South Korea Integrates KTX And SRT Into Unified Rail Network

South Korea, September 2026 – Korea Railroad Corp. (Korail) and SR Corp. began integrated KTX-SRT operations on September 1, with services previously operated as SRT incorporated into the KTX network. Passengers can now check high-speed services departing from both Seoul Station and Suseo Station through a unified booking system and use the Korail+ application for reservations.

The integration is expected to increase high-speed rail capacity by approximately 15,000 seats per day on weekdays and up to 17,000 seats on weekends. Capacity on routes departing from Suseo is also expected to increase by around 30%, giving passengers greater access to high-speed services from southeastern Seoul.

Fare structures have also been adjusted as part of the integration. KTX fares are being reduced by an average of about 10% to align with the lower SRT fare structure, while passengers using services from Suseo can receive mileage benefits equivalent to 5% of their fare.

The merger marks the end of a decade-long period in which KTX and SRT operated as separate high-speed rail services despite sharing parts of the national network. The integration is intended to address capacity constraints, simplify ticketing and improve the overall utilisation of South Korea’s high-speed railway infrastructure.

The development represents a significant shift in South Korea’s rail operating model, moving away from separate high-speed operators toward a more unified national system. By combining services and capacity, the government and operators aim to strengthen passenger rail competitiveness while making better use of existing high-speed infrastructure.

Source: Seoul Economic Daily