New Bullet Train Connects 2 Of The Most Popular South Korean Destinations In Record Time

Here’s what you need to know:  

The Korean Train Express

The new high-speed train is named KTX Cheongryong, and it will travel at awe-inspiring speeds of up to 320km per hour.

That makes it officially the fastest train in Korea.

Travelers hoping to explore as much of the country as possible in a relatively short vacation time will be delighted to know that this new train means you can travel from Seoul to Busan in just 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Right now, trains running this route will also stop at Daejeon and Dongdaegu.

However, Korail officials plan to decrease the number of stops made while continuing to increase train speeds so that they can reduce the journey time from Seoul to Busan by another 20-30 minutes.

These new high-speed bullet trains are wider and longer and offer 136 more seats than existing trains currently operating on the same route.

This means that, in addition to being faster and more efficient, your journey between these two iconic Korean destinations will be more comfortable.

Seoul and Busan are the two biggest and most populous cities in Korea. If you only have time to explore 2 destinations on your trip, then they are the most recommended, which is why this new high-speed bullet train is such an important development.

Exploring Seoul

If you’re traveling to Korea from the U.S., your adventure will likely start in Seoul. The most affordable flights from the U.S. to South Korea land in the capital.

This is no bad thing as Seoul is a great place to be, and sits at the heart of Korean culture.

A mega city with a population of 9.5 million, Seoul is 3 times bigger than the next largest Korean metropolis. Which means there’s so much to see and do.

What makes Seoul so unique is that it combines cutting-edge technology with ancient temples and traditions.

Seoul is a city that boasts 5 Royal Palaces. The largest and most beautiful of these is Gyeongbokgung Palace, although it is relatively easy for tourists to explore all 5 of these.

You will also find an abundance of temples and shrines in the city, sitting alongside modern and often futuristic skyscrapers.

Foodies will be fascinated by the Noryangjin Fish Market or the Namdaemun Market, which is the most popular street food market in the city.

Perhaps the most popular suburb of Seoul is Gangnam, which is famous for ‘Gangnam style’ street culture and performances.

It is also a shopper’s paradise and home to numerous live music and entertainment venues.

K Star Road is a not to be missed attraction in Gangnam, especially in the early evening, when would-be K-pop stars put on exceptional live performances for passersby.

Why Visit Busan 

With so much to do in Seoul, many travelers never explore anywhere outside of the capital.

But with super-speedy rail options available, you may well regret not taking advantage of the opportunity to see another side of Korea.

Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city and it is a rich and colorful gem.

It has a more relaxed pace meaning that it’s easier to meet people and to explore Korean culture here.

Adding to the beauty and relaxing atmosphere of Busan are its pristine beaches.

Haeundae is Busan’s most famous beach and it is incredibly easy to reach from the city center.

It has an urban vibe thanks to the modern skyscrapers that surround it as well as an abundance of traditional food stalls.

Songjeong Beach is also a popular choice as it has the best conditions for surfing.

Away from the beaches and Busan has an incredible market culture, with so many opportunities to shop alongside the locals.

As an added bonus, Busan is the closest city to Japan from Korea. You can take the ferry from Busan port to Hakata in just 3 hours, allowing you to explore 2 iconic countries in one vacation.