Quick 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. That makes a Busan-to-east-coast leg possible by rail. Explera DMC Korea plans groups around the few daily departures.
What is the new service?
- 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, from 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.
What does it change for an itinerary?
Before this service, a group touring Busan and the Gangwon coast usually went back through Seoul or spent most of a day on a coach. The east coast line makes a one-way Busan to Gangneung leg, or the reverse, a single rail day.
It pairs naturally with our Gangneung and Sokcho programmes: Seoul to Gangneung by KTX, the coast and Seoraksan by coach, then south to Busan by KTX-Eum, or the same loop in reverse.
What should agents plan for?
- Few departures. With three trains each way a day, the timetable sets the day. We hold seats early and build the touring around the train.
- Bujeon, not Busan Station. The trains use Bujeon station, so we plan the transfer to and from the group's hotel, and send the luggage by coach when that is easier.
- Group seats. A large group may need to split across carriages or two departures. We confirm the seat plan before the final itinerary goes to the client.
- Recheck the timetable. We confirm times with Korail for your travel dates, since schedules change by season.
Planned with the agent
Explera DMC Korea books group rail, coaches and luggage moves as one plan, with a guide on the platform 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 · Transportation & coaches in Korea · Group travel & GIT in Korea
- Destinations: Busan · Gangneung · Seoul
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 does the KTX-Eum take from Busan to Gangneung?
About 3 hours 54 minutes on average, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, about 1 hour 10 minutes faster than the ITX-Maum.
Does the train leave from Busan Station?
No. These trains use Bujeon station in Busan, so plan the transfer from the group's hotel to Bujeon.
Can a large group travel on one train?
Often, if seats are held early, but with only three trains each way a day a large group may need to split across carriages or departures. We confirm the plan before the itinerary is final.
