Getting from Seoul to Busan by KTX Train (2023 Guide)

Do you want to know how to get from Seoul to Busan by KTX train? This article is right for you!

Through this guide, I will share the detailed steps when taking the KTX train to Busan from downtown Seoul.

As an overview, the Korea Train eXpress (KTX) is a high-speed train system that travels between Seoul and Busan at around 305 km/h speed.

The KTX train departs every 30 to 60 minutes from Seoul Station, with travel duration of about 2 hours and 40 minutes.

So, if you’re looking for the best and fastest way to get to Busan, this is definitely a great option. 🙂

How to Take KTX Train from Seoul to Busan (In 5 Steps)

Travelling to Busan is made easier with the KTX train.

The first step is you take the Subway going to Seoul Metro Station. Then, from Seoul Metro Station, you walk to Seoul Train Station.

From there, you will purchase the KTX train ticket and board the KTX train going to Busan Train Station. Once you arrive at Busan Train Station, you just walk to Busan Metro Station.

To make it easier to understand, here’s how to go to Busan by KTX train in 5 simple steps.

Step 1. Take a Subway to Seoul Metro Station

The first step is to take the subway to Seoul Metro Station. You can take the subway Line 1, Line 4, or the Gyeongui-Jungang Line to there. All three are connected to Seoul Metro Station.

Step 2. Walk from Seoul Metro Station to Seoul Train Station

Once you arrive at Seoul Metro Station, head to the Exit 1 so you have direct access to Seoul Train Station.

Going to Seoul Train Station is pretty easy. From the Exit 1 of Seoul Metro Station, take the escalator going up twice.

Then, turn left and you will see the Seoul Train Station. It’s just that simple. Or, you just follow the signboards of “Seoul Station” that will lead you to Seoul Train Station.

Step 3. Purchase KTX Train Ticket at Seoul Train Station

Upon arrival at Seoul Train Station, proceed directly to the ticketing office to purchase the KTX train ticket.

The KTX train fare varies depending on the age. It is 59,800 won for adults (13 years old and above) and 29,900 won for children (6 to 12 years old). And do take note that the tickets come with reserve seating.

During peak season and school holidays, the KTX train tickets sell fast, so it’s best to book online to guarantee your seat.

Don’t worry because I will share later the detailed process of booking the KTX train ticket online.

And if you are travelling with 2 or more people, it’s highly suggested that you buy the KORAIL PASS. This will let you save more money when riding the KTX train.

Everything about the KORAIL PASS will also be explained later. If you want to check it now, just click here and you will be directed to the section on why you should use KORAIL PASS.

Step 4. Board the KTX Train from Seoul Train Station to Busan Train Station

Once you have your KTX train ticket, refer to the big departure board in the train station to know which track to get on the train.

The display shown in the departure board switches between English and Korean, so nothing to worry about.

Or, you can simply ask the staff in the ticket office to help you lead the right track going to the train to Busan.

And don’t forget to bring your passport and train ticket when boarding the train.

Step 5. Walk from Busan Train Station to Busan Metro Station

When you reach Busan Train Station, head to Gate 2 and walk straight. In less than 1 minute, you will see the Busan Metro Station.

From Busan Metro Station, you can take the subway or bus going to other Busan attractions such as Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Lotte World Busan and Gamcheon Culture Village.

Then for your return journey, just take the KTX train from Busan Station to Seoul Station.

Why You Should Buy KORAIL PASS

The KORAIL PASS comes in several types, including 2-Day PASS, 3-DAY PASS, 4-Day PASS, and 5-Day PASS. So, if you want to buy the KORAIL PASS, here is my suggestion so you will pick the right type and save more money.

1. Group Type: Choose “Saver (Group of 2-5)”
2. Pass Type: Choose “Flexible”
3. Package Options: Choose “Regular Pass”
4. Validity: Choose “2 Days”

How to Book KTX Train Ticket Online

Step 1. Visit the KORAIL Website and check the TICKET RESERVATION page

The first step is to visit the TICKET RESERVATION page of the KORAIL Website.

Then, simply follow the steps below to assist you further in searching the available KTX train departure times.

1. Travel Type – Choose “Normal Type”
2. Travel Path (Direct/Transfer) – Choose “Direct”
3. Date of Departure – You can choose your preferred departure date and time. It’s highly recommended that you set the “Hour” to “0” so you get a full list of the departure times on that specific date.
4. Departure / Arrival – Choose departure as “Seoul” and arrival as “Busan”
5. Type of Train – Choose “KTX”
6. (Type and Number of) Passengers – Input the number of people you are travelling with.
7. Click the “Inquiry” button.

Step 2. Be sure to check the KTX Departure schedule

After clicking the “Inquiry” button, you will now see the full list of KTX train available departure times.

You can click on the “Magnifying Glass” icon to know the different train fares for adults and children.

For the Economy Class, it comes with a reserved seat. The train fare is 59,800 won for adults (13 years old and above) and 29,900 won for children (6 to 12 years old).

Once you confirm your preferred departure time, proceed to click on the “Select” link. Then, it will direct you to the next page, which will allow you to fill in your personal information.

Step 3. Fill in all your personal details

For this step, you will need to fill in your personal details. The main purpose of having a password is that it allows you to access your ticket online. This means you can easily cancel it or re-print your ticket.

Another option to cancel or re-print your ticket is by using your email address.

After inputting all relevant information, proceed to the next step and click the “NEXT” button.

Step 4. Complete your KTX train ticket payment

Double-check all your personal information and travel details before paying the KTX train ticket.

If everything is good, choose “(Credit card) issued overseas (VISA, MASTER, JCB)” option. Then, click the “NEXT” button to fill in your credit card information.

Step 5. Print your KTX train ticket

After completing your payment successfully, click the “PRINT” button to get an electronic copy of your KTX train ticket.

Conveniently, there’s no need to redeem your ticket at Seoul Station.

Just book online and present your e-ticket together with your passport when boarding the KTX train. As easy as that! Likewise, you can reserve your KTX train ticket a month before your travel date.

Make sure you book your return train ticket as well if you plan to go back to Seoul. The process of booking the return trip is just the same. Simply repeat steps 1 to step 5, with your departure as “Busan” and arrival as “Seoul”.

How to Cancel Your KTX Train Ticket

In case you change your mind and you want to use KORAIL PASS instead because you want to save more money, don’t worry. Here are the steps on how to cancel your KTX train ticket and get a refund.

Step 1. Visit the KORAIL website and click the REISSUE/REFUND tab

The first step is to click the REISSUE/REFUND tab on the KORAIL website.

Then, select the “Refund” option and fill in your personal details. For your information, the “Reissue” option is used to re-print lost tickets. After that, click the “Inquiry” button.

Step 2. Cancel your KTX train ticket and then request for a refund

The next step is to choose the ticket you want to cancel and then click the “Refund” button. Very simple, right? If you want to know how much the refund amount is, you can check the refund information here.

My Final Thought

If you want to save time, the quickest and easiest way to go to Busan from downtown Seoul is by taking the KTX train. As a reminder, don’t forget to buy KORAIL PASS (Flexible 2-Day Pass) if you are travelling with 2 or more people. This will surely help you save money for a round trip to Busan.

I hope that this detailed guide will help you travel to Busan conveniently. You can bookmark this page for future reference. You can also share it with your travel buddies via Facebook, Gmail, Pinterest, Twitter, or WhatsApp.

Thank you and I wish you have a comfortable and wonderful holiday in Busan.

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