Seoul–Busan by train or air: standard fares and departure deadlines

These adult one-way standard fares were checked on 9 October 2026. The KTX figure is the standard-class entry for Seoul–Gyeongju–Busan; it does not apply automatically to routes via Gupo or Suwon, other classes or discounted products.

Air weekdays are Monday–Thursday and weekends Friday–Sunday. Designated peak dates take precedence; October 2026 lists 5, 6, 8 and 12 October. The air totals already include the KRW 20,900 October-issuance fuel surcharge and KRW 4,000 airport fee. Do not add them again. Tickets issued from November may differ.

This table shows neither remaining seats nor the lowest fare. The airline's deal page also says displayed fares were collected within 48 hours and may no longer be available. Compare actual checkout totals for the same travel date, one-way journey, adult count and cabin.

The timetable effective 1 October 2026 gives daily examples: KTX 21 leaves Seoul 08:58 and reaches Busan 11:16, taking 2 hours 18 minutes; KTX 19 runs 08:35–11:04, taking 2 hours 29 minutes. These are timetable examples, subject to the operating date and stops, and do not establish seat availability.

On Korean Air-operated domestic flights, check-in closes 30 minutes before departure, boarding starts 20 minutes before and closes 10 minutes before. The 30-minute point is a check-in deadline, rather than a recommended airport-arrival time. Allow earlier time for baggage drop and security. An online boarding pass does not remove baggage drop when you have checked luggage.

Gimpo Airport Station(김포공항역) connects to subway lines 5 and 9 and the AREX airport railway. Compare your actual access to Seoul Station(서울역) and Gimpo Airport(김포공항); include the walk from the airport station to the domestic terminal.

From Gimhae Airport(김해공항), the Busan–Gimhae Light Rail connects to Busan subway line 2 at Sasang(사상) and line 3 at Daejeo(대저). Do not treat this as the same arrival point as Busan Station(부산역). Total time is departure access+pre-departure margin and processing+scheduled journey+arrival baggage collection and onward travel. Use the departure and arrival times of your selected flight.

Korean Air domestic economy includes 20 kg of checked baggage; the listed excess charge is KRW 2,000 per extra kilogram. Do not transfer these conditions automatically to other airlines or codeshares.

Korean Air's one-way economy refund fees are KRW 3,000 for normal fares, KRW 5,000 for discounted fares and KRW 7,000 for special fares. Special fares do not allow changes. A separate KRW 15,000 no-show penalty is listed for failing to cancel before departure or not boarding after check-in; it is a different item from the refund fee. Check the refund timing and conditions of your chosen train ticket too, and compare equivalent fare types.