KTX-Eum Guide: The Eco-Friendly Way to Reach Gangneung and Andong

Booking a train to Gangneung or Andong in 2026 still confuses a lot of first-timers. The confusion usually starts at the same point: you search for trains on Korail’s website, and instead of seeing a familiar “KTX” option, you get something called “KTX-Eum” — and you’re not sure if it’s the same thing, a slower regional service, or something you need a different pass for. This guide cuts through all of that. You’ll know exactly what the KTX-Eum is, how to book it, what it costs, and how to get around once you arrive.

What the KTX-Eum Actually Is (and Why It’s Different)

The KTX-Eum (KTX-이음) is Korail’s next-generation high-speed train. It entered commercial service in January 2021 and has been the primary service on certain inland and coastal routes ever since. The name roughly translates to “connection” in Korean, which reflects its purpose — linking Seoul to regions that the original KTX network didn’t serve as directly.

The technical difference matters for one practical reason. The original KTX trains are locomotive-hauled — a powerful engine at the front pulls the carriages. The KTX-Eum is an Electric Multiple Unit (EMU), meaning every car has its own motor built in. This design produces lower power consumption and significantly reduced noise compared to older rolling stock. It’s also why Korail markets it as an eco-friendly option. In practical terms for passengers, the ride is quieter, the acceleration feels smoother, and the seats are more modern.

Maximum operating speed is 260 km/h. It won’t beat a Gyeongbu Line KTX from Seoul to Busan, but on the routes it covers — through mountain terrain and valleys — it moves at a pace that makes bus and car travel look slow by comparison.

The Two Routes: Gangneung Line vs. Jungang Line

The KTX-Eum covers two distinct corridors from Seoul. They share the same starting point but head in completely different directions after Yangpyeong.

Gangneung Line (East Coast)

This route runs east through the mountains to the coast. The full path from Seoul goes: Cheongnyangni → Sangbong → Yangpyeong → Manjong → Pyeongchang → Jinbu (Odaesan) → Gangneung.

Most KTX-Eum trains to Gangneung depart from Cheongnyangni Station (청량리역). Some services start from Sangbong Station (상봉역), which is convenient if you’re staying in eastern Seoul. A small number of trains may originate from Seoul Station and stop at Cheongnyangni along the way.

Travel time from Cheongnyangni to Gangneung is approximately 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours. The intermediate stop at Jinbu (Odaesan) Station is worth knowing — this is the access point for Odaesan National Park and ski resorts including Alpensia and Yongpyong. If you’re heading to the slopes in winter, you may not even need to continue to Gangneung city itself.

Jungang Line (Central Inland)

This route heads south through the inland mountain corridor. The full path goes: Cheongnyangni → Yangpyeong → Wonju → Jecheon → Danyang → Yeongju → Andong.

All KTX-Eum services to Andong depart exclusively from Cheongnyangni Station. There are no services originating from Seoul Station or Sangbong on this line. Travel time is approximately 2 hours 5 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes. The intermediate stops — particularly Danyang, which sits beside a scenic section of the Soyang River and limestone cliffs — are attractive day-trip options in their own right.

How to Book Your Ticket Step by Step

Tickets go on sale one month before the travel date. For weekend trains to Gangneung, especially in summer and during ski season, seats fill up quickly. Book as early as you can.

Option 1: Korail Website

1. Go to www.letskorail.com — English is available from the top menu.
2. Click “Train Ticket” → “Search & Book”.
3. Enter your departure station (Cheongnyangni), arrival station (Gangneung or Andong), travel date, and number of passengers.
4. In the train type filter, select “All Trains” if you don’t see results under KTX specifically.
5. Review the timetable results and select your preferred departure time.
6. Choose your seat class: Standard (standard carriage) or Woojeung (First Class).
7. Pay by international credit card — Visa, MasterCard, Amex, and JCB are all accepted. Korean payment apps like KakaoPay and Naver Pay also work if your device supports them.
8. Save the e-ticket with QR code to your phone or print it. Either format works at the station.

