πŸš„ Which Seoul Train Station Should You Use? Your Ultimate Guide to Traveling Korea by Rail

 

A digital map-style illustration showing Korea's rail network with four key Seoul train stations (Seoul Station, Yongsan Station, Cheongnyangni Station, and Suseo Station) and directional arrows pointing to different regions (Busan, Gwangju, Gangneung, etc.)
A digital map-style illustration showing Korea's rail network with four key Seoul train stations (Seoul Station, Yongsan Station, Cheongnyangni Station, and Suseo Station) and directional arrows pointing to different regions (Busan, Gwangju, Gangneung, etc.)

When you're traveling across Korea by train, choosing the right station in Seoul can save you time, money, and confusion. Unlike some cities with one central terminal, Seoul has multiple major train stations, each serving different parts of the country.

Here's a complete breakdown of where to go, how to book, and what to expect when boarding a train in Korea.

🌐 Overview: Korea's Regional Directions

Korea is commonly divided into several major regions:

  • Gyeongsang-do (경상도): Southeast (Busan, Daegu, Ulsan)

  • Jeolla-do (전라도): Southwest (Gwangju, Jeonju)

  • Chungcheong-do (좩청도): Central (Daejeon, Cheonan)

  • Gangwon-do (강원도): Northeast (Gangneung, Sokcho)

Each of these directions often starts from a different station in Seoul.

πŸš‚ 1. Seoul Station (μ„œμšΈμ—­)

Best for:

  • Gyeongsang-do (Busan, Daegu, Ulsan)

  • Central-west regions like Daejeon

Trains: KTX (Korea's high-speed train), ITX-Saemaeul, Mugunghwa

Nearby subway: Line 1, Line 4, Airport Railroad (AREX)

Why choose Seoul Station?

  • It’s the biggest, most central train station.

  • Direct KTX to Busan (2.5 hrs)

  • Tons of food, cafes, and lockers available

πŸš‚ 2. Yongsan Station (μš©μ‚°μ—­)

Best for:

  • Jeolla-do (Gwangju, Mokpo, Jeonju)

Trains: KTX, ITX-Saemaeul, Mugunghwa

Nearby subway: Line 1

Bonus: The station is connected to a mall (I'Park Mall), so it's a great place to wait

πŸš‚ 3. Cheongnyangni Station (청릉리역)

Best for:

  • Gangwon-do (Gangneung, Donghae)

Trains: KTX-Eum, Mugunghwa

Nearby subway: Line 1, Gyeongchun Line, Jungang Line

Note: Smaller than Seoul Station but well-connected

πŸš‚ 4. Suseo Station (μˆ˜μ„œμ—­)

Best for:

  • Southeastern destinations like Busan, Daegu via SRT (Super Rapid Train)

Trains: SRT only (Not KTX)

Nearby subway: Line 3, Suseo SRT station

Why SRT?

  • Often cheaper than KTX

  • Departures can be faster since it avoids Seoul Station's crowds

πŸ’³ How to Book Your Train Ticket in Korea

  1. KTX & Korail trains

  • Book at: letsKorail

  • Mobile app: Korail Talk (English available)

  • You can also buy tickets at the station

  1. SRT trains (Suseo Station only)

  • Book at: etk.srail.kr

  • SRT tickets cannot be booked via Korail

Need help?

  • Visit a Travel Information Center at each station

  • Ask staff in English at designated help desks

🌟 Why Korea's Rail System is Amazing

  • Punctual: Trains are on time to the minute

  • Affordable: KTX to Busan is under 60,000 KRW (~$45)

  • Clean: Reserved seating, onboard restrooms, snack carts

  • Convenient: Easy transfers to subway and local buses

You can literally have breakfast in Seoul and dinner in Busan the same day.

🌎 Quick Tips for Travelers

  • Arrive at least 15 minutes early

  • Trains leave on time, even if you’re running

  • Bring snacks or grab something at the station (there’s usually a bakery or CU convenience store)

  • Hold onto your ticket or QR code

  • Use lockers if you want to explore the station area

πŸ‘‰ CTA: Found this helpful? Bookmark this guide or share it with someone heading to Korea! πŸ‡°πŸ‡·

Location: λŒ€ν•œλ―Όκ΅­ μ„œμšΈνŠΉλ³„μ‹œ 쀑ꡬ μ†Œκ³΅λ™ μ„Έμ’…λŒ€λ‘œ18κΈΈ 2 μ„œμšΈμ—­

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