KTX vs SRT: What the 2026 Merger Changed for Visitors

By Dragon Kim · Updated October 27, 2026 · 6 min read

What changed on September 1, 2026?

The SRT brand and separate booking system ended, and former SRT trains now run as KTX under KORAIL. The KSpill integration guide (published September 3, 2026) says former SRT rolling stock is renamed KTX-Sancheon and that the old SRT app no longer sells a separate SRT inventory.

• Fares: Asia Economy says KTX fares dropped 10% in September 2026, matching SRT prices.
• Mileage: Member mileage is standardized at 5%, and Suseo departures now earn KORAIL mileage, per the same guide.
• Seats: The KSpill guide reports 253,000 seats offered on September 1, up 6.3% from a year earlier, with the Suseo corridor up 30.5%.
• Staged rollout: The merger followed a pilot. The Korea Times report on the February 2026 pilot describes a February 25, 2026 test in which a KTX ran Busan to Suseo and an SRT ran Busan to Seoul Station.

Which station should I use in Seoul?

Choose the station closest to your hotel, then pick a train that leaves from it. Stations did not merge: the LACHA integration guide says Seoul, Yongsan and Suseo remain separate, and that Suseo suits Gangnam, Jamsil and Songpa while Seoul and Yongsan suit central Seoul and the northwest.

• Suseo: Southeastern Seoul terminal. The guide lists new Suseo to Gupo to Busan service and says Suseo trains carry 955 seats.
• Seoul Station: The usual hub for airport arrivals via AREX; see the Incheon Airport to Seoul guide and the KTX Seoul to Busan guide.
• Same app, different stations: All three appear in KORAIL+, so read the departure station on the ticket.

How do fares and journey times compare?

Seoul to Busan standard fares now sit around 54,400 won, about 5,400 won below the old KTX price, though you should confirm on the booking screen. The LACHA integration guide lists 59,800 won falling to 54,400 won, which is consistent with a roughly 10% cut. It is a secondary source, so treat the figure as approximate.

The old fares and times come from the Korea Experience comparison and the Creatrip route comparison, both written before the merger. Practical example: a visitor staying in Gangnam can compare a Suseo departure with a Seoul Station one by adding the metro ride to Seoul Station to the total travel time.

How do I book, and does my foreign card work?

Book through KORAIL+, the KORAIL website or a station counter, and keep the counter as a fallback if your card is rejected. The Korea Times says KORAIL+ combines KTX and SRT under one platform and has been downloadable since August 3, 2026. Korea Times also reported earlier that tickets open two months ahead from October 1; our KTX booking guide has the full steps.

• Foreign cards: The LACHA SRT vs KTX guide says sign-up may ask for a Korean phone number and that overseas cards can be rejected at 3D Secure verification. It also says post-merger foreigner sign-up and card support are not officially confirmed.
• Fallback: The same guide mentions station counters as an alternative.
• Changes and delays: The KSpill guide reports free changes from 7 days before to 7 days after the original date, and delay compensation of 75% of the fare for 90 minutes and 100% for 120 minutes. Confirm current terms in the app.

Does the Korail Pass cover the former SRT trains?

I could not confirm this, so do not assume it does. Before the merger, the Korea Experience comparison said the Korail Pass was not valid on SRT and that riding without a valid ticket risks a fine. None of the post-merger sources I read addresses the pass, so ask Korail on +82-1599-7777 or check the pass terms on the Korail global site before choosing a Suseo departure. See our Korail Pass guide for the break-even math.

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