KORAIL to launch Seoul-Pohang KTX

A new high-speed KTX train service connecting Seoul and Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province will launch Thursday, according to the Korea Railroad Corp.

The new KTX train will transport passengers between Seoul and Pohang in roughly two hours and 30 minutes, cutting the travel time by train by more than three hours. Previously, it took passengers riding on the Saemaeul train five hours and 20 minutes to travel the same distance.

The Seoul-Pohang KTX service, which has been launched as part of the Gyeongbu KTX line, was built by connecting a 38.7 km-long railway segment from Pohang Station to Singyeongju Station in Gyeongju.

The construction project cost around 1.2 trillion won ($10.8 billion), according to KORAIL.

The new KTX train will operate between Seoul Station and the newly-built Pohang Station. KORAIL will operate 16 trains daily on weekdays and 20 trains on weekends.

Tickets for the Seoul-Pohang KTX service are priced at 52,600 won for regular seats and 73,600 won for upgraded seats.

By Sohn Ji-young (jys@heraldcorp.com)