Option 2: KorailTalk App

1. Download KorailTalk (코레일톡) from the App Store or Google Play. Search for “KorailTalk” in English or “코레일톡” in Korean.
2. Switch the language to English from the settings menu on your first launch.
3. The booking flow mirrors the website: enter your route, select a train, pick a seat, and pay.
4. Your e-ticket is stored inside the app under “My Tickets” and can be shown as a QR code when you board or pass through ticket gates.

Option 3: At the Station

Both ticket counters and automatic ticket machines are available at Cheongnyangni and other major Korail stations. The machines support multiple languages and accept credit cards. If using the ticket counter, bring your passport — station staff may ask for it as identification. This option is fine if you’re flexible about which train you take, but don’t rely on it for popular weekend departures.

2026 Fare Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Pay

These are projected 2026 fares based on Korail’s current pricing with estimated annual adjustments. Exact fares will be confirmed on the Korail website closer to your travel date. Exchange rate used: 1 USD ≈ 1,350 KRW.

Cheongnyangni to Gangneung

• Standard Class: 28,500 – 29,000 KRW (approx. $21 – $21.50 USD)
• Woojeung (First Class): 40,000 – 41,000 KRW (approx. $29.60 – $30.40 USD)

Cheongnyangni to Andong

• Standard Class: 26,000 – 26,500 KRW (approx. $19.25 – $19.60 USD)
• Woojeung (First Class): 36,000 – 37,000 KRW (approx. $26.65 – $27.40 USD)

Discounts and Passes

Most Korail discount programs — early bird pricing, group rates, youth cards — are designed for Korean residents or foreigners holding an Alien Registration Card (ARC). If you’re visiting as a tourist without an ARC, you’ll pay standard fares in most cases.

The exception is the Korail Pass, which is sold exclusively to foreign tourists. It offers unlimited train travel, including KTX-Eum services, for a set number of consecutive or flexible days. Check the current Korail Pass options and pricing at letskorail.com before your trip, as the tier structure and pricing are updated periodically.

Getting to Cheongnyangni Station (Your Starting Point)

Since every KTX-Eum journey to Gangneung or Andong starts at Cheongnyangni, knowing how to get there matters. It’s not Seoul Station — a mistake many visitors make after landing at Incheon.

From Incheon International Airport (ICN)

1. Take the AREX (Airport Railroad Express) from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. The Express Train (non-stop to Seoul Station) takes 43 minutes and costs approximately 10,500 KRW. The All Stop Train takes 58 minutes and costs approximately 5,000 KRW with a T-Money card.
2. Arrive at Seoul Station.
3. Transfer to Seoul Subway Line 1 (the dark blue line) heading towards Cheongnyangni. The ride is approximately 15–20 minutes and 7 stops.
4. Arrive at Cheongnyangni Station. The Korail KTX-Eum platforms are signposted separately from the subway exit — follow signs for “Korail” or “KTX”.

Your T-Money card covers the subway leg between Seoul Station and Cheongnyangni, but the AREX Express Train requires a separate ticket. The AREX website is www.arex.or.kr if you want to pre-book.

From Central Seoul

Cheongnyangni Station is served by Subway Lines 1 and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line. From Hongdae or Sinchon, take the Gyeongui-Jungang Line eastbound directly to Cheongnyangni — no transfers required. From Gangnam, take Line 2 to City Hall and switch to Line 1 eastbound.

By 2026, GTX-B and GTX-C lines were under construction with Cheongnyangni listed as a major interchange station on both. Partial openings or significant progress on these lines may offer faster connections from other parts of Seoul. Check the current status before your trip, as the opening schedules for GTX-B and GTX-C have been subject to revision.

What to Expect Onboard

The KTX-Eum is a comfortable, functional train. It won’t feel like a luxury experience, but it’s a step up from older regional trains in terms of quiet and space.

Seating

Standard Class uses a 2×2 configuration — two seats on each side of the aisle. The seats are forward-facing with reasonable legroom. Woojeung (First Class) uses a 2×1 layout: two seats on one side, one seat on the other. The seats are wider and have noticeably more legroom. For a journey under 2.5 hours, Standard Class is perfectly comfortable for most travellers.

