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Compare four ways to get from Seoul to Gwangju: KTX train, bus, flight, or car rental, with details on frequency, duration, and costs. 👇👇👇
4 Ways to Get from Seoul to Gwangju
Source from tripadvisor
Explore 4 ways to get from Seoul to Gwangju: take a KTX train for a fast 2-hour journey, hop on a bus for a cheap 3-hour ride, fly with Asiana Airlines for the quickest 55-minute trip, or rent a car for a flexible 3-4 hour drive.
Flexible schedule, ability to explore along the way
Requires navigation, higher cost
Those who prefer independence and road trips
KTX Train from Seoul to Gwangju: Schedule & Ticket Fare
Taking the KTX from Seoul to Gwangju generally takes around 2 hours, with an Economy Class ticket priced at approximately $36.65.
About 3-6 KTX trains operate daily from Seoul to Gwangju. Check the following table for the detailed timetable and fare information for your next trip from Seoul to Gwangju.
Train Number
Departure - Arrival Time
Duration
Ticket Price (USD)
KTX 405
06:21 - 08:27
2h 6m
$36.65
KTX 413
10:32 - 12:32
2h 0m
$36.65
KTX-Sancheon 415
12:08 - 14:11
2h 3m
$36.65
KTX-Sancheon 427
16:35 - 18:42
2h 7m
$36.65
KTX-Sancheon 429
17:37 - 19:31
1h 54m (fastest)
$36.65
KTX 433
19:29 - 21:40
2h 11m
$36.65
Price may vary, pls click the button below for the latest KTX ticket prices👇👇
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Moreover, Trip.com also offers exclusive 10% discount for new users on Trip.com APP! Grab the KTX Seoul to Gwangju for your next trip!
【12% OFF】 Get from Seoul to Gwangju: By Car Rental
You can rent a car at Gimpo International Airport, Incheon International Airport, and Seoul Railway Station to drive to Gwangju from Seoul. The drive generally takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and the route you choose. Below is a table with the fare details for different car models in Seoul (Prices may vary, pls click to checkthe latest prices for car rental)
Models
Capacity
Discounted Price (12% off)
Small
4-5 passengers
From $44/day
Medium & Large
5 passengers
From $54/day
Premium
5 passengers
From $264/day
SUV
5-7 passengers
From $64/day
Van
7 passengers
From $119/day
✅ Required Documents for Car Rental ✅
Valid Passport
International Driving Permit (IDP)
Driver's License
Credit Card
💥All Trip.com users are eligible to enjoy our exclusive 8% offer. Rent a car now and hit the road with extra savings!🥳
Flying from Seoul to Gwangju is the quickest travel option, especially with Asiana Airlines, which offers direct, nonstop flights that typically take around 55 minutes to 1 hour.
It’s important to note that Asiana Airlines is the most reliable for nonstop flights, but these are not available every day, so booking in advance is recommended.
Other airlines, like Korean Air, often have one-stop flights via Jeju, which are longer and more expensive.
Flight Info from Seoul to Gwangju
Flight Time
55 min - 1 hour (fastest)
Earliest Flight
09:05⇒10:00
Latest Flight
18:35⇒19:30
Direct Flight Price
$36 (cheapest)
*The price varies depending on the exchange rate and date.
If you are planning to take a flight from Seoul to Gwangju. We have listed cheap flight tickets below for your reference. Buy flights from Seoul to Gwangju to strat your journey!
Cheap Flights from Seoul to Gwangju
One way
Round-trip
direct cheapest
GMP3:40 PM
1h
Nonstop
KWJ4:40 PM
Seoul - Gwangju|Thu, Jun 25|Asiana Airlines
£32
£38
16% off
Search
16% off
£38
£32
GMP3:40 PM
1h
Nonstop
KWJ4:40 PM
Seoul - Gwangju|Wed, Jul 15|Asiana Airlines
£33
£38
13% off
Search
13% off
£38
£33
GMP3:40 PM
1h
Nonstop
KWJ4:40 PM
Seoul - Gwangju|Mon, Jul 6|Asiana Airlines
£34
£38
11% off
Search
11% off
£38
£34
SEL13:00
1h
Nonstop
KWJ14:00
Seoul - Gwangju|Mon, Sep 6|Normal Airline
Find more flights
Find more flights
Get from Seoul to Gwangju: By Bus
Seoul Buses (from Wikipedia)
For travelers heading from Seoul to Gwangju, buses offer a convenient and comfortable option. You can choose between the Express Bus and the Regular Bus. Both bus types are equipped with amenities like air conditioning and reclining seats, but the Express Bus offers a bit more comfort and faster travel.
