A Busan Local’s Story: The Day I Learned How Hard It Can Be to Book KTX and SRT in Korea
If you’ve ever tried to understand how to book KTX and SRT in Korea, you’re not alone — almost every foreign traveler struggles with this at least once.
Even as a Korean, I still remember the moment I realized how confusing the system can be for someone visiting the country for the first time.
A few years ago, one of my closest friends from overseas visited Busan. It was her first time in Korea, and she wanted to take a quick weekend trip to Seoul. Simple enough, right? We opened the KTX website, confident we could book a ticket in minutes.
But everything was sold out.
We tried different times → still sold out.
We switched to another day → also sold out.
She looked at me and said, “Is traveling in Korea always this complicated?”
That was the moment I realized something important:
knowing how to book KTX and SRT in Korea is not just about clicking a button — you need to understand the structure of Korea’s two train systems, their differences, and the hidden tricks locals use when tickets disappear.
So instead of panicking, I taught her exactly what Korean travelers do in this situation:
- checking both KTX and SRT (because they’re separate)
- looking for standing tickets
- switching nearby stations
- refreshing for cancellations
- even going straight to the station for last-minute seats
Within 20 minutes, we had tickets in our hands.
That experience made me realize what kind of guide foreign travelers actually need:
not a technical manual, but a clear, friendly explanation from a local — the kind that helps you avoid frustration, save time, and travel confidently even on the busiest days.
This guide is exactly that.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip from Seoul to Busan or traveling across Korea for the first time, you’ll learn step-by-step how to book KTX and SRT in Korea, how both systems work, and what to do when everything seems sold out.
Now let’s start with the basics: KTX vs SRT — what’s the difference?
🧭 1. KTX vs SRT — Understanding Korea’s Two High-Speed Trains
For many travelers, the most confusing part of learning how to book KTX and SRT in Korea is simply understanding that Korea has two completely different high-speed train systems. They look similar, they travel at similar speeds, and both connect major cities — but the booking platforms, operators, and departure stations are different.
KTX — The main national high-speed train
KTX is the train most foreigners know about because it is operated by KORAIL, Korea’s national railway company. It runs through the largest and most convenient stations such as Seoul Station and Yongsan Station, which are located right in the center of the city. If you’re staying in Myeongdong, Hongdae, Itaewon, or anywhere around central Seoul, KTX is often the simplest and fastest option to reach Busan, Daegu, Gyeongju, or Gangneung.
Foreigners generally find KTX easier to book because:
- the website supports English,
- the payment gateway accepts more foreign cards,
- and the booking layout is simpler to understand.
You can think of KTX as the “default” high-speed train for most travelers.
SRT — A newer, slightly cheaper alternative
SRT is operated by SR, a private company, and it was created to offer an additional high-speed option to reduce traffic on KTX routes. The trains are just as modern and fast, sometimes even a little quieter, and the ticket prices are often 5–10% cheaper.
However, the biggest difference is the station:
SRT does not depart from Seoul Station. Instead, all trains start from Suseo Station, which is located in the southeast part of Seoul. For people staying in Gangnam, Jamsil, Songpa, or COEX area, SRT can actually be more convenient.
Because the two systems are completely separate, availability is also different.
This is why travelers who know how to book KTX and SRT in Korea always check both when one is sold out.
🚄 2. How to Book KTX (Explained Step-by-Step for First-Time Travelers)
Booking KTX is usually the easiest option for foreigners traveling in Korea. The system is straightforward, the English version is reliable, and almost any international credit card can be used. Below is a simple, friendly guide that walks you through the process just like a local would explain it.
Step 1. Go to the official LetsKorail website
Visit https://www.letskorail.com.
The mobile site is okay, but the desktop version works better, especially when entering card information or searching for multiple dates.
Step 2. Click ‘Booking’ → ‘Express Train’
This takes you to the main page where you can search for KTX routes.
If the site looks complicated, don’t worry — KTX only requires four basic inputs:
departure station, arrival station, date, and time.
Step 3. Choose your route
The most popular routes appear automatically, such as:
- Seoul → Busan
- Seoul → Daegu
- Seoul → Gyeongju
- Busan → Seoul
You simply select your departure and arrival cities. The system will show all available KTX trains for that day.
Step 4. Select your travel date and time
Once you choose your schedule, the system will display the train number, travel duration, and which seats are available. KTX is extremely punctual, so choose the time that best matches your itinerary — trains depart almost exactly on time.
Step 5. Choose your seat type
- Standard Class: Most affordable and comfortable for regular travelers.
- First Class: Wider seats, extra legroom, and a quieter cabin.
Most travelers are perfectly satisfied with Standard Class, as the KTX ride is already comfortable and smooth.
Step 6. Enter your details and pay
The system accepts names written in English, so you can enter the same name printed on your passport. For payment, foreign Visa, MasterCard, and JCB cards typically work without problems.
After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation page and email.
Step 7. Download and save your e-ticket
You can keep the PDF on your phone or take a screenshot.
Train staff sometimes check tickets, but not always, so having the QR code ready makes boarding fast and easy.
🚄 3. How to Book SRT (A Friendly Guide for Travelers Who Need Cheaper or Backup Tickets)
Many travelers learning how to book KTX and SRT in Korea eventually discover that SRT is a great alternative — especially when KTX tickets are sold out. However, the SRT website is a little less foreigner-friendly, so here is the guide explained step-by-step in the simplest way.
