Quick answer: Since 1 September 2026, Korea's KTX and SRT high-speed trains have run as one service under KORAIL, with tickets for both sold in the Korail+ app and fares merged. New 500-seat trains are due from 2027. Explera DMC Korea books group rail against the unified system and picks the station by hotel.
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, replaced the KorailTalk and SRT apps and 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.
What is coming
- More seats. From 2027, 31 new train sets of eight cars and 500 seats each are due, about 90 seats more than a KTX-Sancheon.
- More trains. Frequency is set to rise with new rail capacity, including double-tracking between Pyeongtaek and Osong.
- A transition. KORAIL has set up a division to take over SR's duties, with a stabilisation period of up to three years.
What it means for groups
- One booking channel. Departures from Seoul Station and Suseo are now booked in the same system.
- Station by hotel. We still choose the departure station by where the group sleeps: Suseo suits southern Seoul, Seoul Station suits the centre.
- Peak dates. Until the new trains arrive, seats on holiday weekends remain tight, so we hold group space early.
- Stations. Station guidance and crowd management have been reorganised. We allow time for the group to find its platform.
Planned with the agent
Explera DMC Korea plans rail days with seats, luggage handling, station meeting points and the coach at each end.
Send your dates, pax and group profile to b2b@explera.kr or WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090. Explera DMC Korea is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (#900408341); our KTO and KATA registrations are in application.
Where this fits in our Korea programmes
The pages below carry the operational detail behind this briefing.
- Services: Rail & transfers in Korea · Group travel & GIT in Korea · Transportation & coaches in Korea
- Destinations: Seoul · Busan · Gyeongju
Frequently asked questions
Are KTX and SRT still separate?
No. Since 1 September 2026, KTX and SRT have operated as one unified high-speed service under KORAIL, with merged fares and mileage.
Which app sells high-speed train tickets now?
Korail+, launched on 3 August 2026. It replaced the KorailTalk and SRT apps and sells both KTX and SRT tickets, including SRT trains from Suseo.
Will there be more seats for groups?
The government plans 31 new 500-seat train sets from 2027. Until they arrive, holiday weekends stay tight, so Explera DMC Korea holds group space early.
Can groups still depart from Suseo Station?
Yes. SRT trains from Suseo are sold in the same system. We choose Suseo or Seoul Station according to where the group stays.
