14 Feb
After teaching in Korea for a year, I can confidently say the rail infrastructure is easily one of the biggest pros of living in the country. Here are some common questions you might have about taking the train and their answers!
Where Can You Go?
The short answer: Pretty much anywhere, excluding Jeju Island. Major cities like Busan, Daegu, and Daejeon are all easily accessible by train. My friend took a weekend trip to Pohang (the filming site for the popular K-drama Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha), a more rural city, and had no issues getting there by train. A major plus of public transportation in Korea is that if there’s not a train that can get you to your dream location, there’s definitely a bus that will. In other words, the sky’s the limit. That being said, I highly recommend taking the train for long-distance trips.
Where Do I Recommend?
- BUSAN. Honestly, I don’t know how anyone can live in South Korea and not visit Busan. This seaside city is a perfect place for anyone who loves cafes, cultural villages, temples, or seafood! My friend has lived in Korea for less than a year, and she’s already visited twice by train! A one-way ticket from Seoul to Busan is anywhere from $36-$75 USD depending on the class, and double for round-trip (see more below).
- JEONJU. Another perk of Korean trains is that it’s super easy to take a day trip and be back in the comfort of your own apartment by the end of the day. That’s what I did with Jeonju, the city famous for bibimbap! Stop in for some food and a trip to the hanok village and be back in time for dinner & drinks with your friends in your home city that night! A one-way ticket from Seoul to Jeonju is anywhere from $33-$43 USD depending on the class, and double for round-trip (see more below).
How Do You Buy Tickets?
Easy. You can book tickets using the official website or a third party website like Rail Ninja. You can also book directly from the Naver app. I highly recommend using Korail because that’s where I’ve been able to get the cheapest tickets. Just be careful around holiday seasons and long weekends because tickets do sometimes sell out! I also like Korail because it’s easy to get refunds and exchange for different tickets without losing out on money! The best part? All of this can easily be done in English!
What Kind Of Train Can I Take?
There are three basic kinds of trains in Korea. You can get tickets to take any of these trains using Korail!
- KTX – This is Korea’s high speed rail. Using KTX, you can get from Seoul to Busan (one of the southern-most cities in South Korea) in less than three hours! The only con of the KTX, of course, is that it’s going to be more expensive than the other options.
- ITX (Intercity Train or “Saemaeul”) – The ITX is a little slower than the KTX and makes more stops. Otherwise, it’s a pretty similar experience! When I travel to different cities in Korea, this is usually the option I pick because it’s a little less expensive!
- Mugunghwa – This is the regular train option. Obviously, taking a mugunghwa train is the slowest, but it’s also the most affordable and gives you a chance to really take in the Korean countryside while you travel!
How Do I Get To The Train Station?
That depends on where you live, but most cities in Korea have a train station that’s easily accessible using the subway or bus system. Once you’re there, there should be an arrivals and departures board, just like you’d see at an airport. I recommend getting to the train station about fifteen to twenty minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. Seoul Station is the major railway station in the capital, Seoul. The station is served by the Korail Intercity Lines and the commuter trains of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway.
What’s The Train Ride Experience Like?
In one word: Awesome. Growing up in the United States, I’ve had very few opportunities to travel by train. Now, I’ve taken all three types of trains I outlined above, and I can honestly say they’re all enjoyable. Korean trains are clean, comfortable, safe, and affordable, so don’t be afraid to take the train while teaching in this beautiful country!
Diana Richtman, Marketing Assistant
Diana Richtman is a writer and ESL teacher living in Seoul, South Korea. Originally from Savannah, Georgia in the United States, Diana holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in English & Women’s Studies. After receiving her TEFL certification, Diana moved to South Korea where she works at one of Creverse’s April Institutes. When Diana isn’t working, she loves exploring Korea, drinking warm cups of tea, and scaring away her friends with her karaoke performances.
