2026 Chuseok Train Tickets: KTX & SRT Booking Guide
Planning to travel during Korea's Chuseok holiday in 2026? Learn how to book KTX and SRT train tickets, check schedules, and even snag last-minute cancellation seats.
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Planning to travel during Korea's Chuseok holiday in 2026? Learn how to book KTX and SRT train tickets, check schedules, and even snag last-minute cancellation seats.
Text, Photos ⓒ Rewon
Korean Thanksgiving, Chuseok, is just around the corner!
This year, Chuseok 2026 kicks off on Thursday, September 24th. If you're planning to travel back home for the holidays or explore South Korea, it's time to start checking the Chuseok train ticket booking schedule.
Since this is a peak travel period, popular train times often sell out instantly in what feels like a 'ticket war.' So, getting prepared ahead of time is key!
This Chuseok also marks the first time holiday tickets are being sold since KTX and SRT booking systems merged into Korail in 2025, so there are a few changes to be aware of.
Let's dive into the 2026 Chuseok train ticket booking schedule, reservation methods, and even tips for snagging cancellation tickets if you miss the initial payment window.
1. 2026 Chuseok Train Ticket Booking Schedule
✅ Chuseok Ticket Dates: September 23rd (Wednesday) - September 25th (Friday), 2026 ✅ Separate Booking for Priority Passengers and General Public ✅ Priority Passenger Pre-Booking: September 3rd (Wednesday) - 4th (Thursday) ✅ General Public Pre-Booking: September 7th (Monday) - 11th (Friday) ✅ Payment Period: September 12th (Saturday) - 15th (Tuesday) |
A crucial point here is to verify which booking system is valid for your desired route!
✔ Priority Passenger Eligibility
Persons with disabilities, seniors, pregnant women, national merit recipients
2. KTX / SRT Route-Specific Booking Dates
2026 Chuseok General Public Ticket Schedule (Booking open 7 AM - 1 PM) | ||
Sept 7th (Mon) | All General Trains | All Routes |
Sept 8th (Tue) | KTX Departing/Arriving Seoul, Cheongnyangni | Gyeongjeon Line (Seoul ~ Jinju) Gangneung Line (Seoul/Cheongnyangni ~ Gangneung, Donghae) Donghae Line (Bujeon ~ Gangneung) / (Seoul ~ Pohang) Jungang Line (Seoul/Cheongnyangni ~ Bujeon) Jungbu Naeryuk Line (Pangyo ~ Mungyeong) |
Sept 9th (Wed) | KTX Departing/Arriving Yongsan | Honam Line (Yongsan ~ Mokpo) Jeolla Line (Yongsan ~ Yeosu EXPO) |
Sept 10th (Thu) | KTX Departing/Arriving Suseo | Gyeongbu Line (Suseo ~ Busan) Gyeongjeon Line (Suseo ~ Jinju) Donghae Line (Suseo ~ Pohang) Honam Line (Suseo ~ Mokpo) Jeolla Line (Suseo ~ Yeosu EXPO) |
Sept 11th (Fri) | KTX Departing/Arriving Seoul | Gyeongbu Line (Seoul ~ Busan) |
Priority Passenger Pre-Booking Schedule
2026 Chuseok Priority Passenger Ticket Schedule (Booking open 9 AM - 3 PM) | |
Sept 3rd (Thu) | Gyeongbu, Gyeongjeon, Donghae, Jungbu Naeryuk, Gyeongbuk, Daegu, Chungbuk, Gyooe Line |
Sept 4th (Fri) | Honam, Jeolla, Jungang, Gangneung, Janghang, Yeongdong, Taebaek, Seohae, Gyeongchun, Mokpo-Boseong Line |
Important Note for Online Booking:
Due to high demand, booking times are limited.
Booking Hours
3. KTX and SRT Integrated – What's Changed This Year?
The biggest change for this year's Chuseok booking is the integration of the KTX and SRT high-speed rail booking systems.
Previously,
you had to book them separately,
However, starting with services in September 2026, all high-speed rail tickets, including those departing from Suseo (SRT), can now be searched and booked through the Korail+ app and the official Korail website.
This means that holiday tickets are now only available for purchase by integrated Korail members.
Existing Korail members were automatically converted, but if you were previously only an SR member, it's a good idea to check your integrated membership status and sign up or convert if needed.
4. Booking Success isn't the End: Don't Miss the Payment Period!
For Chuseok train tickets, the booking dates and payment dates are separate.
If you successfully secured seats during the general public booking,
you must complete payment between September 12th (Saturday) and September 15th (Tuesday).
For priority passenger pre-booked tickets,
the payment window is September 12th (Saturday) to September 18th (Friday).
If payment isn't completed within these periods, your reservation will automatically be canceled.
Don't go through the intense 'ticket war' only to lose your seats by missing the payment deadline!
(It's not over 'til it's over...)
5. 2026 Chuseok Train Ticket Cancellation Times?
If you missed out during the initial booking period, don't give up! There's still a chance to grab cancellation tickets.
Sales for remaining seats begin from 3 PM on September 11th.
From this point, any available seats can be purchased via the Korail app, website, or at station ticket counters.
Another prime opportunity to look for tickets is immediately after the general booking payment deadline.
Since general ticket payments close at midnight on September 15th, any unpaid reservations will be automatically canceled. This means those unpurchased seats will be released again starting from the early morning of September 16th!
While there's no official announcement on exactly what time a large batch of tickets will be released, it's best to check frequently from after the payment deadline rather than waiting for a specific hour.
Also, as the departure date gets closer, people often cancel their plans, so keep checking periodically.
6. Essential Preparations Before Booking Chuseok Train Tickets
When it comes to holiday train tickets, hesitating after booking opens can mean missing out.
1️⃣ Korail Login Check
Double-check your member ID and password in advance. If you were a previous SRT user, ensure your integrated membership status is confirmed.
2️⃣ Verify Exact Booking Dates
Booking dates vary depending on your departure and arrival stations and specific routes, so confirm carefully.
3️⃣ Prepare 2-3 Train Options
Have backup train times in mind in case your first choice sells out.
7. 2026 Chuseok Train Ticket Schedule at a Glance
Schedule
Key Change
This year marks the first Chuseok since the KTX and SRT systems merged. Previously, you had to book on two separate sites, but now everything is available through Korail!
If you're planning to book Chuseok train tickets for 2026, make sure to prepare in advance and secure your desired KTX or SRT seats!
Starting from September 2026 operations, the KTX and SRT high-speed rail ticketing systems will be integrated into Korail. Consequently, trains departing from Suseo can also be searched and reserved through the Korail app and website, and only integrated Korail members will be able to purchase tickets.
General reservations for KTX Gyeongbu Line Chuseok train tickets, for trains arriving at and departing from Suseo, will begin on Friday, September 11th, 2026. Reservation will be open from 7 AM to 1 PM.
If you have secured a seat through general reservation, payment must be completed between Saturday, September 12th, and Tuesday, September 15th. Reservations will be automatically canceled if payment is not made within this period.
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