local transit cards, see transit cards compared.
Questions people ask
Do KTX and SRT still exist as separate trains?
Not as separate services. On 1 September 2026, KORAIL and SR merged their high-speed services. Trains from Suseo still run, but they're now booked as KTX through KORAIL. The SRT app is being closed.
How long does the train from Seoul to Busan take?
Around 2½ hours on a typical KTX, and a little over 2 hours on the fastest services. Check the exact time when you book, since it depends on how many stops the train makes.
Can I use the KORAIL Pass on trains from Suseo?
The KORAIL Pass covers KTX. KORAIL's pass page still says the pass isn't valid on SRT, and that wording predates the merger. Check with KORAIL before relying on the pass for a Suseo departure.
Can I buy a ticket at the station on the day?
Yes, at ticket machines and counters, but popular times sell out, especially on Fridays, Sundays and holidays. Book online in advance if your dates are fixed.