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INTER-CITY TRAIN

KTX vs SRT vs ITX — Korea inter-city train selector

Generic Korea guides tell you "KTX is fast." They don't tell you that SRT is usually 10-15% cheaper from Suseo, that KTX runs twice as often, or that ITX-Saemaeul is sometimes faster door-to-door than a slow KTX that takes 3 hours. This tool computes total time including the metro to your departure station and reservation fees.

Pick a route

What this solves

The "obvious" choice — take KTX from Seoul Station — isn't always right. A traveler in Gangnam reaches Suseo (SRT's Seoul terminal) in 25 minutes vs Seoul Station in 45. The 10-15% SRT discount covers the metro difference, and door-to-door is faster. Conversely, a Gangnam traveler heading to Busan on Friday afternoon benefits from KTX's more frequent departures. This tool picks for your actual situation, not a textbook.

KTX

  • ✓ Up to 305 km/h; most departures
  • ✓ Operates from Seoul Station, Yongsan, Gwangmyeong
  • ✓ Two classes: Standard (₩~) / First (+~40%)
  • ✓ Multiple daily departures to most cities
  • ✗ Price tends to be higher than SRT
  • ✗ Seoul Station is crowded at peak times

SRT

  • ✓ Runs from Suseo (Line 3 / Bundang line)
  • ✓ ~10-15% cheaper than KTX on most routes
  • ✓ Quieter, less crowded
  • ✓ Modern interior; same top speed as KTX
  • ✗ Suseo is south of the river — slow if you're in Hongdae
  • ✗ Fewer daily departures than KTX

ITX-Saemaeul / 무궁화

  • ✓ Cheapest (~50% of KTX)
  • ✓ Scenic — old stops, slower pace
  • ✓ Best for short routes (Seoul–Suwon, Seoul–Daejeon sometimes)
  • ✓ Unreserved seating available
  • ✗ 2-3x longer ride time
  • ✗ Only worth it on short routes or for the views

How to read the result

  • Ride time — only the train portion, not including the metro to the terminal.
  • Door-to-door — adds realistic 25-50 min to the terminal + 10-15 min buffer at the station + 10 min taxi/transit from arrival station to your hotel.
  • Per-person — 2026 reference fare in Standard class, including the ₩1,000-₩2,000 reservation fee.
  • Verdict — picks the lowest door-to-door cost when time matters, or the lowest price when time doesn't.

Limitations

  • Prices shown are 2026 reference; KTX peak-hour surcharges can add 30% on Friday afternoons.
  • Discount passes (KORAIL Pass, Korail Tour Pass,青春 18 등) not modeled — see KORAIL directly.
  • SRT does not run from Seoul Station — only Suseo. If you can't easily reach Suseo, KTX is the only option.
  • Jeju is not reachable by train. This tool doesn't include air routes — use the airport tool instead.

FAQ

How early should I arrive at Suseo or Seoul Station?

Suseo: 20 min is fine (small terminal, less crowded). Seoul Station KTX hall: 30 min during peak, 15 min otherwise. Allow more if you need to pick up a physical ticket.

Can I bring luggage without limits?

Yes — no formal weight limit on KTX/SRT. Carry-ons fit in overhead racks; suitcases go at the end of each car. No reservation needed for luggage.

What if my train is sold out?

SRT tends to sell out faster (fewer daily runs). KTX is the fallback. Alternative: take an express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal — slower but often available.

Should I reserve a seat in advance?

For Friday/Saturday: yes, 2-3 days ahead. For Tuesday morning: walk-up is fine. ITX has unreserved cars — that's the cheapest option if you don't mind giving up your seat.

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