KTX (High-Speed Train)

KTX is Korea's bullet train network connecting major cities. It is the most popular intercity transport option.

Key Routes and Travel Times from Seoul

1. Seoul → Busan — About 2 hours 30 minutes
2. Seoul → Daejeon — About 50 minutes
3. Seoul → Daegu — About 1 hour 40 minutes
4. Seoul → Gwangju — About 1 hour 30 minutes (via Honam line)
5. Seoul → Gangneung — About 1 hour 30 minutes

How to Book

1. Korail website — letskorail.com (English available)
2. Korail Talk app — Mobile booking and ticketing
3. Station ticket office — Bring your passport or alien registration card
4. T-money — Can be used for unreserved seats on some trains

Book early for weekends and holidays. KTX sells out fast during Chuseok and Lunar New Year. Tickets open 1 month in advance.

Express Bus (고속버스)

Express buses connect virtually every city in Korea. They are cheaper than KTX and cover routes that trains do not.

Bus Types

1. Ilban (일반) — Standard. Affordable, 4 seats per row.
2. Ujdeung (우등) — Premium. 3 seats per row, more legroom, slightly higher fare.

Major Terminals in Seoul

1. Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gangnam) — Routes to most southern cities
2. Dong Seoul Terminal (Gangbyeon) — Routes to eastern and Gangwon-do
3. Sangbong Terminal — Additional eastern routes

Book online at kobus.co.kr (express bus) or txbus.t-money.co.kr (intercity bus). English available.

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights are mainly useful for reaching Jeju Island (about 1 hour from Seoul). Flights to other cities exist but KTX is often faster door-to-door.

Airlines

1. Korean Air — koreanair.com
2. Asiana Airlines — flyasiana.com
3. Budget airlines — Jeju Air, T'way, Jin Air, Air Busan, Air Seoul. Often 30,000–60,000 KRW one-way to Jeju if booked early.

For Seoul to Jeju, flights depart every 10-15 minutes from both Gimpo Airport and Incheon Airport. Gimpo is closer to central Seoul.

Comparison Summary

Seoul to Busan example:

1. KTX: ~2.5 hours, ~59,800 KRW
2. Express bus (premium): ~4.5 hours, ~34,000 KRW
3. Express bus (standard): ~4.5 hours, ~23,000 KRW
4. Domestic flight: ~1 hour flight + airport time, ~50,000–80,000 KRW

Fares and schedules change seasonally. Check carrier websites for current prices and availability.