🇰🇷 한국

South Korea's KTX (Korea Train eXpress) high-speed rail network connects Seoul to Busan in 2h15m (418 km) at speeds up to 305 km/h. Operated by Korail (Korea Railroad Corporation), the KTX network extends from Seoul south to Busan and Mokpo, southwest to Gwangju, and east to Gangneung (opened for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics). SRT (Super Rapid Train), operated by SR Corp, runs a competing high-speed service between Suseo station in southern Seoul and Busan, Mokpo, and other Gyeongbu corridor destinations, often at slightly lower fares. Below high-speed services, Korail operates ITX-Saemaeul (intercity express), Mugunghwa (slower intercity), and Nuriro trains on conventional tracks. Seoul's metropolitan area is covered by an extensive subway system with 9 lines operated by Seoul Metro, plus the AREX airport express and Shinbundang Line. T-money and Cashbee IC cards work across buses and subways nationwide. The Korail app and website (letskorail.com) handle bookings; KTX tickets can be reserved 1 month in advance. The Korea Rail Pass (KORAIL Pass) is available to foreign tourists and offers unlimited travel on KTX and other Korail trains for 2-5 consecutive or flexi days. Note that SRT trains are not covered. For travelers visiting Seoul and Busan, the pass pays for itself in 2 round trips. Discount seats (early-bird and standby) on KTX can bring fares down significantly for flexible travelers.