Deciding between KTX vs Express Bus is the first question you face when traveling outside Seoul. While Seoul is amazing, the real beauty of Korea lies in cities like Busan, Jeonju, and Gyeongju.
Should you take the super-fast train or the comfortable bus? In this guide, I will compare KTX vs Express Bus to help you make the best choice for your trip in 2026.
Option 1: KTX (The Speed King) 🚅
The KTX (Korea Train eXpress) is Korea’s high-speed bullet train. It runs at 300km/h and connects major cities in the shortest time.
- Pros: Extremely fast and punctual. No traffic jams.
- Cons: More expensive than buses. Seats can feel a bit narrow for tall travelers.
- Best for: Long-distance travel (e.g., Seoul to Busan).
You can book tickets on the official Let’s Korail Website or use the “Korail Talk” app.
Option 2: Express Bus (The Comfort King) 🚌
Many tourists ignore buses, but Korea has a secret weapon called the “Premium Gold Bus”. It is like a business class seat on an airplane.
- Features: Seats recline 160 degrees, private curtains, personal monitors, and wireless charging.
- Pros: Cheaper than KTX but more comfortable. Perfect for sleeping.
- Cons: Risk of traffic jams on weekends. No toilets inside (stops at rest areas once).
For schedules, check Kobus (Express Bus T-money).
You can’t access it via PC. It’s only available on mobile devices.
Comparison: KTX vs Express Bus 📊
Here is a quick comparison of KTX vs Express Bus based on the Seoul to Busan route.
| Feature | KTX (Train) | Premium Bus |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 2 hrs 30 mins | 4 hrs 30 mins |
| Cost | ~59,800 KRW | ~49,000 KRW |
| Comfort | Average | Superior (Lie down) |
| Traffic | None | Possible |
Editor’s Pick: Which One Should You Choose? 🏆
Here are my personal “3 Rules” for winning the KTX vs Express Bus game.
Rule 1: Going to Busan? Take KTX.
Busan is too far (400km). The bus takes over 4.5 hours, which wastes your precious travel time. Spend the extra money and take the KTX to arrive in 2.5 hours.
Rule 2: Going to Jeonju? Take the Bus.
The KTX station in Jeonju is far from the Hanok Village (tourist spot). The Bus Terminal is closer. Also, the travel time difference is not huge. The Premium Bus is a great choice here.
Rule 3: Going to Sokcho? Bus Only.
There are no KTX trains to Sokcho (East Coast). You must take the Express Bus. Don’t worry, the ocean view on the way is beautiful.
Conclusion
The battle of KTX vs Express Bus depends on your destination. Use KTX for speed and long distances, and use the Premium Bus for comfort and relaxation.