Busan to Gangneung KTX-Eum for Group Agents

The short answer

Since 30 December 2025, six KTX-Eum trains a day, three each way, have run on the Donghae Line between Bujeon in Busan and Gangneung, in about 3 hours 54 minutes. A Korea programme can now link Busan and the east coast by rail, and Explera DMC builds those group days around the few daily departures.

Agencies that sell Korea as one stop in a wider Asia programme can now join its two coastal regions without a long coach day. Our Korea team covers the service in its note on the KTX-Eum link between Busan and Gangneung; this page is the short version for agencies planning groups.

What Is the New Rail Link?

The trains. KTX-Eum high-speed trains run on the Donghae Line along the east coast, between Bujeon station in Busan and Gangneung.
How often. Six services a day, three in each direction, since 30 December 2025.
How long. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport gives an average of about 3 hours 54 minutes, about 1 hour 10 minutes faster than the ITX-Maum trains on the same route.

Granite pinnacles of Ulsanbawi rock in Seoraksan National Park under a cloudy sky

How Does It Change a Korea Programme?

One rail day. A group touring Busan and the Gangwon coast no longer has to go back through Seoul or spend most of a day on a coach. Busan to Gangneung, or the reverse, becomes a single rail leg.
A loop instead of a return. Seoul to Gangneung by KTX, the coast and Seoraksan by coach, then south to Busan by KTX-Eum. The same loop also runs in reverse.
Multi-country routings. Busan has its own international airport, so a programme can arrive in Seoul and leave from Busan, or the other way round, without doubling back.

A temple hall with a green tiled roof in the forest at Sinheungsa, Seoraksan National Park

What Should Agencies Plan For?

Few departures. With three trains each way a day, the timetable sets the day. Seats are held early and the touring is built around the train.
Bujeon, not Busan Station. The trains use Bujeon station, so the transfer from the group's hotel is planned, with luggage sent by coach when that is easier.
Large groups. A big group may need to split across carriages or two departures. The seat plan is confirmed before the final itinerary goes to the client.
Timetables change. Times are reconfirmed with Korail for the travel dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a direct train from Busan to Gangneung?

Yes. Since 30 December 2025, KTX-Eum trains run between Bujeon station in Busan and Gangneung on the Donghae Line, six a day in total.

How long is the journey?

About 3 hours 54 minutes on average, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Which station in Busan do the trains use?

Bujeon station, not Busan Station, so the transfer from the group's hotel needs planning.

Can a large group travel on one train?

Often, if seats are held early. With only three trains each way a day, a large group may need to split across carriages or departures.

Sources

Where Explera Fits

Our Korea team books group rail, coaches and luggage moves as one plan, and covers the wider coast in our guide to Gangneung and Sokcho for groups.

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.