Getting Around Korea by Train and Express Bus: A Beginner's Guide

Korea is compact and well connected, so a weekend in Busan, Gyeongju, Jeonju or Gangneung is very doable even on a student schedule. Here is an overview of the main ways to travel between cities and how to plan your trip.

Trains

• KTX — Korea's high-speed train, operated by Korail, connecting Seoul with major cities such as Busan, Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju and Gangneung.
• SRT — another high-speed train service that departs from Suseo Station in southeast Seoul, convenient if you live in that part of the city.
• ITX and Mugunghwa trains — slower, cheaper conventional trains that stop at more stations and are good for scenic or shorter routes.

Tickets can be booked on Korail's website or the official Korail app, and SRT tickets through SRT's own website and app. Station ticket machines and counters also sell tickets. Note that your T-money transport card works on city subways and buses but not as a ticket for long-distance trains.

Express and intercity buses

Buses reach many places trains do not, and they are often cheaper. Express buses (gosok beoseu, 고속버스) run between major cities with few or no stops, while intercity buses (sioe beoseu, 시외버스) serve smaller towns. Some routes offer premium buses with wider seats. You can buy tickets at the terminal or through the official booking apps and websites. Check which terminal your bus leaves from, because big cities have several.

Booking tips

• Book early for holidays. Around Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok, tickets sell out quickly, and some sell in advance on special dates.
• Weekends are busy. Friday evening and Sunday afternoon trips fill up first.
• Standing or unreserved tickets are sometimes available on trains when seats are sold out.
• Keep your ticket on your phone and arrive a little early to find the right platform or bus gate.
• Look for discounts. Operators offer various passes and discounts that change over time; check the official sites for current offers and eligibility.

Apps that make travel easier

• Naver Map and KakaoMap — the most widely used map apps in Korea for public transport directions, including subway, bus and walking routes. Google Maps works for some things but has limited directions in Korea.
• Taxi apps — useful in smaller cities where buses are less frequent.
• Translation apps — helpful for menus and signs in places with less English.

Planning your first trips

Start with an easy day trip from where you live, then try an overnight trip once you are comfortable with booking. The VISITKOREA website by the Korea Tourism Organization has official destination guides, festival information and travel tips in several languages. Travelling with friends is even better, and many international and Korean students plan weekend trips together.

Schedules, prices and services change, so always check the operator's official website or app before you travel.