KTX vs SRT: How to Book Korea's High-Speed Trains

Since 1 September 2026 there is no longer a separate choice between KTX and SRT: Korail now runs both, and the trains that used to run as SRT from Suseo Station operate as KTX-Sancheon. You book all of Korea’s high-speed trains through Korail’s official website, the Korail+ app or a station ticket counter.

Key takeaways

• Book on Korail’s official English website, the Korail+ app or at a station counter; trains from Suseo are included.
• The standard Seoul–Busan fare is about 54,400 KRW, and the trip takes about 2 hours 15 to 40 minutes.
• Tickets generally open one month before departure, so book early for weekends and holidays.

What changed with the KTX–SRT merger?

Korail (Korea Railroad Corporation) and SR, the company that ran SRT, merged their high-speed operations on 1 September 2026. The main changes for travelers are:

• One brand. Former SRT trains from Suseo in southeast Seoul now run as KTX-Sancheon on the same routes.
• Lower KTX fares. KTX fares were cut by an average of about 10% to match the former SRT level. Seoul–Busan in standard class fell from 59,800 KRW to about 54,400 KRW.
• One booking system. The SRT website and app stopped selling most tickets after 31 August 2026. Korail said the old apps would keep limited booking functions for a while, but the integrated Korail+ app and the Korail website are the channels to use.

Seoul Station or Suseo? Seoul Station is central and connects to the airport railroad. Suseo is more convenient if you are staying in Gangnam or southeast Seoul. Both have trains to Busan, so pick the station closer to your hotel.

How do foreign visitors book KTX and SRT trains?

Book on the Korail English website or the Korail+ app with your name exactly as in your passport, and pay by card. Keep the e-ticket, because staff check tickets on board.

1. Open the Korail English website or the Korail+ app.
2. Sign up or continue as a non-member, depending on the options shown for your purchase.
3. Choose your departure station (for example Seoul or Suseo), destination, date and number of passengers.
4. Pick a train, class (standard or first) and seat.
5. Enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport and pay by card.
6. Keep the e-ticket in the app or as a printout or screenshot; there are no ticket gates at most stations, but staff check tickets on board.

If an online payment with a foreign card fails, try the other channel (website or app) or buy at a station counter with your passport. When a train is sold out, standing or unreserved tickets are sometimes offered.

For where these trains fit into a first trip, see our 7-day Korea itinerary.

What are the Korail Pass basics?

The Korail Pass is a rail pass for foreign visitors that covers KTX and other Korail trains for a set number of days, but not city subways. Key points:

• Options and prices change. Check the official Korail Pass page for the current types, day counts, prices and child rules. For example, a 2-day pass has been listed at about 131,000 KRW for an adult.
• Seats still need reserving. The pass is not a seat reservation. Reserve your seats through Korail after buying it.
• Name matching. Use the passport details you will travel with.

Worked example. One adult makes a Seoul–Busan return trip on single tickets: 54,400 × 2 = 108,800 KRW. A 2-day pass at about 131,000 KRW costs 131,000 − 108,800 = 22,200 KRW more. The pass only pays off if you add more long-distance rides, for example Busan to Gyeongju or a trip to Gangneung, within its validity.

What are the common train booking mistakes?

Book SRT through Korail now, reserve seats even with a Korail Pass, and enter your passport name exactly. The pass does not cover city subways.

• Looking for SRT tickets on the old SRT website after 31 August 2026 instead of booking through Korail.
• Buying a Korail Pass and assuming it guarantees a seat; you still need to reserve.
• Entering a name that does not match your passport.
• Assuming the pass covers subway rides in Seoul or Busan; it does not.

FAQ

Do I still need a separate SRT ticket?

No. Former SRT trains are now KTX-Sancheon trains run by Korail, and you book them through Korail’s website, the Korail+ app or a station counter.

How far in advance can I book KTX tickets?

Tickets generally go on sale one month before the travel date. Check the Korail reservation page for the exact opening date of your train, especially around holidays.

Can I book KTX tickets with a foreign credit card?

Usually yes, on Korail’s official channels. If a card is declined, try another card, switch between the website and the app, or buy at a station counter.

Is the Korail Pass worth it for Seoul to Busan only?

For a single return trip, two individual tickets usually cost less than the cheapest pass. A pass makes more sense if you plan several long train rides within its validity period.

Sources

• Korail, official English website (reservations and timetables): https://www.korail.com/global/eng/main
• Korail, official press release on the KTX–SRT integration (Korean): https://info.korail.com/info/selectBbsNttView.do?bbsNo=199&key=911&nttNo=27109
• SR, official notice on the end of SRT app and website sales (Korean): https://etk.srail.kr/cms/article/view.do?pageId=TK0502000000&postNo=922
• Korea.kr, Korean government policy briefing on integrated booking (Korean): https://www.korea.kr/news/reporterView.do?newsId=148970171

Last checked: 2026-10-10