1.Booking Your KTX Ticket from Seoul to Busan

You can book your KTX ticket from Seoul to Busan online, either through the KORAIL website or the KORAIL Talk app. This allows you to secure your seat in advance and select your preferred departure time without the hassle of waiting in line. Given that Seoul-Busan KTX trains often sell out fast especially on Fridays and weekends, booking online is highly recommended to avoid any inconvenience.

http://www.letskorail.com

You can also purchase tickets directly at the Seoul Station KTX ticket counters, but availability is not guaranteed so last-minute travelers might end up with standing tickets. Alternatively tourists can also book KTX tickets through travel platforms like Klook.

KTX Ticket Prices

KTX ticket prices for a single trip from Seoul to Busan vary based on seat class, but on average Standard Class costs around KRW 50,000–60,000, while First Class tickets (with wider seats and extra legroom) range from KRW 70,000–85,000. If all seats are booked you might still have the option of Standing Tickets, which allows you to ride without an assigned seat.

KTX Travel Time from Seoul to Busan

Before booking your ticket it’s a good idea to check the train route since detailed stops and travel time can vary. Some KTX trains make multiple stops at major cities like Daejeon, Dongdaegu, and Ulsan, while others take a more direct route. The fastest trains take around 2 hours and 15 minutes, while those with more stops can take more than 3 hours. You can check the exact route and schedule when booking your ticket online or at the station.

Tips for the Best Seats

When you book your Seoul-Busan KTX ticket online, you’ll notice that there are 3 different train types: KTX, KTX-Sancheon, and KTX-Cheongryong*. KTX-Cheongryong is the newest model with the most spacious seats and fastest journey. KTX-Sancheon is the second generation which provides better stability and larger windows.
^{*As of February 2025}

The standard KTX is the oldest model, so when choosing the train I recommend prioritizing in the order of Cheongryong > Sancheon > Standard KTX for a better travel experience. (You can refer to my post on trip to Daejeon for a detailed review of the Cheongryong train.) But if you end up taking the standard KTX, a secret tip would be to secure a seat in Car 5. Car 5 of the standard KTX was originally built for First Class, meaning it has wider and more comfortable standard seats for the same price.

2.Best Snacks & To-Go Meals at Seoul Station

Long train rides are the perfect excuse to grab some KTX-friendly snacks. Here are some great places to shop for food before boarding. But if you have more time before your train you can also check out my previous post on a nearby brunch cafe!

Convenience Stores

While GS25 is also available at Seoul Station, I highly recommend stopping by Storyway for a more memorable experience. Storyway is a convenience store chain operated by KORAIL(Korea Railroad Corporation) Retail, so are only found in train stations, airports and other transportation hubs.

Unlike other convenience stores Storyway offers a curated selection of travel essentials and special edition snacks, making it a perfect place to drop by while waiting for your train.

Bakery & Fast Food Picks

The two most popular bakeries in Seoul Station are probably Tous Les Jours and Paris Croissant, both offering a great selection of freshly baked pastries, sandwiches and coffee. While Tous Les Jours specializes in Korean-style breads and lighter sandwiches, Paris Croissant has a more premium selection of gourmet sandwiches and European-style baked goods.

If you’re in the mood for fast food McDonald’s is always a convenient option, while Lotteria is another popular fast-food chain in Korea, known for its bulgogi and shrimp burgers. These spots provide quick, satisfying meals to enjoy before or even during your KTX trip to Busan.

Food Stalls

Just before heading down to the KTX platform, you’ll find a row of food stalls offering a great variety of quick to-go meals for your train trip. There’s a lunchbox stall selling neatly packed dosirak(Korean-style lunchboxes), as well as a sushi stall for a light yet satisfying meal. A dumpling stall serves up hot, steamed mandu, while a Korean-style toast stall offers buttered grilled sandwiches.

3.Boarding Your KTX at Seoul Station

Finding Your Car & Seat

Your KTX ticket will have all the information you need so finding your train should be straightforward. First, check the departure board at the station or your mobile ticket to confirm your platform number. Once your platform is assigned, head down to the correct platform and look for your car number, which is displayed outside each train car. For example, the train I booked this time departed from platform 4, and my seat(8A) was in train 11.

Once you get on the train you can store smaller bags in the overhead compartments, while larger suitcases can be placed in designated storage areas at the front or back of each car. You can find your assigned seat by checking the seat number labelled on the top just like on an airplane. With everything in place, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your train journey from Seoul to Busan!