For many foreign travelers, taking the KTX from Seoul to Busan was fast—but not necessarily convenient. While the train ride itself was smooth, arriving at Busan Station often meant another 50 minutes to an hour of subway or taxi travel to reach Haeundae or Gwangalli, where most visitors actually stay. After a long journey with luggage, that final transfer was often the most exhausting part of the trip and a common reason why Busan felt slightly less accessible than it should have been.
What’s Changed: KTX-Eum Now Stops Near Haeundae and Gwangalli
That extra step is now being removed. KTX-Eum trains on the Jungang Line (Cheongnyangni–Bujeon) will begin stopping at Shin-Haeundae Station, Centum Station, and Gijang Station. Shin-Haeundae Station will have up to four trains in each direction per day, while Centum and Gijang Stations will each have one stop per direction. Instead of passing through downtown Busan first, travelers can now arrive much closer to Busan’s most popular beachside neighborhoods.
Why This Matters for Foreign Travelers
Haeundae and Gwangalli are two of the most foreigner-friendly areas in Busan, known for beaches, cafés, nightlife, luxury hotels, and easy access to attractions like BEXCO and Marine City. Direct KTX access to nearby stations means fewer transfers, less confusion, and a smoother first impression of the city. For first-time visitors to Korea, this makes Busan feel far less intimidating and much easier to include in a short itinerary.
The improvements go beyond station locations. With upgrades to the signal system on parts of the route, the fastest travel time between Cheongnyangni and Bujeon has been reduced to about 3 hours and 38 minutes—roughly 18 minutes shorter than before. Daily KTX-Eum services on this line have also increased from 6 to 18, giving travelers more flexibility when planning weekend trips or last-minute getaways from Seoul.
A New Way to Plan Your Busan Trip
Until now, most itineraries were built around arriving at Busan Station and moving outward. With KTX-Eum stopping closer to Haeundae and Gwangalli, that logic flips. Travelers can now plan accommodation, cafés, and beach time around where the train drops them off, not the other way around. For visitors focused on coastal scenery, food, and a relaxed city vibe, this change quietly but fundamentally improves the Busan experience.
If you enjoy traveling deeper into Korea without unnecessary friction, this is exactly the kind of change that matters. With easier access to its most iconic neighborhoods, Busan is now more inviting than ever for foreign travelers looking to experience Korea beyond Seoul, one smooth train ride at a time.
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