How to Book Intercity Buses and KTX Trains in Korea

A Foreigner-Friendly Guide to Traveling Between Cities in Korea

1. Intercity Travel Options in Korea

Korea has one of the most efficient intercity travel systems in Asia.

You can travel long distances using:

  • Express & Intercity Buses – Cheap and frequent

  • KTX High-Speed Train – Fastest way between major cities

  • ITX & Mugunghwa Trains – Slower, cheaper alternatives to KTX

Choose based on budget, speed, and comfort.

2. Booking KTX Trains Online or In Person

  • Visit the official KORAIL website: www.letskorail.com

    • English option available

    • You can search, book, and pay with foreign credit cards

    • Print or show e-ticket on mobile

  • Use the KORAIL Talk App (Korean only)

    • For faster booking, Korean language required

  • Buy at train stations directly at ticket machines or counters

    • English-speaking staff available at major stations (Seoul, Busan)

🎫 Tip: Book KTX tickets 2–3 days in advance, especially on weekends or holidays.

3. Booking Express & Intercity Buses

You can book buses online or at terminals:

  • Online Booking:

    • Use www.kobus.co.kr (Express)

    • Use www.bustago.or.kr (Intercity)

    • Both sites have partial English support

    • Accepts Korean cards (some international cards may work)

  • At the Terminal:

    • Visit the Express Bus Terminal (고속버스터미널) or Intercity Terminal (시외버스터미널)

    • Buy at the ticket window or use self-service machines

    • Same-day tickets often available

🚌 Terminals are well organized, with separate gates and digital screens in English.

4. Price Comparison: KTX vs. Bus

  • Seoul → Busan (one-way):

    • KTX: KRW 59,800 (2.5 hours)

    • Express Bus: KRW 25,000–35,000 (4.5–5 hours)

🚄 KTX is more expensive, but much faster and more comfortable.
🚌 Buses are budget-friendly, and some offer luxury seats (우등/프리미엄).

5. What You Need to Bring When Boarding

  • Valid photo ID (passport or ARC)

  • Ticket or mobile confirmation

  • Face mask (still recommended on public transport)

  • Snacks/water – Especially for longer bus rides

No need to print tickets for most bookings—QR codes on your phone are accepted.

6. Tips for a Smooth Trip

  • Arrive 10–15 minutes early to find your gate/platform

  • For buses, confirm your destination terminal (some cities have multiple)

  • Download the KORAIL app or keep screenshots of tickets

  • Bring headphones and chargers – both buses and trains often have USB ports

🧳 Buses and trains have luggage storage areas, and no separate luggage fees apply.

7. Useful Korean Phrases for Tickets & Travel

  • “표 예매하고 싶어요.” — I want to book a ticket.

  • “부산행 KTX 있나요?” — Do you have a KTX to Busan?

  • “몇 번 게이트인가요?” — Which gate is it?

  • “시외버스 타는 곳이 어디예요?” — Where is the intercity bus platform?

📱 Use Papago or Google Translate camera mode to read signage if needed.


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