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Do I need to reserve my train before travelling?

Short answer

You do not have to buy every train ticket days ahead, but you do need a valid ticket and an available service. Book ahead when a particular departure or four seats together matters; buying at the station does not guarantee availability.

What to do
  1. Choose the route, date and all passengers together when searching.
  2. Reserve a preferred departure if your plans depend on it.
  3. If your visit ends at an uncertain time, compare later departures and read change conditions before paying.
Check before relying on this
  • Do not assume adjacent seats will remain available, especially for a group or holiday departure.
More details and examples Expand

Booking for a group

For a group travelling from Chuncheon to Yongsan on ITX-Cheongchun in the late afternoon, book ahead if four seats together or a particular departure matters. Check availability for your actual date.

More detail

KTX Gangneung and Seoul–Busan follow their own train availability. Holiday booking periods can be different.

Sources and provider examples

External sources may use another language.

Sources last checked: . Rules, hours and services can change.