Korea Train eXpress (KTX)
David
Posted on September 20th, 2007
Public transport in South Korea is second to none that I’ve seen before, certainly on par with the likes of Switzerland. Buses, Trains and Subway systems are clean, modern, comfortable, and efficient with signs provided in both Korean and Roman characters so that hapless foreigners can get around without to much difficulty!
For my journey to Busan (in the South) I took a high speed KTX train, comparable to Japan’s Shinkansen (bullet train) or France’s TGV (which KTX technology is based on). Travelling at over 300 km/h the journey only takes 2.5 hours, cut from 6 hours on a normal train! Unsurprisingly, although the tickets aren’t cheap, they’re still considerably less that what you’d pay for the same length journey in the UK and even less if you buy a group ticket.
Shooting through the mountainous countryside of Korea I saw another side to the country, quite unlike the sprawling megalopolis of Seoul. Small cities, farms and industrial complexes all passed in the blink of an eye, perhaps reflecting the speed at which South Korea has developed over the past 50 years. Korea is undoubtedly a beautiful land and still relatively unspoiled. It has yet to take off as a major tourist destination which in my opinion makes it even more attractive.
The journey was to be about the only rest bite I got that day leading up to a fairly frenetic evening in the neon lit thoroughfares of Busan!
Related posts you might like:
KTX was smaller than i'd expected. narrow space between seats! but it was a great experience to get on KTX
The seat sized seemed to be the same as on European trains, I'm guessing because it's based on the French design. I was surprised to see the size of the seats on standard trains in Korea – they were about the same as American trains but you don't see any fat people in Korea!!
ahhh good analysis! thanks David.
Well I've never heard about the safety standars about KTX in the last three years the KTX had 1,000 accidents and counting Japan's train seams safer and the Acela train is safer than KTX in a way.
KTX is marked as the speed train with more accidents in the world more than any other train that is why Japan's train is so safe.
KTX is not based on the TGV technology. It is a TGV.
we are a group of 4 persons from Hong Kong. we would like to take a KTX from Incheon Airport to Busan. we want to know where to take a KTX from the Incheon Airport and the fare of the KTX to Busan.
we will arrive Incheon Airport at 6:30a.m.. Do you know the schedual of KTX as well.
The pictures taking by you are great. Taking the KTX is a good way to travel in Korea. It spends 6 hours by bus and KTX only spends 2.5 hours.
Thanks!
Hi Muiwah, I’m afraid I don’t know the specifics of your questions – you’d probably be best looking at transport info on the Incheon airport website. I think you can take a coach from the airport to the main rail station where you can then catch the KTX. If you book in advance you’ll be able to get a cheaper group ticket for four people.
Hope you have a nice journey
Hello there, just reading your post about the KTX. I am in Korea now and we hope to travel to Busan later this week. Can I ask, did you buy your tickets on the day of traveling or did you pre-book? We are having trouble getting information about how we should book etc. Worried alos about language barrier at Soeul Station.
Hi Melly, you should be fine buying the ticket on the day but suggest you arrive early to ensure you get a seat. The language shouldn’t be too much of a problem as the big station in Seoul is bound to have some English speaking staff. Many young people also speak basic English so there’s bound to be someone around to help you.
Enjoy your trip!
Seats are bigger on long distance or international trains foradded comfort. Not so hard to beleive as in UK recently, high-speed train lines opened from London St Pancras to Europe that travel at 186 mph, taking less total journey time than by plan.
We plan to ride in Ktx. how much is the fee from busan to incheon airport. Thanks
Is it safe to pre book online on ktx website via credit card? I’m afraid for my cards safety.I would like to book ahead but then not sure of the sites security features for credit cards.. Thank you.
I’m sure it’s safe to do so if you use the official KTX website. I’d be wary of any third parties though.
Hi David, I paln to take a KTX from Busan to Seoul on 15/April/2012 Sunday. Could you pls tell me the name of station at Busan sld I go and the name of the station sld I get off at Seoul? Please note I will stay at Fraser Palace Central at Seoul and Banikea Hotel at Busan. How many hours before departure sld I be at the station and I need to buy a ticket too. Thanks for your information.
Hi Meyti – you should depart/arrive from the main stations in Seoul and Busan. You can find more information about booking here:
http://info.korail.com/2007/eng/eng_index.jsp
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TR/TR_EN_5_1_2.jsp
I would suggest you book in advance if you can.
Hi David, i plan to take KTX from seoul to busan next week. Considering that i will bring luggage, I want to ask you is it too much trouble traveling with luggage on KTX ? because i saw your picture, the alley between seats is so narrow (i think more narrow than shinkansen). Is it enough space to walk on the alley with luggage? or probably they provide some spaces for luggages.
Thank you for your information.
Hi Nensa – yes there is plenty of space to store your luggage on racks at the end of each carriage. You should have no trouble