Autumn 2024. Ten years after my first trip to Seoul in 2014, I am returning to the Republic of Korea, better known as South Korea. Not solo this time, but with Oriol, who has never been to Korea. On the itinerary: flying with Qatar Airways to Incheon via Doha, the capital Seoul, the historic city of Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju Island and a second stint in Seoul, where we are joined by Sehyeon. We’re spending two weeks in South Korea. The ROK is such a popular destination now. Will we experience overtourism?  

Okay, that was Seoul Station introduced. Let’s now take the train to Busan. For this, we would take a KTX train by Korail.

Introducing Korail

Korail (한국철도공사 or 한국철도), officially known as the Korea Railroad Corporation, is South Korea’s state-owned national railway operator. Established in 1963, it is responsible for the management, operation, and development of rail transportation across the country. 

Over the decades, Korail has grown into one of the most important entities in South Korea’s transportation infrastructure, overseeing an extensive network of rail lines that connect cities, towns, and rural areas, and facilitating both passenger and freight transportation. Korail plays a crucial role in South Korea’s economy and daily life, providing reliable, efficient, and increasingly high-speed rail services.

Korail’s origins can be traced back to the post-World War II era, following the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. During the colonial period, rail infrastructure in Korea had been developed by the Japanese, primarily for resource extraction and military logistics. 

After liberation, the Korean railways came under the control of the South Korean government. In 1963, the government reorganized the railways under the Korea National Railroad (KNR), which was later rebranded as Korail. This marked the beginning of South Korea’s modern railway era, and Korail became the central entity responsible for managing the nation’s rail services.

In its early years, Korail’s rail network was limited in scope and efficiency, particularly in comparison to the road network. However, as South Korea’s economy began to grow rapidly during the 1960s and 1970s, there was an increased demand for more efficient transportation networks. 

Korail responded by expanding its rail services and improving its infrastructure. The Gyeongbu Line, which connects Seoul to Busan, quickly became the backbone of the national rail network, carrying a significant portion of the country’s passenger and freight traffic. This line remains one of the busiest and most important rail corridors in South Korea today.

As South Korea’s population and industrial output grew, Korail faced increasing pressure to modernize its services and meet the demands of a rapidly developing country. In the 1980s and 1990s, Korail began to invest heavily in electrification and modernization of its rolling stock. 

The transition from diesel-powered to electric-powered trains helped to increase efficiency, reduce pollution, and improve the reliability of rail services. Korail also began to implement computer-based systems for ticketing, scheduling, and train management, which further enhanced the customer experience and operational efficiency.

Korea Train Express

A major turning point in Korail’s history came with the introduction of high-speed rail services. The South Korean government had long recognized the potential of high-speed rail to revolutionize domestic transportation, particularly given the country’s relatively small land area and high population density. 

In 2004, Korail launched the Korea Train Express (한국고속철도) or KTX, South Korea’s first high-speed rail service. The KTX operates on dedicated high-speed lines, with trains capable of reaching speeds of over 300 kilometers per hour (186 miles per hour). 

The introduction of the KTX drastically reduced travel times between major cities such as Seoul, Daejeon, Daegu, and Busan, making rail travel a more competitive alternative to air and road transportation.

The KTX quickly became one of Korail’s most popular services, transforming the way people travel across South Korea. 

The high-speed rail service not only offered faster journeys but also provided a more comfortable and convenient travel experience. The KTX trains are equipped with modern amenities, such as spacious seating, onboard catering, and free Wi-Fi, making them particularly appealing for business travelers and tourists alike. 

As a result, Korail saw a significant increase in passenger numbers, and the KTX became a central part of South Korea’s transportation infrastructure.

Other trains

In addition to the KTX, Korail operates a wide range of other rail services that cater to different travel needs. The Intercity Train Express or ITX is a medium-speed rail service that operates on both standard and high-speed lines, providing fast and convenient connections between major cities at a lower cost than the KTX. 

The Mugunghwa and Saemaeul trains are conventional rail services that offer slower, but more affordable options for long-distance travel. These trains are popular with travelers who prioritize cost over speed or are traveling to regions not yet serviced by high-speed rail. 

The wide variety of rail services offered by Korail ensures that passengers have options to suit their travel preferences and budgets.

Freight

Korail also plays a significant role in freight transportation, supporting South Korea’s export-driven economy by facilitating the efficient movement of goods across the country. Korail’s freight services transport a wide range of products, including industrial goods, agricultural products, and raw materials, between factories, ports, and distribution centers. 