Onboard Amenities

• Power outlets: Available at every seat — useful for keeping your phone charged before you arrive.
• Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the journey, though speeds drop in tunnel sections through the mountains. Reliable enough for messaging and maps.
• Restrooms: Clean and serviced. Plan to use them before the tunnels section if you’re on the Gangneung route — the stretch through the mountains includes several consecutive tunnels.
• Luggage: Overhead racks and larger luggage bays at the end of each car. There’s no need to book luggage space in advance.
• Food and drinks: No cafe car and no meal service. Some trains have vending machines for drinks and small snacks. Bring your own food if you want to eat during the journey. Convenience stores at Cheongnyangni Station are well-stocked and a short walk from the platforms.

The mountain section on the Gangneung Line is genuinely scenic. Watch out for the moment the train clears the final ridge and the valley opens up toward Pyeongchang — the landscape shifts fast from dense forest to wide agricultural flatland, and on a clear winter morning, the snow-covered fields look remarkably sharp through the large carriage windows.

Arriving at Your Destination: Local Transport from Gangneung and Andong Stations

Gangneung Station

Gangneung Station sits near the city centre, making it easy to move around without a car. City buses connect the station to Gangneung Beach, Anmok Coffee Street (Korea’s famous seaside coffee strip), and Jeongdongjin, where the cliff-side station and sunrise viewpoints draw crowds year-round. Taxis are always available at the station exit and are metered — no negotiation needed.

A T-Money card is all you need for city buses. Load at least 10,000 KRW before you leave Seoul to avoid scrambling for a top-up on arrival.

Andong Station

Andong Station is also centrally located. The two most visited sites outside the city require bus rides:

• Hahoe Folk Village: Take Bus No. 246 from outside the station. The ride takes around 30–40 minutes. Buses run infrequently — expect wait times of 30–60 minutes between services. Check the timetable at the station before you go so you’re not stranded at the village after the last return bus.
• Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy: Bus No. 67 serves this route. The journey takes roughly 40–45 minutes from Andong Station.
• Woryeonggyo Bridge: This is the longest wooden bridge in Korea and is within reasonable taxi distance from the station. A short taxi ride is the most practical option since it’s close enough that waiting for a bus isn’t worth it.

Taxis in Andong are metered and affordable for short distances within the city. For Hahoe Village, a taxi is significantly more expensive than the bus, but it removes the timing stress entirely — a reasonable trade-off if your time is limited.

Transport Passes and Cards: What Works, What Doesn’t

This is where a lot of travellers get confused, especially in 2026 with new cards on the market. Here’s a clear breakdown.

T-Money Card

Buy one as soon as you land. Available at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, E-Mart24) and subway stations for 2,500 – 5,000 KRW. Reload at convenience stores or subway machines. Use it for all city buses, subway journeys, and taxis that accept it. It does not cover your KTX-Eum ticket — that’s a separate Korail purchase.

K-Pass (Launched May 2024)

The K-Pass is a monthly refund program that returns 20–53% of your public transport spending on buses, subways, and the GTX. By 2026, it’s well-established among Seoul commuters. However, foreign tourists without an Alien Registration Card (ARC) are not eligible to register. Even if you could register, it does not apply to KTX-Eum fares — only local public transport. Relevant to you only for your subway connection to Cheongnyangni, and only if you have ARC status.

Climate Card (기후동행카드, Launched January 2024)

Seoul’s 30-day unlimited transport pass covers Seoul subway lines and Seoul city buses. It costs approximately 62,000 KRW for subway and bus, or 65,000 KRW to add Ttareungi bike-sharing. The physical card costs 3,000 KRW extra; a mobile version works on Android. It does not cover the KTX-Eum, Shinbundang Line, or intercity buses. If you’re spending a week or more in Seoul before your trip, this card is genuinely useful for navigating the city — just don’t expect it to replace your Korail ticket.

Korail Pass

This is the only pass that covers KTX-Eum fares for tourists. It’s sold to foreign visitors only and allows unlimited Korail train travel for a set number of days. If you’re planning multiple long-distance train trips within Korea, do the math on whether the pass price beats buying individual tickets. For a single round trip to Gangneung or Andong, individual tickets are usually cheaper.

