Singapore to Korea by (Mostly) Trains: An EPIC Journey To Try

So if you haven’t heard, travelling by train is all the rage right now. With recent successful journeys between Singapore to Bangkok, as well as Singapore to Hanoi, we’re now exploring even more ambitious train routes. As rail infrastructure improves and international cooperation strengthens, the possibilities for long-distance train travel in the region are expanding rapidly and we are here for it!

Also Read: 6 Epic Train Journeys Starting from Singapore: To Bangkok, Korea & Even Europe

Travelling from Singapore to KOREA by train?! Before you scream: “NO WAY! IT’S IMPOSSIBLE!” I’ve done the research – let me prove you wrong. You will travel mostly by train, save a ferry ride from Qingdao to Incheon.  

Train travel offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in local cultures. As you journey through different countries, you’ll have the chance to make new friends, savour authentic cuisine, and experience the thrill of crossing multiple borders. This is truly an adventure waiting to be discovered. So why settle for the ordinary when you can embark on a more immersive and rewarding journey by train?

P.S. This route is purely hypothetical and no brave soul has attempted it as far as we know. *winks* Anybody willing to volunteer as tribute?

Here’s a summary of the entire route: Woodlands Checkpoint > JB Sentral > Gemas > Padang Besar > Bangkok > Vientiane > Kunming > Beijing > Incheon (via Qingdao) 

Let’s get started: Singapore Woodlands Checkpoint to JB Sentral

There is no direct train from Singapore to Central Malaysia, so you’d have to go to JB Sentral to get started on your long train journey. But fret not! All you have to do is hop onto the KTM Shuttle Trains that run from Woodlands Checkpoint to JB Sentral. Buy your ticket at the KTM InterCity ticket counter at Woodlands Checkpoint, but take note –  they only accept cash, and the sale of tickets will end 20 minutes before the departure of each train. So remember to arrive early, or get your tickets in advance online!

The fare is S$5 and the train journey takes 5 minutes. Taking a bus across the causeway might be cheaper if you calculate the cost, but hey – you’d get caught up in the massive traffic jams that are a real bummer and a waste of your precious time. Besides, you get to boast that you really did TRAIN all the way from Singapore to Korea!

You can check timings and pre-book tickets for the journey from Woodlands to JB Sentral at KTM’s website.

Part 1: JB Sentral to Bangkok

You can choose between a leisurely journey with more sightseeing opportunities or a direct route to your final destination in Korea. I’ll recommend the most efficient route, but feel free to customise your itinerary by visiting other cities. Be prepared for a journey that involves multiple short train rides and stops at various locations.

To start the first leg of the trip, take the train from JB Sentral to Gemas. This leg of the trip will take about 4 hours and cost ~S$7 for a second-class seat. You can then choose to stop at Kuala Lumpur or Butterworth (gateway to Penang) along the way to explore the area and feast on delicious local food. 

However, the most direct way would be to take the Electric Train Service (ETS) from Gemas to Padang Besar. Hop onto train 9420 and head straight for the border crossing. The train ride will take about 8 hours and the fare will be ~S$30. You will arrive at Padang Besar at night after a gruelling train ride from Gemas. It’s the only rail crossing from Malaysia and Thailand. Take a break and have a good night’s rest before you start on the next leg of your journey! It’s only going to get harder but more exhilarating from here onwards. 

For the next leg of your adventure, embark on an epic 18-hour train journey from Padang Besar to Bangkok. It’s the perfect time to catch up on some sleep, and before you know it, you’ll be waking up in the land of Thai milk tea, refreshing coconut juice, and mouthwatering Tom Yum Goong. This scenic ride will cost you approximately S$41.

Part 2: Bangkok to Vientiane

Bangkok is a perfect place to stay for a short getaway, amidst your arduous train journey! Reward yourself with delectable street food, shop at Bangkok’s numerous night markets for some cheap bargains, or catch an entertaining ladyboy show. When you’re well-rested get ready to board your next train from Bangkok. 

Since 19 July 2024, a new direct train service connects Bangkok to Vientiane, making it even easier to travel between these two vibrant cities. Hop on the train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station in Bangkok, and enjoy the 12-hour journey to Vientiane. The second-class sleeper option will set you back around S$30-35. 

Part 3: Vientiane to Beijing

Continue your journey by taking train D88 from Vientiane to Kunming, which departs daily at 08.08 and arrives at 18.34. A second-class ticket for this trip costs approximately S$100. Once in Kunming, you can hop on a high-speed train to Beijing, completing the 11-hour journey in comfort. A second-class ticket for the high-speed train is priced at around S$230.

Part 4: Beijing to Seoul

HERE COMES THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE TRIP! You’re almostttttt there. This is essentially the last leg of your incredibly long and crazy train journey all the way from Singapore!

Via Qingdao + ferry

For this part, travel via Qingdao before hopping on a ferry to South Korea. You are just 2 rides away from chasing after your favourite Korean celebrity and indulging in mouthwatering local cuisine. From Beijing South Railway Station, catch a train to Qingdao, a journey that takes around 4 hours with regular departures throughout the day.

After that, take the ferry that sails from Qingdao at 16.00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The fare for a one-way ticket to Incheon from Qingdao is ~S$135.

You will reach Incheon at 10:00 the next day… And BOOM, welcome to SOUTH KOREAAAAAA!

P.S: You can travel to Seoul from Beijing via Tianjin as well.

CONGRATULATIONS…and CELEBRATIONS!

YOU DID IT! If you were daring enough to take this route by train to reach Korea, props to you! Now, come back and share with TripZilla all the fantastic stories and amazing sights you’ve seen along the way. 

Also Read: Singapore to Europe by Land: It Took me 3 Weeks & S$3000