KTX-Eum service expanded on Jungang and Donghae Lines, cutting travel times from Busan

(Photo courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)

From December 30, the number of KTX-Eum services linking Busan (Bujeon Station) and Seoul (Cheongnyangni Station) will increase, while the high-speed train will be newly introduced on the Donghae Line between Busan and Gangneung.

Travel times will be significantly reduced, improving rail connectivity between the southeast, central regions, and the east coast.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Jungang Line travel time between Bujeon and Cheongnyangni will be shortened from 3 hours 56 minutes to 3 hours 38 minutes following signal system upgrades.

The Donghae Line will see an even larger reduction, with travel time between Bujeon and Gangneung cut from 5 hours 4 minutes to 3 hours 54 minutes.

Weekday KTX-Eum services on the Jungang Line will increase from six to 16 round trips per day, with weekend services rising to 18.

Several additional stations in Busan, Ulsan, and Gijang will accommodate the high-speed train for the first time. Six daily KTX-Eum services are also added to the Donghae Line, while existing ITX services remained unchanged.

Local governments and tourism agencies viewed the expansion as a step toward a nationwide three-hour travel network, with particular expectations for increased tourism demand and revitalization around Bujeon Station.

Ticket reservations for the expanded services open on December 16.

Fleet Chinhae