How to get from Seoul to Busan

You’ve landed in South Korea and now you’re ready to go beyond Seoul. Been there! Literally been to South Korea 5 times and I’ve tried all means of transport.

If you’ve got enough time, chances are you’ll want to make it all the way to the country’s southern coast—Busan. So let’s tackle the million-dollar question: how to get from Seoul to Busan?

Here’s a complete guide to every possible way to make the trip. But first, let me tell you about the option I personally chose this year (April 2025)—because it’s the cheapest one and oddly, nobody really talks about it. I went from Seoul to Busan to start one of the greatest adventures of my life: The Haeparang trail, you can read about it here!

How to get from Seoul to Busan: The Cheapest Way: The Mugunghwa Train

Duration: 4 to 5.5 hours
Price: from ₩28,000 (~USD 20)
Route: Yongsan or Cheongnyangni Station ↔ Busan Station

I went for this train because I wanted the full train journey vibe, but didn’t feel like spending a fortune on the KTX. I highly recommend it if you’ve got the time—it takes almost 5 hours, with many stops, compared to the 2h15 of the high-speed KTX.

But I loved it. The bathroom was clean, the ride was smooth, and there’s something special about watching the landscape roll by while sipping coffee or yerba mate. It takes about the same time as a bus, but the seats are way more comfortable.

There are two options:

• ITX-Saemaeul: More comfortable and slightly faster than Mugunghwa.
• Mugunghwa: The most affordable train, used by many locals. No frills, but totally does the job.

💡 TIP: Buy your ticket directly at the station or through Korail’s official site. Do NOT book via English-language tourist sites—they tend to charge almost double. Prices start at ₩28,000.

Other Ways to Get from Seoul to Busan

KTX – The High-Speed Train (known from the movie “Train to Busan”)

Thanks to the zombie movie Train to Busan, this ride became kind of legendary. But even before the movie, KTX was already famous for being super efficient and fast.

Duration: About 2h15
Price: ₩50,000 to ₩70,000 (~USD 35–50)
Best for: Travelers who value time over budget.

The only reason I’d choose KTX is if I had limited time. For example, if you’re spending just one week in Korea and want to visit both Seoul and Busan, it makes sense to prioritize speed.

By Intercity Bus

Honestly? Buses in Korea are surprisingly comfy. The downside is the time—they often make stops in smaller cities and take bathroom/snack breaks. Still, if you’re not in a rush, I recommend this option (along with the Mugunghwa train).

Duration: 4.5 to 6 hours
Price: ₩23,000–₩40,000 (~USD 17–30)

Flying from Seoul to Busan

To be honest… I’d personally skip flying. People often just consider the 1-hour flight time, but forget to factor in getting to the airport, security lines, and the need to arrive early. In the end, it takes about the same time as the slow train or a bus. If time is your priority, I’d say KTX is still your best bet.

Renting a Car

I’d only rent a car if I planned to keep exploring other parts of Korea by road. If you just want to get from Seoul to Busan, it’s really not worth it. Just hop on the Mugunghwa! (I swear this isn’t sponsored—I just genuinely loved discovering a cheaper train alternative I didn’t know existed.)

That’s All, Folks!

I hope this article about how to get from Seoul to Busan really helped you out! If you have any questions, you know where to find me.
Wishing you a magical trip, however you travel!

💛 Angie

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