Seoul is an amazing city, but if you spend your entire trip there, you are missing half the magic of Korea.
Imagine eating Bibimbap in a traditional village for lunch and walking on a sandy beach by dinner. Thanks to Korea’s high-speed train, the KTX (Korea Train eXpress), the entire country is within reach in just a few hours.
Hi everyone! I’m your InWorld Unnie. Many first-time visitors are intimidated by public transport, but I’m here to tell you: The KTX is fast, clean, safe, and honestly, easier than flying! Let’s plan your escape from the city.
The KTX zooms across the country at over 300km/h (190 mph). Here are the most popular routes for a quick getaway:
Option A: Busan (The Coastal Metropolis)
- Vibe: Beaches, fresh seafood, and buzzing energy.
- Travel Time: ~2.5 to 3 hours.
- Pro Tip: Want to visit Jeju Island? You can take the KTX to Busan and then hop on an overnight ferry for a romantic journey to the southern coast.
Option B: Jeonju (The Cultural Capital)
- Vibe: Traditional Hanok villages, history, and the best food in Korea.
- Travel Time: A quick 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Why go: It’s perfect for a day trip if you want to wear a Hanbok and eat authentic Bibimbap.
Option C: Yeosu (The Romantic Port)
- Vibe: Ocean views, cable cars, and famous night markets.
- Travel Time: ~3 to 3.5 hours.
- Why go: It’s slower and more relaxing than Busan. (Check out our full [Yeosu Travel Guide] for details!)
You don't need to speak fluent Korean to buy a ticket. You have three easy options:
- The App: Download the KoRail Talk app. It has an English setting and lets you book tickets on your phone.
- Kiosks: Every station has self-service machines with English menus.
- Station Staff: Just walk up to the counter! The staff are helpful and used to assisting tourists.
The Cost: Travel is affordable. A one-way ticket usually costs between 25,000 KRW ($20 USD) and 70,000 KRW ($55 USD) depending on distance and class.
Once you are on the train, relax! The experience is very comfortable.
- Get the View: When booking, try to choose a window seat. The Korean countryside is mountainous and beautiful.
- Stay Connected: There is free Wi-Fi on board, so you can upload your photos instantly.
- Snack Time: Unlike subways (where eating is discouraged), snacking on the KTX is part of the fun! Grab a banana milk or hard-boiled egg at the station convenience store before you board.
- Quiet Cars: If you see a sign for a "Quiet Car," please keep your voice down to a whisper.
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Navigating Seoul Station is much less scary when you can read the signs.
- 기차 (Gi-cha) — Train
- 역 (Yeok) — Station (e.g., Seoul-yeok, Busan-yeok)
- 표 (Pyo) — Ticket
- 창문 (Chang-mun) — Window
- 좌석 (Jwa-seok) — Seat
- 부산행 (Bu-san-haeng) — Bound for Busan
English signs are common in Seoul, but once you head into the countryside, they can get smaller and harder to find. Being able to read the city names in Hangul will save you from that momentary panic of "Is this the train to Ulsan or Busan?"
Take our free "Hangeul Basics Course" at InWorldKorea.com before your trip. We’ll help you read the destination signs so you can travel like a pro.