SRT in One Sentence
SRT is a high-speed train similar to KTX but operated by a different company and departing only from Suseo Station in southern Seoul.
If you are staying near Gangnam, Jamsil, COEX, or Lotte World Tower, SRT might even be more convenient for you.
Step 1. Visit the SRT Website
Go to https://etk.srail.kr.
The site may look slightly basic, but don’t let that worry you — the booking process itself is simple once you know where to click.
There is an English version, but some travelers prefer the Korean layout because certain buttons and seat details are clearer.
Step 2. Decide Whether to Create an Account
You have two options:
- Book as a guest: Fast and simple, but you must enter your information each time.
- Create an account: Takes a few minutes but makes future bookings easier.
For short-term travelers, guest booking is totally fine.
Step 3. Select Your Departure and Arrival Cities
Remember: All SRT trains depart from Suseo Station.
This is the most important point travelers often miss.
Popular SRT routes include:
- Suseo → Busan
- Suseo → Daegu
- Suseo → Gwangju-Songjeong
Because SRT uses a completely different track system from KTX, it sometimes has seats even when KTX is fully booked.
Step 4. Choose Your Travel Date and Time
Once you enter your route, the website shows every available train for that day:
- departure time
- arrival time
- price
- number of seats left
The interface is straightforward, but if you see a lot of Korean text, don’t worry — the important buttons are always highlighted in blue or purple.
Step 5. Make the Payment
SRT accepts:
- Korean credit cards
- Many Visa or MasterCard foreign cards
- Some debit cards (depends on the bank)
If your international card fails, simply try a different browser (Chrome works best). Many travelers succeed on the second attempt.
Step 6. Save Your Ticket
After payment, you will receive:
- a confirmation page
- a downloadable ticket
- sometimes a text message (if a Korean phone number is used)
The QR code is what you will show when boarding.
🔥 4. What to Do When KTX and SRT Are Sold Out
A real-world guide that Korean locals actually use
Every traveler eventually encounters this. Holidays, cherry blossom season, summer weekends, and big festivals can cause both KTX and SRT to sell out completely. You may search for hours and still see:
❌ “No seats available.”
But the good news is: there are many reliable ways to get a ticket even when it looks impossible.
Below is the exact strategy locals use — explained slowly and clearly for first-time visitors.
✅ Tip 1. Always Check Both Systems
This is the #1 rule of how to book KTX and SRT in Korea.
Because KTX and SRT are separate companies:
- A train can be sold out on KTX
- but still have seats available on SRT
And the reverse is also common.
Tourists often check only one website, but locals always check both.
✅ Tip 2. Use a KTX Standing Ticket (입석)
A standing ticket allows you to board the train even if there are no seats left.
How it works:
- You can stand in the aisle or between cars.
- If someone gets off early, you may temporarily sit in their seat.
- It is completely legal and safe — Koreans use it often on busy days.
This is the easiest way to travel when everything else is sold out.
✅ Tip 3. Try Nearby Stations Instead of the Main One
Many travelers think they must board at Seoul Station or Busan Station.
But Korea has multiple stations on the same route, and these smaller stations often have more available seats.
Examples:
- Instead of Seoul → Busan
try Gwangmyeong → Busan - Instead of Seoul → Daegu
try Cheonan-Asan → Daegu - Instead of Busan → Seoul
try Ulsan → Seoul
These stations are connected by subway or local trains, so it’s easy to reach them.
This trick dramatically increases your chance of finding tickets.
✅ Tip 4. Choose Very Early or Very Late Trains
Trains between 02:00 and 07:00 or after 22:00 often have seats when all daytime trains are sold out.
Many tourists avoid these times, which means more availability for you.
✅ Tip 5. Refresh Every 2–3 Minutes
Koreans cancel tickets frequently:
- change of plans
- switching times
- booking multiple seats and releasing extras
For this reason, cancellations appear throughout the day.
A 10–15 minute refresh cycle often leads to at least one available seat.
✅ Tip 6. Use the Korail App for Faster Updates
The Korail app sometimes shows new cancellation seats seconds earlier than the website.
If you need last-minute tickets, this trick helps a lot.
✅ Tip 7. Try Buying at the Station Counter
This is a real local secret.
In many cases, people get on the train without booking online first because:
- cancellations naturally appear
- seats open up just before departure
- station staff can assign last-minute spaces
Especially 20–40 minutes before departure, empty seats suddenly appear as people cancel.
Foreign travelers are often surprised, but station counters are one of the most reliable ways to secure a ticket.
🧾 5. What to Expect on the Day of Travel
Arrive 10–15 minutes early
Major stations are large, and platforms can be confusing the first time.
Boarding time
Gates usually open 5–15 minutes before departure.
Keep your QR code ready
Staff may check during the ride.
🧳 6. KTX or SRT — Which One Should You Choose?
| Category | KTX | SRT |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign-friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Medium | Slightly cheaper |
| Departure station | Seoul/Yongsan | Suseo only |
| Speed | Fast | Similar or slightly faster |
| Booking difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Last-minute ticket chance | Higher | Lower |
If you are a first-time traveler → choose KTX.
If you want cheaper or backup options → also check SRT.
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