Bus vs. KTX-Eum: An Honest Comparison

Intercity buses are cheaper — there’s no debate there. But the gap in time and reliability is significant, especially if you’re travelling on a weekend or public holiday.

• Seoul to Gangneung by bus: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours without traffic. Departs from Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gangnam) or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (Gangbyeon). Book at www.kobus.co.kr (express) or www.txbus.com (intercity). Both sites have English interfaces.
• Seoul to Andong by bus: Approximately 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes without traffic. Dong Seoul Bus Terminal is the main departure point.

The key phrase in both cases is “without traffic.” On summer weekends heading to Gangneung or holiday weekends in autumn heading to Andong, the expressway can add 60–90 minutes to those estimates. The KTX-Eum runs on dedicated rail — its timetable doesn’t move because of traffic.

For budget travellers, buses are a legitimate option on weekday trips with flexible timing. For anyone with a fixed schedule or travelling on weekends, the KTX-Eum is the more reliable choice, and the price difference rarely exceeds 10,000 – 15,000 KRW each way.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Going to Seoul Station instead of Cheongnyangni: Seoul Station does not serve Gangneung or Andong KTX-Eum trains as a primary departure point. Build extra time into your schedule to get across town to Cheongnyangni if you arrive at Seoul Station by AREX.



• Not booking in advance: Weekend trains to Gangneung sell out weeks ahead, particularly during summer beach season (July–August) and ski season (December–February). Log in to letskorail.com exactly one month before your travel date.
• Assuming your pass covers the train: The Climate Card and K-Pass do not cover KTX-Eum fares. Only the Korail Pass does. Many travellers tap their T-Money card at the KTX gate out of habit — it won’t work. You need your Korail e-ticket QR code.
• Underestimating Andong’s bus gaps: The bus to Hahoe Folk Village (No. 246) runs infrequently. Missing the last bus back to Andong Station means an expensive taxi ride. Check the return timetable before you leave the station.
• Not saving your e-ticket offline: The mountain sections between Cheongnyangni and Gangneung go through multiple tunnels. Download your e-ticket to your phone’s storage or take a screenshot before you board so you can show it without needing a data connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the KTX-Eum the same as the regular KTX?

No — they’re related but different. The KTX-Eum is an Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) where each car powers itself, while the original KTX uses a locomotive at the front to pull the carriages. The KTX-Eum is quieter and more energy-efficient. Both are operated by Korail and booked through the same platforms, but they run on different routes. The KTX-Eum serves Gangneung and Andong; the original KTX serves Busan, Gwangju, and Mokpo.

Can I buy a KTX-Eum ticket on the day of travel?

Yes, if seats are available. Ticket machines and counters at Cheongnyangni Station sell same-day tickets. However, weekend services to Gangneung and Andong often sell out days or weeks in advance. Same-day purchasing is realistic for weekday off-peak travel, but for weekends and public holidays, book at least two to three weeks ahead through letskorail.com or the KorailTalk app.

Does the Korail Pass cover KTX-Eum trips to Gangneung and Andong?

Yes, the Korail Pass covers KTX-Eum services. It’s available exclusively to foreign tourists and allows unlimited Korail train travel for a set number of days. Whether it saves you money depends on how many long-distance journeys you’re making. For just one or two trips, buying individual tickets is usually the better value. Check current Korail Pass pricing at letskorail.com before your trip.

How early should I arrive at Cheongnyangni Station before my train?

Arrive at least 20–30 minutes before departure. Cheongnyangni is a busy interchange station, and locating the correct KTX-Eum platform takes a few minutes if it’s your first time. Platform assignments are displayed on the departure boards in Korean and English. If you’re coming from the subway, allow extra time during morning rush hours, as the station concourse gets crowded between 7:30 and 9:00.

Is there a luggage limit on the KTX-Eum?

Korail does not enforce a strict luggage weight limit for regular passengers. Each car has overhead racks and larger storage bays at the end of the carriage. Standard travel luggage — two suitcases per person — fits without issue. Oversized items like bicycles require advance booking under Korail’s bicycle transport service. Ski equipment for Alpensia or Yongpyong is common on Gangneung Line trains in winter and the storage bays handle it well.

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📷 Featured image by Anthony Salerno on Unsplash.