Busan to Gangneung KTX Ieum Review 2026: Booking, Price & Views

I recently embarked on a fantastic summer vacation to Gangneung on South Korea's stunning East Coast!

When planning my trip from Busan, I pondered the best way to get there. After some consideration, I decided to take the KTX Ieum train from Bujeon Station, and I'm so glad I did!

I'm excited to share my personal experience riding the KTX from Busan to Gangneung, along with essential tips on how to book your KTX tickets, current travel times, prices, station stops, crucial seating advice, and whether you'll find power outlets onboard. Ready for an adventure?

Getting from Busan to Gangneung

When traveling from Busan to Gangneung, you essentially have two main options: the express bus or the KTX high-speed train.

For my journey, I chose the KTX Ieum, which runs directly from Bujeon Station in Busan to Gangneung Station. It's a game-changer!

If you're planning a trip to Gangneung, I highly recommend the KTX. It offers direct travel from Busan to Gangneung without any transfers, and it's significantly faster than the express bus. While an express bus might save you around ~$7, the convenience and speed of the KTX are truly worth it!

Busan to Gangneung KTX: Booking, Schedule, Prices & Stops (2026 Update)

How to Book Your KTX Tickets

Booking your KTX tickets from Bujeon to Gangneung is straightforward. You can reserve your seats through the KorailTalk app or various online travel platforms.

The prices are typically the same across all platforms, so I strongly recommend booking directly through the KorailTalk app for the most reliable experience.

KTX Prices and Schedule (2026)

As of 2026, there are three daily KTX Ieum trains running from Busan's Bujeon Station to Gangneung:

▷ 07:50 AM → 11:40 AM

▷ 01:58 PM → 05:51 PM

▷ 07:40 PM → 11:32 PM

Since there are only **three trains per day**, it's crucial to **book your tickets as early as possible** if you're planning a trip to Gangneung. These seats fill up fast! ⭐

The current prices for a one-way journey are approximately **~$35 for a Standard Class ticket and ~$42 for a First Class ticket**. The total travel time is approximately **3 hours and 50 minutes**.

KTX Ieum Station Stops (Route)

The KTX Ieum route from Busan to Gangneung includes stops at: Bujeon → Taehwagang → Gyeongju → Pohang → Yeongdeok → Uljin → Samcheok → Donghae → Mukho → Jeongdongjin → Gangneung.

While there are quite a few stops, which can make the journey feel a bit long, the stunning scenery along the way more than makes up for it. (Keep an eye out for incredible ocean views!)

Busan to Gangneung KTX: Seating Tips & Power Outlets

Here's a pro tip for your Busan to Gangneung KTX journey: **book a seat on the right side of the train!**

The KTX Ieum route follows the picturesque **East Sea coastline**, so if you're seated on the right side when traveling from Bujeon Station to Gangneung, you'll be treated to **breathtaking ocean views** right outside your window.

KTX Ieum Power Outlets & Charging

One of the best features of the KTX Ieum is that **each seat comes equipped with a wireless phone charger**. This means you won't have to worry about your phone dying during the journey.

Below the wireless charger, you'll also find **standard power outlets**, so you can easily charge other devices like AirPods, headphones, or even your laptop if you bring a charging adapter.

That wraps up my personal review of taking the KTX from Busan to Gangneung! Happy travels!