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| Many first-time visitors to Korea research the KTX high-speed train while planning how to travel between cities. |
In a previous post, I briefly explained what KTX is and why many foreign travelers choose it as a way to move between cities in Korea.
That article focused on the basics — the fact that Korea has a high-speed rail system and that KTX connects major cities such as Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju quickly and efficiently.
However, once travel plans become more specific, a different set of questions tends to appear.
When does KTX get crowded?
Do tickets need to be booked in advance?
Which station should you actually go to?
And can foreign travelers pay and use KTX without complications?
Rather than reintroducing KTX as a concept, this article focuses on the practical concerns foreign travelers often have when they are about to use KTX in real travel situations.
When Does KTX Get Busy?
Under normal circumstances, KTX is a comfortable and efficient way to travel between cities. However, there are certain periods when demand increases noticeably.
Foreign travelers should be especially aware of the following times:
- Late December and early January
- Major Korean holidays such as Lunar New Year and Chuseok
- Long public holiday periods
- Fridays and weekends with increased domestic travel
During these periods, many Koreans travel for family visits or vacations, which significantly increases domestic travel volume. As a result, KTX seats can sell out much faster than usual.
One factor that often surprises foreign travelers is Korea’s substitute holiday system. When a public holiday overlaps with a weekend, an additional weekday may be designated as a holiday. This can create extended breaks lasting three days, and sometimes five days or longer.
KTX is not crowded all the time. However, during these specific periods, assuming availability will be the same as usual can easily lead to scheduling problems.
How Can Foreign Travelers Check Korean Holidays?
For travelers unfamiliar with Korea’s holiday structure, it can be difficult to anticipate these busy periods.
Fortunately, checking Korean public holidays is relatively simple. Many travelers use Google Calendar by adding “South Korea holidays,” which displays public holidays in English.
Others search for phrases such as “Korea public holidays” along with the travel year to see a full list of dates.
If your itinerary includes long-distance travel, taking a moment to see whether your departure date overlaps with a Korean holiday can help prevent unexpected inconvenience.
Why Booking Timing Matters During Peak Periods
During major holiday seasons, Korail sometimes adds temporary trains to handle increased demand. While this helps, it does not guarantee seat availability.
For travelers with fixed schedules or tight itineraries, waiting until the last minute to book tickets can be risky. Checking availability earlier can make travel plans far more stable and predictable.
Where Do You Actually Take KTX?
One of the most common points of confusion for foreign travelers is not the train itself, but knowing where to go.
Seoul has several large train stations, and when multiple station names appear on a map, it is easy to feel unsure, especially for first-time visitors.
In practice, getting to the correct station is often simpler than expected.
Basic English is widely understood in transportation settings. When taking a taxi, saying “Seoul Station, please” is usually enough to be understood.
If speaking feels uncomfortable, showing Seoul Station on a smartphone map works just as well.
Major KTX Stations in Seoul
Seoul Station
Seoul Station is the main departure point for KTX and the most commonly used station by foreign travelers.
It connects to major cities such as Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Gangneung, and is easily accessible by subway, airport railroad, and bus.
Address for navigation or taxi use:
Seoul Station, 405 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Yongsan Station
Yongsan Station is another major KTX stop. For travelers staying around Itaewon, Mapo, or Hongdae, it may be more convenient than Seoul Station.
Address for navigation or taxi use:
Yongsan Station, 55 Hangang-daero 23-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
A Common Mistake: Suseo Station
One frequently mentioned mistake among foreign travelers is going to Suseo Station after booking a KTX ticket.
Suseo Station is not a KTX station. It is used exclusively by SRT, which operates under a different system and booking platform.
Despite similar naming, KTX and SRT depart from different stations and follow different systems.
How Do Foreign Travelers Pay for KTX Tickets?
Payment is another area that often causes unnecessary concern. In reality, KTX is relatively accessible for foreign travelers.
Buying Tickets at the Station
When purchasing tickets at a station counter, foreign travelers are usually not required to present a passport.
However, carrying your passport is still recommended, as identification may occasionally be requested in specific situations.
In most cases, the following is sufficient:
- Travel date
- Destination
- A valid credit or debit card
Booking Online
Korail offers an English-language booking environment, and foreign-issued credit cards are generally accepted. A Korean phone number or local card is not required.
While passport information is not always requested during booking, keeping your passport with you during travel is advisable.
Common Questions First-Time Travelers Have
Do I need to book KTX tickets in advance?
Outside peak periods, same-day purchases are often possible. During holidays or long weekends, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Is it okay to travel with large luggage?
KTX does not impose strict luggage limits. Storage space is available behind seats or near carriage entrances.
Are the stations difficult to navigate?
Large stations like Seoul Station and Yongsan Station are busy but well signposted, with English guidance available in many areas.
Closing Thoughts
KTX may feel unfamiliar at first, but for many travelers it becomes one of the most convenient ways to move around Korea.
This article focused on the practical points where foreign travelers often feel uncertain, such as timing, stations, and payment.
Going forward, this blog will continue to explore topics that foreign travelers genuinely wonder about when traveling in Korea, offering calm and practical guidance rather than assumptions.
If you have questions about traveling in Korea that felt difficult to find clear answers to, this space is meant to be a reliable reference.
Related article:
If you’re planning to use KTX during your trip, the next article breaks down how foreign travelers can book tickets more easily, including English reservations and common concerns.
→ Read the KTX booking guide for foreign travelers
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