South Korea just launched its latest high-speed train, the KTX Cheongryong, and I had the chance to take it for a spin. This sleek, futuristic ride promises a smooth journey across the country at speeds of up to 305 km/h (190 mph). I hopped aboard in Superior Class from Busan to Seoul, and I’m here to share my experience—covering everything from the station vibes to onboard features and, of course, the speed.
Busan Station: The Gateway to High-Speed Travel
Starting off in Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, I arrived at Busan Station, a major transportation hub that first opened in 1908 but underwent a major makeover in the early 2000s. The modern station is spacious, bustling, and packed with shops, cafés, and convenience stores—it almost feels like an airport, minus the stress of security checks.
One thing to note: while ticket machines are available, many don’t accept foreign credit cards, so if you’re traveling as a tourist, you might need to queue up at the ticket counter.
After grabbing my ticket, I headed down to Platform 8, where my train—the shiny blue KTX Cheongryong—was waiting.
Meet the KTX Cheongryong: Korea’s New Speed Machine
The name Cheongryong translates to “Azure Dragon”, one of the four mythical guardians in Korean folklore. And fittingly, the train looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie with its metallic blue exterior and streamlined design.
The train operates on South Korea’s high-speed rail network (KTX) and is based on cutting-edge technology, designed to compete with Japan’s Shinkansen and China’s Fuxing bullet trains.
Once onboard, I settled into Superior Class, which is essentially the train’s version of First Class—but with a few quirks that have sparked some debate among travelers.
Superior Class: Is It Worth It?
At first glance, the 2+2 seating layout in Superior Class is a bit surprising, as it’s the same as Standard Class—unusual for a premium ticket. However, there’s a key difference:
- More legroom
- Wider, more padded seats
- Individual entertainment screens
- USB & power outlets (including USB-C)
- Wireless phone charging slots
The seats are comfortable, covered in a neutral gray fabric, and have adjustable headrests and footrests. The seatback table is also well-designed, with a slot for holding phones or tablets while watching movies.
One of my favorite features? Individual windows! Unlike older KTX trains where window positions often caused arguments over the blinds, each seat here gets its own properly aligned window.
Onboard Experience: Speed, Comfort, and (Almost) No Food
Once we left Busan, we quickly accelerated to 305 km/h (190 mph). The ride was incredibly smooth and quiet—so much so that you barely feel the speed.
There were a lot of tunnels, which means long stretches without much scenery, but the onboard entertainment screens helped pass the time. These screens showed:
- KTX safety videos
- Korean news updates
- A YouTube app (which unfortunately wasn’t working for me)
Internet-wise, the free Wi-Fi was impressive—fast and stable, just as you’d expect from South Korea.
One downside? No onboard restaurant or snack bar. The train has a few vending machines with drinks, but no food options. So if you’re traveling on the KTX Cheongryong, grab a meal before boarding!
Stops Along the Way
As we zipped through South Korea, we made stops at major cities like:
- Ulsan – A city of 1+ million people, but strangely, the station is 17 km from downtown.
- Daegu – South Korea’s 4th largest city, with a massive station (Dongdaegu).
- Daejeon – A city famous for universities and research centers.
- Cheonan-Asan – The final stop before Seoul, with a connection to Line 1 of the Seoul Metro.
Each stop was quick and efficient, with passengers smoothly getting on and off.
How Much Does It Cost?
- Superior Class: 71,800 KRW (~$54 USD)
- Standard Class: 59,800 KRW (~$45 USD)
For a 2-hour, 24-minute trip between Busan and Seoul, this pricing is pretty reasonable—especially compared to flights or long-distance buses.
Arrival in Seoul
As we pulled into Seoul Station, the tracks became noticeably busier, running alongside Seoul’s extensive subway system. This station is the beating heart of Korea’s railway network, connecting high-speed trains, subways, and even airport transit services.
Stepping off the train, I was left seriously impressed by the KTX Cheongryong. The smooth ride, high-tech features, and sleek design make it one of the most exciting new trains in Asia.
Should You Try the KTX Cheongryong?
- Super smooth & fast ride
- Great onboard features (Wi-Fi, charging ports, comfy seats)
- Reasonable price for Superior Class
- No onboard food options
- Superior Class isn’t a major upgrade over Standard Class
Would I ride it again? Absolutely. If you’re visiting South Korea and need to travel between cities, this is one of the best and most comfortable ways to do it. So, have you ever taken a high-speed train in Korea or anywhere else? Let me know your thoughts!