Seoul to Gyeongju by Train: KTX vs SRT Compared

Gyeongju is one of the most visited cities in Korea — and for good reason. It's compact, walkable, and packed with history. Getting there from Seoul is straightforward, but there's a choice most visitors don't expect: KTX from Seoul Station, or SRT from Suseo Station.

Both trains are fast. Both are comfortable. But they leave from different parts of Seoul, and that difference matters depending on where you're staying.

The Two Trains

KTX departs from Seoul Station, which sits on subway lines 1 and 4 and is one of the most connected transport hubs in the city. If you're staying in central Seoul, Myeongdong, or anywhere on the western side of the city, Seoul Station is the natural starting point.

SRT departs from Suseo Station in southeastern Seoul, connected to the Bundang Line and GTX-A. If you're staying in Gangnam, Jamsil, or the southeastern part of the city, Suseo is significantly more convenient — no need to cross the city to catch your train.

Travel time is nearly identical: around 2 hours to Gyeongju Station for both services. Ticket prices are also similar, with SRT occasionally running slightly cheaper promotional fares.

About Gyeongju Station

Gyeongju Station is where KTX and SRT high-speed trains stop. It's modern, clean, and well-maintained — noticeably upgraded in recent years, particularly following Gyeongju's role as an APEC host city. The station itself is spacious and easy to navigate.

The catch: Gyeongju Station is about 8km outside the city center. You'll need a taxi or bus to reach the main tourist areas, city center, or your accommodation.

Note: the old city-center station closed in 2021 and is no longer in service. It has been converted into a cultural space called 경주문화관1918. There is only one Gyeongju Station now — the high-speed station where KTX and SRT arrive.

Getting from Gyeongju Station into the City

Late evening arrivals will find taxis the most practical option. The station has a clear taxi rank outside the main exit, and the ride into central Gyeongju takes around 15–20 minutes and costs approximately ₩12,000–15,000.

Bus services operate during the day but frequency drops significantly in the evening. If you're arriving after 8pm, don't count on the bus — taxis are readily available and the station area is well-lit and easy to navigate.

Ride-hailing via Kakao T works in Gyeongju if you have a foreign number set up, though the taxi rank is straightforward enough that most visitors won't need it.

Quick Comparison

Booking Tips for Foreign Visitors

Neither KTX nor SRT can be easily booked on their official Korean websites with a foreign card — both require Korean phone verification for the 3D authentication step.

Trip.com covers both KTX and SRT routes and accepts foreign Visa and Mastercard without Korean phone verification. Tickets are the same price as the official sites, and you receive a QR code by email that works at the gate.

Book in advance for weekend travel — the Seoul–Gyeongju route is popular, and weekend afternoon trains fill up faster than you'd expect.

For most visitors staying in central Seoul, KTX from Seoul Station is the default choice. If you're based in Gangnam or the southeastern part of the city, SRT from Suseo is worth considering — same journey, less time getting to the departure point.

Either way, Gyeongju Station is the arrival point. Have a taxi plan ready, especially for evening arrivals. The station is easy to navigate and cabs are always around.