The Korean KTX high speed rail train
is an exciting development which was completed in with
its first trip in December 2004, bridging the gap between
Seoul and many locations between Seoul and Busan. With
the introduction of the Korean KTX high speed rail train,
South Korea became only the 6th country to have high speed
rail after France, Japan and Germany to name a few.
The Korean KTX rail service is based on the French TGV
high speed train and the KTX was designed with the help
of French engineers. 
Operated
by Korail
the train potentially can reach a speed of 300km per hour
The main line on the KTX (Korean Train EXpress) is the
Gyeongbu Line which runs between the capital Seoul and
the Southern port town of Busan. Stops on the Gyeongbu
Line include Yongsan, Daejeon, Milyang and Gupo. The journey
time with the Korean express train has been reduced from
over four hours, down to under three hours. In the future
it is anticipated that the journey could be reduced even
further to less than 2 hours.
The next stage of the Korean KTX high speed train development
is expected to be ready for 2010 (the year the Korean
formula 1 motor racing arrives in Korea). In 2010 another
part of the Seoul to Busan track will be made compatible
with high speed rail
Passenger take on the high speed train routes was slow
and there have been worries about paying back for the
development of the KTX. Passenger numbers though between
2005 and 2007 have begun to increase and things are looking
much more positive. As a foreigner who has used the KTX,
I thought it was great! Comfortable, inexpensive and of
course, quick!
