First class is a bargain on this modern bullet train

The journey

South Korea’s Seoul Station to Busan Station on the Korean Train Express (KTX) bullet train, with a scheduled time of 2 hours and 46 minutes.

On the bullet train from Seoul to Busan.

The class

I’m in first class, carriage 3, window seat 6C. The difference in price between first (WON83,700 /$95) and economy class (WON59,800/$68) is worth paying for the added perks, such as extra legroom, complimentary snacks and water and English-language newspapers.

Boarding

Seoul Station, the capital’s main rail transport hub, is well-organised and easy to navigate. Hungry travellers will find there are many places to pick up Korean food, coffee, pastries, McDonald’s, Paris Baguette and more. I arrive by taxi about 45 minutes before departure and wait in the main station concourse until the train’s platform number is displayed on the digital boards. I booked my ticket online a week ago, but it is possible to purchase a same-day fare from one of the station’s kiosks or ticket office.

Knowing I have an assigned seat takes away the impulse to rush to the train when the platform number is announced. I stroll over, climb two steps to board the train car, then store my suitcase in the designated baggage area. At no point throughout the journey does anybody check my ticket, so I’m left wondering if it’s an oversight, if an honour system is in place or if the train conductor has all the relevant passenger info on her handheld device.

The seat

A first class carriage with its two/one seat configuration.

There’s a single aisle and seats in a two-one configuration. The seats in carriage 3 are covered in bright red plush fabric and spaced far apart, with legroom so ample I’m able to place my carry-on case in front of my knees. All seats have a tray table, footrest and copy of KTX magazine in the seat pocket. On the wall, there are coat racks, USB ports and power outlets (two round pins). There’s complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the train.

It’s worth noting the single seats (line A) are popular and tend to book out online sooner than the adjoined seats (line B and C). All seats in first class face in the direction of travel. In economy, there’s a chance I’d be stuck going backwards.

Baggage

There are no restrictions on luggage that may be brought onboard as long as it fits in the area at the end of each carriage designated for suitcases or in the overhead racks.

Food + drink

First-class passengers receive a welcome pack containing a cookie, mixed nuts and a cleansing wipe. In the vestibule area between carriages, there are vending machines that dispense small bottles of cold water, free of charge, exclusively for those in first class. If you’re hungry for more, buy a meal or snacks at the station, where there are plenty of choices.

Carbon emissions

For this journey, travelling by train creates 14.22 kilograms of CO2. Going by car would create more than three times that amount, and by plane more than six times. In 2021, the first low-carbon, eco-friendly train was introduced in South Korea. There are plans to replace all diesel-powered passenger trains with low-carbon versions, which will reduce carbon emissions to 16.5 tonnes by 2029 (down from 23.5 tonnes in 2019).

One more thing

Don’t be late — the train will leave without you. If it’s scheduled to leave at 10.27am, you can bet it will be moving at 10.28am.

The verdict

If you’re a fan of Japan’s bullet trains, you’ll love exploring South Korea by high-speed KTX. See letskorail.com

Our rating out of five

★★★★

The writer travelled as a guest of the Korea Tourism Organisation. See english.visitkorea.or.kr