KTX and SRT Merger: Korea Rail for Groups

The short answer

Since 1 September 2026, Korea's KTX and SRT high-speed trains have run as one service under KORAIL, with both sold in the Korail+ app and fares and mileage merged. For agents across Asia with Korea groups, Explera DMC books rail days in the unified system and still picks Seoul Station or Suseo by the group's hotel.

Korea's two high-speed rail operators now run as one. Our Korea team covers the details in its briefing on the KTX and SRT unification. This note is for agencies and tour operators across Asia that put a rail day into a Korea programme.

What Changed on 1 September?

One service. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that KTX and SRT operations unified from 1 September 2026.
One app. Korail+, launched on 3 August 2026, replaced the KorailTalk and SRT apps. It sells both, including SRT trains from Suseo.
One fare system. Fares and mileage were merged, and the discounts the two operators ran separately were combined.

Central Seoul at dawn, with N Seoul Tower on Namsan above the office towers and mountains in the haze behind.

What Is Still to Come?

New trains. From 2027, 31 new train sets of eight cars and 500 seats each are due, about 90 seats more than a KTX-Sancheon.
More capacity. Frequency is planned to rise as new track opens, including double-tracking between Pyeongtaek and Osong.
A transition period. KORAIL has set up a division to take over SR's duties, with a stabilisation period of up to three years.

What Should Agents Change in a Group Programme?

Nothing in the route. Seoul to Busan, Gyeongju or the south coast stays a high-speed rail day. What changes is that both operators' trains sit in one booking system.
The departure station. Seoul Station suits hotels in the centre; Suseo suits Gangnam and the south of the city. Choose it by where the group sleeps, not by operator.
Peak dates. Until the new trains arrive, holiday weekends stay tight. Send rail dates early so seats can be held.
Station time. Station guidance and crowd management were reorganised with the merger, so plan time for the group to find its platform.

Lotte World Tower and the Han River seen from a hillside at sunset, with the apartment blocks of south-east Seoul below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are KTX and SRT still two separate operators?

No. Since 1 September 2026 they have run as one unified high-speed service under KORAIL, with merged fares and mileage.

Which app sells Korea's high-speed train tickets now?

Korail+, launched on 3 August 2026. It replaced the KorailTalk and SRT apps and sells both KTX and SRT trains, including those from Suseo.

Will there be more seats for groups?

The government plans 31 new 500-seat train sets from 2027. Until then, holiday weekends remain tight, so group dates should be sent early.

Can groups still leave Seoul from Suseo Station?

Yes. SRT trains from Suseo are sold in the same system. Explera DMC chooses Suseo or Seoul Station according to where the group stays.

Source: Financial News, 31 August 2026.

Where Explera Fits

Our Korea team plans rail days with seats, luggage handling, station meeting points and the coach at each end, and quotes them inside the full programme.

Write to b2b@explera.kr or message +66 93 656 8090 on WhatsApp. Explera DMC is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (900408341); our KTO and KATA registrations are in application.