The company operates a fleet of freight trains and manages freight terminals located at strategic points along the rail network. By offering an alternative to road transportation, Korail’s freight services help reduce traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions, contributing to the country’s sustainability goals.

The growth of Korail’s rail network has been accompanied by the development of advanced rail infrastructure. One of the most important elements of this infrastructure is the Gyeongbu High-Speed Railway, a dedicated high-speed rail line that runs from Seoul to Busan. 

This line is designed to accommodate the KTX and other high-speed trains, allowing them to travel at maximum speeds without interference from slower trains or freight services. 

The construction of the Gyeongbu High-Speed Railway was a massive engineering feat, involving the building of numerous tunnels, bridges, and viaducts to ensure that the route was as straight and level as possible, thus enabling the trains to operate at high speeds safely and efficiently.

Korail is also responsible for maintaining and operating South Korea’s extensive commuter rail network, which serves the Seoul metropolitan area and other major cities. 

The Seoul metropolitan area is home to one of the world’s largest and busiest urban rail systems, which includes several commuter lines operated by Korail. These lines, such as the Gyeongui-Jungang Line, the Gyeongbu Line, and the Suin-Bundang Line, provide critical links between Seoul’s suburbs and its urban core. By offering an efficient and affordable alternative to driving, Korail’s commuter services play an essential role in reducing traffic congestion and air pollution in South Korea’s urban centers.

North Korea

Over the years, Korail has also expanded its international services and cooperation. The company has been involved in various initiatives aimed at developing cross-border rail connections, particularly with North Korea. Although political tensions between the two Koreas have often hindered progress, there have been periods of cooperation, such as the brief resumption of freight services between South and North Korea in the early 2000s. 

Korail has also participated in discussions about the potential for connecting South Korea’s rail network with China, Russia, and beyond, which would open up new trade and travel opportunities for the country.

Innovation

The company continuously invests in the maintenance and upgrading of its infrastructure to ensure that its services meet the highest standards of safety and reliability.

In recent years, Korail has also introduced automatic train control systems that help prevent accidents by automatically adjusting train speeds and ensuring safe distances between trains.

In addition to safety, Korail is focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Rail transportation is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport, and Korail has made efforts to further reduce its environmental impact. 

The company has implemented energy-efficient technologies in its trains and stations, and it actively promotes the use of electric trains, which produce significantly lower emissions than diesel-powered trains. Korail has also introduced various measures to reduce noise pollution and improve the environmental performance of its freight services. These efforts are aligned with South Korea’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change.

Hubs

Korail’s stations and customer services are designed to provide a high level of convenience and accessibility for passengers. 

Major stations like Seoul Station, Busan Station, and Daejeon Station are equipped with modern facilities, including automated ticketing systems, waiting lounges, shops, and restaurants. 

Korea Rail Pass

The introduction of the Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass), which offers unlimited travel on Korail trains for foreign tourists, has been an effective way to promote tourism and attract international visitors.

Money

Despite its many successes, Korail has faced challenges over the years. Like many national rail operators, the company has had to balance financial sustainability with its public service obligations. Operating a vast rail network that includes both profitable high-speed services and less profitable regional routes requires careful financial management. Korail has periodically faced financial difficulties, leading to government intervention and restructuring efforts aimed at improving the company’s efficiency and financial health.

In response to these challenges, Korail has pursued strategies to diversify its revenue streams. 

For example, the company has developed real estate and commercial projects in and around its major stations, creating additional sources of income. Korail has also sought to enhance its international competitiveness by sharing its expertise in high-speed rail technology and operations with other countries. 

South Korea’s successful implementation of high-speed rail has attracted interest from countries looking to develop their own high-speed rail networks, and Korail has been involved in consultancy and partnership projects with governments and companies around the world.

The KTX-I

The KTX-I, also known as the TGV-K or Korail Class 100000, is a class of South Korean high-speed trains derived from the French TGV Réseau. 

Designed for high capacity, the KTX-I features a 20-car configuration without a restaurant car. A total of 46 trainsets were produced, with manufacturing split between France and South Korea under a technology transfer agreement. This collaboration laid the foundation for the development of future domestic high-speed trains in South Korea.

Korail officially refers to the KTX-I simply as KTX, and the name KTX-I was introduced later to distinguish it from the KTX-Sancheon, previously known as KTX-II. However, KTX-I is not the official designation for this train class.

As of 2011, the KTX-I remains the primary workhorse of Korail’s KTX fleet, operating at a maximum scheduled speed of 305 km/h (190 mph).