Things to Know
Express Bus
Regular Bus
Seoul Terminal
Central City Bus Terminal
Central City Bus Terminal
Gwangju Terminal
Gwangju U-Square Terminal
Gwangju U-Square Terminal
Duration
3 hours 20 minutes
3 hours 40 minutes
Cost (USD)
$16 - $24
$12 - $18
Frequency
Every 15-30 minutes
Every 30-60 minutes
Amenities
Reclining seats, air conditioning, sometimes Wi-Fi
1913 Songjeong Station Market is a historic market located near Gwangju Songjeong Station. Established in 1913, this market retains the charm of a traditional Korean marketplace while also incorporating modern elements. The market is lined with various stalls selling fresh produce, traditional Korean snacks, and local crafts. There are also trendy cafes and shops offering cultural souvenirs. It’s a great spot to experience local culture and pick up unique items.
Attraction Name
1913 Songjeong Station Market
Operating Hours
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Location
Songjeong-dong, Gwangju, South Korea
How to Get There
Take the Gwangju Metro Line 1 to Songjeong Station, then walk 5 minutes.
The Gwangju Ecological Lake Park is a peaceful natural area that offers visitors a chance to explore diverse ecosystems. The park is home to a variety of plants and wildlife, with areas designated for bird watching, nature trails, and flower gardens. The park is a popular spot for families and nature lovers who want to enjoy a quiet day outdoors while observing local flora and fauna.
Attraction Name
The Gwangju Ecological Lake Park
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours
Location
Unjeong-dong, Gwangju, South Korea
How to Get There
Take the Gwangju Metro Line 1 to Uncheon Station, then take a taxi for about 10 minutes.
The Kim Dae Jung Convention Center is a modern facility named after South Korea’s former president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Kim Dae Jung. The center hosts various events, including exhibitions, conferences, and cultural events. Visitors can explore the architecture of the center and attend one of the many events held throughout the year. It’s also located near the business district, making it convenient for those staying in central Gwangju.
Attraction Name
Kim Dae Jung Convention Center
Operating Hours
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location
30 Sangmunuriro, Gwangju, South Korea
How to Get There
Take the Gwangju Metro Line 1 to Kim Dae Jung Convention Center Station, then walk 5 minutes.
Mudeungsan National Park is a mountainous area that offers a variety of hiking trails with scenic views of Gwangju and the surrounding region. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, with unique rock formations, dense forests, and a variety of plant species. Popular spots within the park include the Ipseokdae and Seoseokdae rock formations and the Jeungsimsa Temple. It’s a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to escape the city.
Attraction Name
Mudeungsan National Park
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours
Location
Mudeung-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, South Korea
How to Get There
Take the Gwangju Metro Line 1 to Hakdong Station, then take Bus 1187 to the park entrance.
Best Way to Travel from Seoul to Gwangju
In this article, we've explored four ways to get from Seoul to Gwangju: by KTX train, bus, flight, or car rental, each with its own advantages.
If you're still undecided, we highly recommend taking the KTX train. It offers the perfect blend of speed, comfort, and convenience, allowing you to relax and enjoy the beautiful Korean landscapes along the way.
The KTX is not only the second fastest option but also a culturally immersive experience that adds to the enjoyment of your journey.
So why wait? If you've made up your mind and are ready to go, purchase your KTX train ticket now and take advantage of a special offer!
The distance from Seoul to Gwangju is approximately 270 kilometers (168 miles) by road.
How many hours does it take to travel from Seoul to Gwangju?
The travel time from Seoul to Gwangju varies depending on the transportation method. By KTX train, it takes about 2 hours; by bus, it takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes to 3 hours and 40 minutes. Flights take about 55 minutes to 1 hour.
How long does it take to drive from Seoul to Gwangju?
Driving from Seoul to Gwangju generally takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the route taken.
Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
Hey there! I’m Bethy (Huang Lan, 黄澜) – a travel enthusiast and content creator for Trip.com. I live as a digital nomad, mostly based in China, and I’ve also lived in awesome places across Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. I love traveling all over the world, sharing useful travel tips and guides for fellow wanderlusters. When I’m not on the road, I’m a huge cat lover and play guitar for fun~