Need a KTX map for South Korea? Check our KTX train map for KTX top routes (eg. Seoul-Busan), stops, stations & tips. Book cheap KTX tickets with 10% off on Trip.com.
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South Korea’s rail network is well-organized, connecting major cities, coastal areas, and tourist spots across the country.KTX Trainsinclude high-speed lines (for fast intercity travel) and regular lines (for budget-friendly trips), with different train types (like KTX, Mugunghwa) meeting different needs. The following 7 main KTX routes cover the most popular tourist routes - whether it's heading to the beaches of Busan, the ski resorts of Gangneung, or the traditional villages of Jeonju, there is a train route that suits you.
Line Name
Main Route (Key Stops)
Train Types
Key Details
Gyeongbu Line
Seoul Station → Daejeon Station → Dongdaegu Station → Busan Station
KTX, SRT, Mugunghwa
South Korea’s busiest line—cuts travel time between Seoul and Busan to ~2.5h. Ideal for coastal or historical trips (e.g., Daegu’s Yangnyeongsi Market).
Honam Line
Yongsan Station (Seoul) → Iksan Station → Gwangju Songjeong Station → Mokpo Station
KTX, Saemaeul
Serves southwest Korea. It is very suitable for exploring the art scenes of Gwangju or the coastal park of Mokpo, and it is faster than the local buses.
Jeolla Line
Yongsan Station (Seoul) → Jeonju Station → Suncheon Station → Yeosu Expo Station
KTX, Mugunghwa
Must-visit places for food and nature lovers: Jeonju (famous for its bibimbap) and Suncheon (the location of Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve).
Gangneung Line
Seoul Station → Wonju Station → Gangneung Station
KTX
Directly to the east coast of South Korea. It is very suitable for summer beach trips (Gangneung Beach) or winter skiing trips (Pyeongchang).
Gyeongjeon Line
Busan Station → Jinju Station → Masan Station
Mugunghwa, partial KTX (peak seasons)
The regional line connecting Busan and cities in the southeast. A one-day tour of Jinzhou (Jinzhou Fortress, famous for the Lantern Festival every year) is very popular.
Jungang Line
Seoul (Cheongnyangni Station) → Wonju Station → Danyang Station → Andong Station
ITX (fast), Mugunghwa (budget)
Traverse the mountains in central South Korea. Stay at historical sites such as Anton Hehui Village (a traditional village listed by UNESCO).
AREX
Incheon International Airport → Seoul Station
AREX Express, AREX All-Stop
Airport dedicated railway line. The express train only takes 43 minutes to reach Seoul Station (without stopping). The entire station's trains serve local areas (such as Incheon City).
The Gyeongbu Line is the most popular and busiest KTX line connecting Seoul and Busan. The main stations of this line include Daejeon and Daegu. The Gyeongbu Line is also a backbone for other KTX service branches to reach different regions across the country.
Connection: Seoul ↔ Busan (the busiest KTX line).
Main stations: Seoul Station, Daejeon Station, Dongdaegu Station, Busan Station.
The most suitable places for tourists to visit are coastal Busan or the historic Daegu.
2. KTX Honam Line Map
The Honam Line starts from Daejeon on the Gyeongbu Line and extends southwestward to Gwangju and Mokpo. This route connects the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula and serves as a passage to the culturally rich and historically significant Honam region.
Connection: Seoul (via Gyeongbu Line) ↔ Gwangju ↔ Mokpo.
Main stations: Daejeon Station, Gwangju Songjeong Station, Mokpo Station.
Most suitable for: exploring the southwestern part of South Korea (for example, cultural sites in Gwangju).
This line extends from the southeastern city of Busan to Jinju and further to Masan. It provides high-speed rail service to the southeastern coastal regions of the country, facilitating travel to cities along the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula.
The Jeolla line branches off from the Honam line at Iksan and heads towards the cities of Jeonju, Iksan, and Yeosu at the southern tip of the peninsula. This line serves the Jeolla region, known for its traditional Korean culture, food, and festivals.
