South Korea's KTX high speed train network (Korea Train Express) serves over 60 stations across the country, allowing passengers to travel between major cities in just a few hours. KTX service began on April 1, 2004, and today KTX trains operate at a maximum speed of 305 km/h on dedicated high speed rail tracks. There are over 100 KTX departures per day on popular routes. Tickets can be purchased at station vending machines, ticketing counters, or booked online at Rail Ninja up to 1 year in advance — booking ahead is strongly recommended during peak travel seasons and weekends. Same-day KTX tickets are often available but not guaranteed on busy routes. KTX fares start from around 59,800 KRW for standard class on Seoul–Busan. Discounts of 5–20% apply for advance purchases, with additional discounts for seniors, children, and groups. Find maps displaying the main KTX stations and their details below.

KTX trains depart from four stations in Seoul: Seoul Station (the main one), Yongsan Station, Cheongnyangni Station, and Yeongdeungpo Station. Seoul Station is the primary departure point for most KTX high speed trains, serving routes to Busan, Daejeon, Daegu, Pohang, Gwangju, Mokpo, Suncheon, Yeosu-Expo, Gangneung, and Donghae. The station is operated by Korail Railways, features 15 platforms and 8 tracks, and connects to the metro and airport rail link — a direct AREX train links Seoul Station to Incheon Airport in about one hour. Major stations like Seoul Station typically feature spacious waiting rooms, multilingual information desks, convenience stores, dining options, and free Wi-Fi throughout the station area.

Yongsan Station is a primary departure point for the Honam Line, and serves all trains on the Janghang and Jeolla Lines. Cheongnyangni Station is the starting point of the Gangneung Line, which connects Cheongnyangni to the east coast. Suseo Station, located in southern Seoul, is the dedicated terminal for SRT high speed trains — a convenient alternative to KTX with slightly cheaper fares, connecting Seoul to Busan, Daegu, and Daejeon at up to 305 km/h. Accessibility amenities including elevators and ramps for disabled passengers are available at all major Seoul KTX stations.

Busan Station is the main KTX stop in Busan and one of the largest transport hubs in South Korea, combining modern architecture with a lively atmosphere. Its glass structure floods the main hall with natural light, creating a warm and welcoming space for travelers. KTX high speed trains and SRT trains both serve Busan Station, allowing passengers to travel between Seoul and Busan in just a few hours. The Gyeongbu Line covers the 408.5 km Seoul–Busan route — most services complete the journey in about 2 hours 15 minutes, with the fastest departure taking 2 hours 8 minutes. There are over 100 daily departures on this route.

Daejeon has two KTX train stations, and the station where your train will stop depends on your final destination and the KTX lines you travel. Daejeon Station is situated 166.6 km south of Seoul Station and serves KTX high speed trains on the Gyeongbu Line, connecting Seoul to Busan via Daejeon, Daegu, and Ulsan. KTX service from Seoul to Daejeon takes approximately 50 minutes, with over 50 daily departures.

Seodaejeon Station, located in the west of Daejeon, serves KTX high speed trains on the Honam Line. The Honam and Jeolla Lines serve the southwestern Jeolla-do region, connecting Seoul and Mokpo via Daejeon. The Gyeongjeon Line connects Seoul and Busan to Jinju in the south. Make sure to check your ticket carefully when traveling to or from Daejeon, as the departure station depends on your direction and the specific KTX lines you are using. Tickets for both stations can be purchased at vending machines, station counters, or online at Rail Ninja.

There is only one KTX train station in Daegu and it is called Dongdaegu (East Daegu) Station. Do not confuse this station with Daegu Station, which does not serve KTX high speed trains. Dongdaegu is a key stop on the Gyeongbu Line — KTX trains from Seoul reach Daegu in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, covering 310 km. KTX stops on the Gyeongbu Line between Seoul and Busan include Suwon, Cheonan Asan, Daejeon, Gimcheon (Gumi), Dongdaegu, Miryang, Gupo, and Busan. The station features spacious waiting rooms, automated ticket machines, and accessibility amenities including elevators and ramps for disabled passengers.

There are two main train stations in Gwangju: Gwangju Station and Gwangju Songjeong Station. KTX high speed trains stop at Gwangju Songjeong Station — make sure you catch your train at the correct station, as the two are in different parts of the city. The Honam and Jeolla Lines serve the southwestern Jeolla-do region, connecting Seoul and Gwangju with multiple departures per day. The travel distance from Seoul to Gwangju is 357 km and the journey takes around 1 hour 45 minutes by KTX train.

As part of the KTX high speed network in South Korea, Jeonju Station is the primary railway hub of the city. KTX trains from Seoul to Jeonju take approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, covering 237 km. Jeonju is famous for its historic Hanok Village and traditional cuisine, and KTX service makes it easy to plan a day trip from Seoul. Tickets can be purchased at station ticketing counters, automated ticket machines, or booked online at Rail Ninja.

If the coastal city of Gangneung is part of your South Korean travel plan, catch your KTX train at Gangneung Railway Station. The Gangneung Line connects Cheongnyangni to the east coast, with Gangneung Station as its eastern terminus. Built originally in 1962 and reconstructed in 2017, Gangneung Station is a vital part of the Yeongdong Line. With renovations completed, this well-developed station features great customer service, spacious waiting rooms, comfortable seating, and a smooth arrival and departure experience. Multiple KTX departures per day link Seoul and Gangneung.