Trains, Seoul

The Seoul Railway Station building is a colonial relic from the Japanese occupation of Korea (c1910 - 1945). It is loved and hated by many, however it is a fine architectural work none the less. There is now very little remaining significant buildings seen in Korea from that era.

Seoul Railway Station had been threatened to be torn down over the past decades, but fortunately it has been harmoniously intergrated into the recent station redevelopment.

From here one can take the new French TGV technology high speed trains to Busan in 2 1/2 hours for 45,000 won one way. These trains, which began in April 2004, now replace the saemaeul service that once took 4hours+. The high speed trains actually have to slow down between Daegu and Busan, since the tracks from there to Busan have not been upgraded yet.

One of Seoul's major landmarks, Seoul Station is a central hub for transportation throughout Korea, as well as Seoul. Trains run from here to most destinations south (along the Kyeongbu line), as well as a few to the north (along the Kyeongui line). Additionally, two of Seoul's subways intersect here (lines 1 and 4). Most buses running through downtown also swing by here, making it a good place to start exploring.

The train service in Korea is provided and operated by the Korean National Railroad (KORAIL). Tourists can use this fast, safe and reliable service with very reasonable prices. Trains are operated by strict schedules, and there is no delay or traffic jam like traveling by automobile, so that you can get your destination on time at any time of the year. KORAIL's routes literally cover all over the country, and there are three kinds of trains being operated: the Super-Express Saemaeul-ho, Express Mugunghwa-ho, and Limited Express Tongil-ho.

Metro is great way to travel though you can't feel the atmosphere of streets as you walk. Fare is cheap. Seoul metro system is easy-to-find. And most of tourist place near by subway stations.