Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Prices vary according to train type, class, and distance. A
Saemaul
ticket from Seoul to
Busan, for example, costs around 43,000 won; for another 6,000 won you can bump your-
self up to first class. The same trip on a slower
Mugunghwa
train costs under 30,000 won.
Standing head and shoulders above the other services is the KTX high-speed train, based
on France's TGV technology and launched with much fanfare in 2004. The KTX connects
Seoul with Daejeon, Daegu, and Busan via the Gyeongbu Line and Gwangju and Mokpo
via the Honam Line, reaching speeds of around 300 kilometers per hour (180 mph) on a
special high-speed track that is still in the process of being extended. The KTX has slashed
the travel time from Seoul to Busan to just over two and a half hours, making it a legitimate
alternative to flying—in fact, the introduction of the service has proved a substantial head-
ache for airlines now facing dwindling passenger numbers on important domestic routes.
The trains are sleek, quiet, comfortable, and equipped with washrooms and some facilities
for the disabled. While there are no dining cars, vendors regularly make the rounds selling
light snacks, coffee, soft drinks, and beer.
TRAVEL TIMES
Here's a short list of key destinations with approximate travel times to and from
Seoul by common modes of transportation.
• Busan: Train (KTX) 2 hours 40 minutes, bus 5 hours
• Chuncheon: Train (ITX) 1 hour 10 minutes
• Sokcho: Bus 3 hours
• Daejeon: Train (KTX) 1 hour, bus 2 hours
• Daegu: Train (KTX) 2 hours, bus 3 hours 30 minutes
• Gyeongju: Train (KTX) 2 hours, bus 4 hours
• Andong: Train 4 hours, bus 3 hours
• Jeonju: Train (KTX) 2 hours, bus 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yeosu: Train (KTX) 3 hours 40 minutes, bus 4 hours
Like other trains, the KTX has standard first-class (
tukshil
) seating. Standard class is
perfectly adequate for most, but larger passengers may find it somewhat cramped and want
to spring for special class, which has far roomier seating and nice perks such as free news-
