All The Scenic Train Rides In Korea That You Need To Know!

South Korea’s public transport system is among the best in the world. An ultra-efficient bus network shuttles passengers all over the country as planes fly between various cities, but the real gem of this desirable East Asian destination is the rail network. With the train rides in South Korea, you can get to most parts of the country within a matter of hours.

What’s more, the extensive rail network means that you get to see most of the gorgeous Korean landscape in comfort and style. With that said, let us show you six of most scenic train rides in South Korea!

First off, it’s worth noting that South Korea has 16 different intercity train lines, with the high-speed service known as the KTX, or Korea Train eXpress. There are other train types, like the ITX-Saemaeul, Mugunghwa and Super Rapid Train (SRT), but the KTX is the household name when it comes to train travel.

For ease of travel, you’re best off getting a KORAIL pass. This will allow you to use all the major train lines barring the local metro lines of Korean cities – you’ll need to use your T-Money card for that.

1. Seoul to Gangneung

Getting from the capital to Korea’s stunning east coast has never been easier with the Gyeonggang line, running from Seoul to Gangneung in the Gangwon-do province. This line was opened only a few years ago before South Korea hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.

Speaking of Pyeongchang, this line is great if you’re planning a winter getaway in South Korea. Many of the major winter resorts and ski slopes are easily accessible from the Pyeongchang stop. The line terminates at Gangneung, a delightful beachside town which welcomes tourists all year round, and has become somewhat of a playground for South Korean residents looking to escape the busy city life.

2. Yeosu to Jeonju

To be fair, you could travel this entire route all the way down from Seoul to the south coast, but then you’d miss out on the treats that lie between the capital and the charming port town of Yeosu. Starting in Yeosu, allow yourself some time to meander around the historic monuments and bask in the seaside atmosphere. The area around the Jinnamgwan Monument is a blend of old and new; think contemporary Korean cafés mixed with a vibrant plethora of street food stalls.

The route to Jeonju runs through the dramatic landscapes of the Jeollanamdo province. You’ll get to see majestic mountain passes and endless paddies, truly captivating especially as the sun dips. When you get to Jeonju, be sure to pay a visit to the Hanok Village, a quintessential cultural Korean attraction.

3. Busan to Gyeongju

South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan, is laid back in comparison to the manic capital of Seoul. What’s more, it’s got some fantastic beaches and tons of hidden gems if you’re an avid explorer. Only 30 minutes away by train lies Gyeongju, a key historical site packed with relics and cultural artefacts. It only makes sense, then, that a day-trip to Gyeongju from Busan should be on your to-do list.

Here’s an insider tip: For a truly enchanting train ride, take the trip during the cherry blossom season. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the vibrant pink cherry blossoms dotted across the Gyeongsambuk-do landscape. You could also do the trip to Gyeongju from Seoul. But heads up — it’ll take about two hours rather than the 30 minutes from Busan!

Also read: 30 Fun Things to Do in Seoul on Your Very First Visit [Updated 2019]

4. O-Train

The O-Train, also known as the Central Inland Region Tourist Train, departs from Yongsan Station in Seoul, and covers three provinces (Gangwon-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Chungcheongbuk-do) with 13 stops along the way. Among all the scenic train rides in Korea, the O-Train is perhaps the best bang-for-your-buck if you’re interested to see the most of South Korea’s natural landscape. Rugged inland mountain ranges are a constant feature throughout the ride!

At approximately 257km long, this route offers ample opportunity to experience the best of South Korea, but don’t be fooled into thinking that this is a slow journey. The O-Train reaches a speed of up to 150km/hr, meaning that the entire loop takes less than five hours to complete.

5. V-Train

The “Valley Train” runs through the Baekdudaegan mountain range. The carriage and crew uniforms are distinctly retro, a nod to sites and stops that have remained largely untouched or altered since the 70s and 80s!

This particular train runs six times daily; three times from Buncheon Station in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province to Cheoram in Gangwon-do Province and three times in the opposite direction. Although the route is far shorter compared to the O-Train, the V-Train is far from a rushed experience. The train trundles along at 30km/hr, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the sights of the Korean countryside.

6. Sea Train

The Sea Train is a specially built tourist train consisting of four carriages, covering 58km along South Korea’s picturesque East Coast. It runs from Jeongdongjin Station in Gangneung to Samcheok Station and back, with a round-trip taking three hours. While the O-Train and V-Train are all about majestic mountain backdrops, the Sea Train offers up endless panoramas of the East Sea. Its carriages provide the best possible views of the coastline!

After giving you a basic guide on the scenic train rides in South Korea, have we convinced you to book your next trip by rail? Let us know how your train adventures in Korea will turn out!