Like all TGV variants, the KTX-I is a permanently coupled trainset comprising two traction head – power cars that do not carry passengers- at each end of a fixed set of articulated passenger cars. 

These cars are connected with Jacobs bogies, a design in which adjacent cars share a common axle, providing greater stability at high speeds. 

While based on the TGV Réseau model, the KTX-I has 18 passenger cars instead of the standard eight, making it the longest member of the TGV family with a monobloc configuration, meaning a single, uninterrupted set of articulated cars. Like the TGV Sud-Est, the two outermost passenger cars, located next to the traction heads, are equipped with motorized bogies.

Several unique features distinguish the KTX-I from its European counterparts. For example it offers rotating seats in the First Class sections. 

Additionally, the KTX-I does not include bar or restaurant cars, a feature common in other TGV models. Early designs from 1993 proposed a more aerodynamic ‘shovel nose’ for better performance in tunnels, but the final design closely resembled the AVE Class 100, another TGV export version used in Spain.

To enhance passenger comfort, particularly during tunnel passages, the KTX-I trains are pressure-sealed to minimize the effects of pressure changes. 

The windows are triple-glazed, measuring 29 mm (1.1 in) in thickness, to improve insulation and durability. 

Seat spacing in the Standard Class cars is 930 mm (36.6 in), while First Class offers more spacious seating with a distance of 1,120 mm (44.1 in). 

All passenger compartments are equipped with ceiling-mounted video displays, onboard audio systems, telephones, and vending machines to provide added convenience and entertainment during travel.

Booking

We booked our seats about ten days in advance, which only left us space in Economy Class. I would have preferred First Class. That’s how I roll.

Also we would not be sitting together. But it turned out I sat next to a hot Korean soldier so I’m not complaining/ 

At the station

We were well on time at Seoul Station. I had read or seen on YouTube it’s a good idea to be there early, so you can get a good spot for your luggage. 

The platform isn’t communicated long in advance, so we waited. Once the location (platform) of our train was made public, we went there. 

From the moment the doors opened, we entered our car, at the front of the train and claimed some good spots for our suitcases. 

Alarm!

Me being me, I wanted to photograph the nose our our train. But I couldn’t. Apparently, I was too close to the end of the platform. An alarm went off and an automated voice warned me in Korean and in English I was being naughty, I was were I was not supposed to be and if I persisted, I could be punished. 

Oops.

Inside the train

Inside, the coach has blue and teal as main colours. In Economy, the seats are in a 2-2 configuration. 

The seats are ‘bus-style’. You get a tablet and a net. The legroom is fine, so is the recline. The padding is okay as well. 

There’s one Korean-European style power outlet for two, but also two USB-A outlets. A sticker indicated it didn’t work “in this section”. 

On the photos you’ll notice the linoleum bubble flooring. Very cleaning-friendly. 

Toilets are gendered. They were old, showed wear and tear and not mega clean. 

TV screens show all kinds of (animated) information, often safety related. 

Service on board

There was no service on board. As a matter of fact: no-one checked our tickets. Not at the station, not in the train. Mmmm. 

WiFi was not great, but is it ever on a moving train? 

So?

The ride from Seoul to Gyeongju was unspectacular and without any thrill. Purely functional. But all right, I guess. 

South Korea 2024

1. QUESTION | Should you be scared of travelling to South Korea?.
2. REVIEW | Qatar Airways – economy – Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner – Brussels to Doha.
3. QATAR | Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha.
4. REVIEW | Qatar Airways – economy – Airbus A350 – Doha to Seoul / Incheon.
5. SOUTH KOREA | Landing at Incheon, retrieving the Wowpass and taking the AREX to Seoul Station.
6. REVIEW | Fraser Place Namdaemun Seoul near City Hall.
7. SEOUL | Deoksugung Palace by day.
8. SEOUL | Admiral Yi Sun-sin – King Sejong the Great – Gyeongbokgung Palace – National Folk Museum SEOUL | Admiral Yi Sun-sin – King Sejong the Great – Gyeongbokgung Palace – National Folk Museum.
9. SEOUL | Bukchon Hanok Village – Insadong Culture Street – Jogyesa Temple – Gwangjang Market – Cheonggyecheon Stream.
10. SEOUL 2024 | Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
11. SHOPPING IN SEOUL | Myeongdong – Lotte Young Plaza – Avenuel – Lotte Department Store.
12. SEOUL | Namsan Mountain Park and N Seoul Tower.
13. SOUTH KOREA | Seoul Station.