5. KTX Gangneung Line Map
Opened in December 2017 ahead of the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics, the Gangneung line connects Seoul to Gangneung. This line passes through the cities of Wonju and Pyeongchang and is significant for providing access to the ski resorts and other winter sports facilities in the region.
6. KTX Jungang Line Map
Source: Wikipedia
The Jungang line takes a more central route through the country, connecting Cheongnyangni in Seoul to Andong, Yeongju, and further to the eastern regions. This line traverses through the central mountainous areas of South Korea, offering scenic views and serving cities in the landlocked parts of the country.
7. KTX Jungbu Line Map
Source: Wikipedia
The Jungbu line is a shorter line that connects the city of Wonju on the Gangneung line to Jochiwon on the Gyeongbu line. It provides an alternative route for travelers heading to the central parts of the country without having to travel through Seoul.
South Korea boasts an extensive and efficient railway network that connects major cities and tourist destinations across the country. The following are several popular railway lines in South Korea:
Using the KTX map is simple—follow these 3 steps to plan your trip:
Pick your start/end cities: First, find your departure city (e.g., Seoul) and destination (e.g., Busan) on the map.
Identify the KTX line: Check which line connects them (e.g., Seoul ↔ Busan uses the Gyeongbu Line).
Note key stops (if switching lines): If you’re traveling to a smaller city (e.g., Jeonju), you may need to switch lines at a hub (e.g., Iksan Station on the Honam Line).
Example: To go from Seoul to Yeosu: Use Gyeongbu Line to Iksan → Switch to Jeolla Line to Yeosu.
KTX vs. Other Korea Trains (Which to Choose?)
The KTX map only covers high-speed trains—but you may wonder if KTX is right for you. Here’s a quick comparison:
Train Type
Speed
Price
Best For
KTX
300 km/h
Higher
Fast trips (Seoul ↔ Busan, <3 hours).
Mugunghwa
150 km/h
Lower
Budget trips (no rush, <5 hours).
ITX
180 km/h
Mid-range
Local trips (e.g., Seoul ↔ Incheon).
If speed matters (e.g., day trips), stick to KTX (use the KTX map). For budget travel, use Mugunghwa (check Korail’s regular train map).
You can find the KTX train map on the official Korail website, at train stations, and on Trip.com.
How often do KTX trains run?
KTX trains run frequently throughout the day. During peak hours, trains may run every 15 to 30 minutes on popular routes.
How do I purchase KTX tickets?
KTX tickets can be purchased online through the Trip.com, Korail website, or at ticket vending machines.
Are there different classes of service on the KTX?
Yes, the KTX offers different classes of service, including Economy Class and First Class. First Class provides more spacious seating and additional amenities.
What are the KTX stops?
KTX stops at major cities: Seoul, Daejeon, Dongdaegu, Busan, Gangneung, Gwangju, and more. Check the KTX route map for your line’s exact stops.
Where to board a KTX train?
Board at KTX-specific stations (not all train stations have KTX). Popular boarding stations: Seoul Station, Busan Station, Dongdaegu Station. Use the KTX station map to find locations.
Can I bring luggage on a KTX train?
Yes—you can bring 1 large suitcase (up to 30kg) and 1 carry-on bag. There’s storage space above seats or at the end of each carriage.
Do all KTX trains leave from Seoul Station?
No—some KTX trains start at Cheongnyangni Station (Seoul) for the Jungang Line, or Incheon Station for westbound trips. Check your ticket for the correct boarding station.
How early should I check in for a KTX train?
Arrive 30 minutes before departure. KTX gates close 5 minutes before the train leaves—no late boarding!
Is KTX cheaper than flying?
It depends: For short trips (Seoul ↔ Busan), KTX is often cheaper (no airport transfer fees). For long trips (Seoul ↔ Jeju), flying is cheaper (Jeju has no KTX).
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