South Korea Trains

The KTX, or Korea Train Express, is the nation’s premier high-speed rail service, celebrated for its outstanding efficiency and speed.

Achieving thrilling speeds of up to 305 km/h, the KTX effortlessly links dynamic cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, making it an ideal choice for both local and international travellers.

With a range of seating classes to cater to all preferences, immaculate onboard facilities, and an extensive network that spans the country, the KTX offers an exceptional and stress-free journey.

The KTX-Cheongryong, also known as Korail Class 160000, is a high-speed electric multiple unit train manufactured by Hyundai Rotem and operated by Korail and SR Corporation.

Derived from the experimental HEMU-430X, it features distributed traction with driving revenue cars at each end and six powered intermediate cars.

The train’s aerodynamic design reduces resistance by 10% compared to previous models and includes sliding steps for different platform heights.

Seats in both first and second class can be rotated to face the direction of travel.

The KTX-Cheongryong can accelerate from 0 to 300 km/h in 230 seconds, faster than the KTX-Sancheon.

The KTX-Sancheon is the second commercial high-speed train operated in South Korea and the first domestic high-speed train designed and developed in South Korea.

Built by Hyundai Rotem in the latter half of the 2000s, it has been operated by Korail since March 2010.

With a top speed of 305 km/h, it operates on the same key lines as the KTX.

The KTX-EUM is a South Korean high-speed electric multiple unit train manufactured by Hyundai Rotem and operated by Korail.

The name 'eum', meaning 'uniting through connection' in Korean, was chosen by the public to reflect the desire to connect regions, people, and happiness through trains.

Unlike KTX trains, the KTX-EUM uses distributed traction with driving trailers at each end and six powered intermediate cars instead of a traction head configuration.

The technology in these trains is derived from the experimental HEMU-430X train previously tested by Korail.

The KTX-EUM will feature the same design as EMU-320 trains, but with a formation of six cars instead of eight.

The Super Rapid Train, often known as SRT, is a high-speed rail service operated by SR Corporation.

The service starts at Suseo station in southeast Seoul and terminates at either Busan station or Mokpo station.

The SRT runs the Seoul–Busan route 8 minutes faster than KTX as it travels exclusively on dedicated Suseo–Pyeongtaek, Gyeongbu and Honam HSR lines.

Around 86% of the train service runs 50 meters underground between Suseo and Cheonan-Asan stations.

Dongtan station, the first station after departing from Suseo, is the first underground high-speed railway station in Korea.

The Suseo-Pyeongtaek HSR line was built exclusively for this service.

AREX is a South Korean airport rail link that connects Incheon International Airport with Seoul Station.

AREX Express train stations and ticket windows are easily recognisable by their distinct orange colour scheme.

The trains offer 2+2 configured reclining seating, ample luggage storage, free WiFi, onboard service attendants, and electronic entertainment screens.

All seats on the AREX Express trains are reserved, with receipts displaying the assigned car and seat numbers for passengers alongside their tickets.

Passengers have access to connecting shuttle buses at Seoul Station to partner hotels, a dedicated boarding lounge at Incheon Airport Terminal 1, and exclusive use of Seoul Station’s City Airport Terminal when departing.

The Intercity Train eXpress-Saemaeul, abbreviated as ITX-Saemaeul, is a class of train operated by Korail, the national railroad of South Korea.

Introduced on May 12, 2014, to replace the Saemaeul-ho, the new ITX-Saemaeul trains have a faster average speed of 150 kilometres per hour.

The name was chosen from the Saemaul Undong after a public competition to determine the new train’s name.

Intercity Train eXpress-Cheongchun, abbreviated as ITX-Cheongchun, is a class of train operated by Korail, the national railroad of South Korea.

Introduced on February 28, 2012, it is the successor of the Gyeongchun Line Mugunghwa-ho, which operated until December 2010.

ITX-Cheongchun is the only Limited express in Korea and offers services comparable to those in Japan, known to benchmark Japan’s Limited express.

Korea’s first double-decker coach ran on this line.

This train connects Seoul, Guri, Namyangju, Gapyeong, and Chuncheon, with an average speed of 180 kilometres per hour.

The ITX-MAUM is a charming train service in South Korea that transports travellers to scenic destinations while offering a comfortable and pleasant journey.

Travelling on the ITX-MAUM allows passengers to appreciate the beauty of South Korea’s countryside, as the train winds through picturesque landscapes and lively towns.

With spacious seating and modern amenities, passengers can relax and enjoy the stunning views during their trip.

The ITX-MAUM is an excellent option for those wishing to explore areas such as Chuncheon or Seoul, combining convenience with leisure.

Booking your ITX-MAUM tickets through Rail Monsters is quick and easy, ensuring you can effortlessly immerse yourself in Korea’s captivating scenery.

The Saemaeul-ho, operated by Korail since 1969, was South Korea’s fastest train before the introduction of the KTX, completing the journey from Seoul to Busan in under 5 hours.

These trains, known for their larger and more comfortable seats, and distinctive red and black colour scheme, now only operate on the Janghang Line.

The Saemaeul-ho trains were named after the Saemaul Undong, a rural revitalisation movement led by Park Chung-hee in the 1970s.

Originally, these trains ran on several lines and had a variable length of 5 to 12 cars, with some trains splitting at Gupo station to serve different routes.

Nuriro is a class of train operated by Korail, the national railroad of South Korea.

Introduced on June 1, 2009, it was meant to replace the short-range Mugunghwa-ho.

It is currently operating on the Yeongdong Line and Jungang Line as a replacement for Mugunghwa-ho.

The Mugunghwa-ho is a class of train operated by Korail, the main railway operator of South Korea.

Mugunghwa trains are Korail’s slowest tier of trains, stopping at numerous towns and villages and operating over lines not served by other trains.

Along rural lines such as the Gyeongbuk Line, Mugunghwa-ho remains the only class of passenger train operating.

These trains, and in some cases the Tonggeun, are the only ones to stop at many stations not served by Saemaeul-ho or KTX trains.

Mugunghwa trains are built to accommodate large numbers of standing passengers and frequently have more standees than seated passengers during high season.

Journey times are generally twice that of KTX trains and 25% longer than ITX express trains.