“Seoul Station isn’t the only starting point.”
“서울역만이 유일한 출발지가 아닙니다.”
Did you know there’s another high-speed train called SRT? If your hotel is in Gangnam, taking the SRT is much faster and cheaper than going to Seoul Station.
SRT라는 또 다른 고속열차가 있다는 사실을 아시나요? 숙소가 강남에 있다면 서울역까지 갈 필요 없이 SRT를 타는 것이 훨씬 빠르고 저렴합니다.
This guide covers everything from trains to essential bus apps, plus survival Korean phrases to help you travel like a local.
이 가이드 하나로 기차, 버스 앱은 물론 현지인처럼 여행하기 위한 필수 생존 한국어까지 모두 마스터하세요.
1. Train : KTX vs. SRT (KTX와 SRT 비교)
Choose your train based on your hotel location!
숙소 위치에 따라 열차를 선택하세요!
1. KTX (Korea Train eXpress)
- Best for: Travelers staying in Myeongdong, Hongdae, or Dongdaemun. (명동, 홍대, 동대문 숙박 시 추천)
- Departure Station: Seoul Station (서울역) or Yongsan Station (용산역).
- Booking App: Korail Talk (Supports English).
2. SRT (Super Rapid Train)
- Best for: Travelers staying in Gangnam, Jamsil, or COEX. (강남, 잠실, 코엑스 숙박 시 추천)
- Departure Station: Suseo Station (수서역).
- Booking:
- App: ‘SRT Play’ (Requires Korean number).
- Website: SRT Official Website (English available). (외국인은 웹사이트 예매가 더 편리합니다.)
2. Bus Booking Apps: Express & Intercity (버스 예매 앱)
1. Essential Apps (필수 앱)
1. T-money GO (티머니GO)
- Best for: Express Buses (major cities like Gangneung, Busan). (주요 도시 간 이동)
- Features: Integrated booking for buses and taxis.
2. Bustago (버스타고)
- Best for: Intercity Buses connecting smaller towns. (지방 소도시 이동)
- Note: Many routes to rural filming sites are found here.
2. Important Tip (중요 팁)
If your credit card doesn’t work on the app, simply check the schedule on the app and buy the ticket at the terminal kiosk.
(앱 결제가 안 될 경우, 앱으로 시간표만 확인하고 표는 터미널 키오스크에서 현장 구매하세요.)
3. Essential Survival Korean (여행 필수 한국어 – 확장판)
Don’t panic! Just show these phrases to the driver or staff.
(당황하지 마시고 이 문장들을 기사님이나 직원에게 보여주세요.)
1. At the Station / Terminal (역 & 터미널에서)
- Where is the ticket office?
- 매표소 어디에 있어요? (Maepyoso eodi-e isseoyo?)
- One ticket to [Place], please.
- [목적지] 한 장 주세요. ([Place] han-jang juseyo.)
- Where can I take the bus?
- 버스 어디서 타요? (Beoseu eodiseo tayo?)
- Is this the platform for [Place]?
- 여기가 [목적지] 가는 곳 맞나요? (Yeogiga [Place] ganeun-got mannayo?)
2. On the Bus / Taxi (버스 & 택시 안에서)
- Does this bus go to [Place]?
- 이 버스 [목적지] 가나요? (I beoseu [Place] ganayo?)
- Please let me off here. (Very Important!)
- 여기서 내려주세요. (Yeogiseo naeryeo-juseyo.)
- How long does it take?
- 얼마나 걸려요? (Eolmana geollyeoyo?)
- Thank you.
- 감사합니다. (Gamsahamnida.)
4. Real-life Routes to Filming Sites (드라마 촬영지 실전 경로)
Here are the exact routes to the most popular K-Drama spots.
(가장 인기 있는 드라마 촬영지로 가는 정확한 경로입니다.)
Route 1. Pohang (Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha / When the Camellia Blooms)
- Why visit: Gongjin Market, Space Walk.
- From Seoul (North of River): KTX (Seoul Stn) → Pohang Station. (2.5 hrs)
- From Gangnam: SRT (Suseo Stn) → Pohang Station. (2.2 hrs)
- Final Mile: Take Bus 9000 or Taxi from the station.
Route 2. Gangneung (Goblin / BTS Bus Stop)
- Why visit: Jumunjin Breakwater, BTS Bus Stop.
- Transport: KTX (Seoul Stn or Cheongnyangni Stn) → Gangneung Station. (2 hrs)
- Pro Tip: The train view approaching Gangneung is beautiful!
Route 3. Wonju (It’s Okay to Not Be Okay)
- Why visit: Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge.
- Transport: KTX-Eum (Cheongnyangni Stn) → Manjong Station. (1 hr)
- Final Mile: Taxi to Sogeumsan (approx. 15,000 KRW).
Route 4. Goseong (King the Land / It’s Okay to Not Be Okay)
- Why visit: Secret Blue Cafe (Hospital), Ayajin Beach.
- Transport: Express Bus (Seoul Goto) → Sokcho Terminal.
- Final Mile: Taxi to Ayajin Beach (approx. 20 mins).
- Note: There is no train station in Sokcho/Goseong yet! (속초/고성에는 아직 기차역이 없습니다!)
5. Related Guides (함께 보면 좋은 가이드)
👉 WOWPASS vs T-money: Best Card for Korea Travel? (와우패스 vs 티머니)
👉 How to Use Naver Map: English Settings Guide (네이버 지도 사용법)
👉 [[Filming Locations] 갯마을 차차차 포항 촬영지: 공진시장, 윤치과, 곤륜산 위치 지도 (Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha Pohang Filming Locations Map]
👉 [[Filming Locations] 사이코지만 괜찮아 촬영지 지도: 괜찮은 병원부터 저주받은 성까지 (It’s Okay to Not Be Okay Filming Locations Map]
👉 [[Filming Locations] 동백꽃 필 무렵 촬영지 14곳]
🚗 Need a Car? (렌터카가 필요하신가요?)
For complete freedom in rural areas like Goseong or Paju, renting a car is the best option.
👉 [Klook] Compare Real-time Car Rental Prices in Korea
