From Seoul to Busan in Hours: The Phenomenon of Korean High-Speed Trains

South Korea's high-speed trains have revolutionized rail travel, competing with global giants like Japan's Shinkansen. Here’s what sets them apart.

Like many Asian countries, like Japan, South Korea is renowned for its high-speed rail networks. Among the most famous and fastest trains is the Korean Train Express (KTX). Most public transport in the country is operated by the state-owned railway company KORAIL, which currently offers two types of KTX trains: the classic KTX and the KTX-Sancheon.

Saw my first high speed train in Korea. It was a religious experience. pic.twitter.com/5Ven59hbUP

— Erik Salmi (@Erik_Salmi) July 22, 2024

The Korean High-Speed Train KTX: Where Did It All Begin?

The first high-speed train in Korea was the classic KTX, unveiled to the public in 2004. It was developed in collaboration with the French company Alstom, drawing inspiration from France's Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV). The KTX-Sancheon, an improved version, made its debut in 2010, developed by the Korean tech giant Hyundai Rotem. Both models reach speeds of 305 km/h, but the Sancheon is more efficient thanks to its advanced technology.

The two train types differ slightly in capacity and seating arrangement. Both offer first-class and standard-class seating, but the classic KTX accommodates more passengers. It features 127 first-class seats and can carry up to 808 passengers in total. In contrast, the Sancheon is designed for smaller groups, with first-class seating for only 30 passengers and standard-class seating for 333 passengers, according to KORAIL. A unique feature of the newer Sancheon model is rotatable seats, available to all passengers. In the classic KTX, this feature is reserved for those who pay extra.

South Korea's high-speed rail network spans four major routes: Gyeongbu, Gyeongjeon, Honam, and Jeolla. Much like in Europe, ticket prices depend on factors such as age, season, social status, and the number of tickets purchased. One thing is certain: riding the KTX offers an unforgettable experience on one of the ten fastest trains in the world.

KTX's Competition: Super Rapid Train (SRT)

As Korea Train explains, passengers can travel to Mokpo or Busan at nearly the speed of sound, thanks to another high-speed rail option, the Super Rapid Train (SRT). While there are no significant differences between KTX and SRT trains in terms of amenities, SRT trains save a little time on certain routes. Traveling at speeds of 300 km/h, SRT slightly outpaces KTX on some journeys, offering a similar level of comfort and convenience for passengers, as Korea Travel Planning reports.

The Wealth of High-Speed Trains in Asia: How Does South Korea Compare to Japan?

South Korea isn’t the only Asian country with an impressive high-speed rail network. Its primary competitor is Japan, home to the legendary Shinkansen. Upon closer inspection, the differences between the two systems are not substantial, though notable.

The Shinkansen, with a maximum speed of 360 km/h, has a more extensive network that connects most of Japan and operates at shorter intervals between trains, according to Railway-Technology.com. KTX, on the other hand, covers South Korea with fewer lines and longer intervals between services. While both systems offer state-of-the-art safety and comfort, the Shinkansen boasts a longer history, having launched in 1964, and is often regarded as technologically superior. The KTX, though younger, is equally secure and efficient, standing out as a modern symbol of South Korea’s transport infrastructure.

Source: Railway-Technology.com; Korea Train; Korea Travel Planning; KORAIL