Seoul
Palaces and night markets sit a subway stop apart in Seoul. Most KTX trains leave from Seoul Station in the centre, so a hotel nearby turns an early departure into a ten-minute walk.
South Korea · KTX high-speed rail
Seoul to Daegu by train, booked in one conversation.
Tell us when you're travelling. We'll find your KTX seats to Daegu — and add hotels or things to do there only if you want them.
- Fastest
- 1h 34m
- Distance
- 280 km
- Trains a day
- ~60
The journey
Travelling from Seoul to Daegu by KTX
The fastest KTX from Seoul Station to Dongdaegu Station takes 1h 34m, direct, covering 280 km. Trains run from about 05:13 to 22:49.
KTX trains for Daegu follow the same Gyeongbu high-speed line as the Busan services, but the journey ends far sooner — the fastest trains cover the distance in under an hour and forty minutes. Trains run frequently through the day, more like a fast regional service than a long-haul one.
For a trip this short, the train is the clear choice over flying: Daegu International Airport sits outside the city and adds its own transfer, while Dongdaegu Station connects straight into the metro. There is no security queue, and boarding takes minutes.
Standard and First class are both available, and KTX and SRT both call at the same platforms. The one thing to get right is the station name — KTX stops at Dongdaegu Station, on the city's eastern side, not at the older Daegu Station used by slower regional trains.
| Departure station | Seoul Station |
|---|---|
| Arrival station | Dongdaegu Station |
| Train | KTX, operated by Korail |
| Fastest journey | 1h 34m, direct |
| Classes | Standard and First |
| First and last train | 05:13 and 22:49 |
Times vary by day — we confirm the exact train when you book.
How it works
Tickets in three messages
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Tell us the date and who is travelling
Type it the way you would say it: "Seoul to Daegu, two adults, Friday morning."
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We find the train and class
You get the best-fitting KTX departures for your day, in Standard or First. Want a hotel or something to do in Daegu? Say so — or don't.
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Pay securely, get your tickets
We send a secure payment link. Once you pay, our ticketing team issues your tickets and sends them — or collection details — with clear instructions.
At both ends
Make more of Seoul and Daegu
Only need the ticket? That's fine. If you want a bed or a plan at either end, add it to the same conversation.
Daegu
Korea's fourth-largest city trades palace tours for market streets, herbal medicine alleys and a skyline backed by Palgongsan mountain. KTX trains stop at Dongdaegu Station, on the eastern side of the city and linked to the centre and Seomun Market by metro.
Where to stay
Hotels in Daegu
Arriving late or staying a few nights? Add a hotel in Daegu to the same conversation as your KTX tickets.
When you arrive
Things to do in Daegu
Tours and sights we can arrange in Daegu. Add one to the same conversation as your KTX tickets, or skip them — the ticket stands on its own.
Daegu City Tour
Explore Daegu with visits to Yangnyeongsi Oriental Medicine center, Dongseongno street, E-World (formerly Wooband Tower Land).
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Palgongsan Natural Park, Palgongsan Cable Car and Donghwasa visit
Palgongsan Natural Park is the largest, and one of the most popular hikes in Deagu. Just 20km northeast of the city center, the contrast between landscapes is extreme.
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Half Day Market Tour with Tastings
Today you can enjoy the real local delights. Take a chance to visit the local market with tastings at Seomun Market during the guiding tour.
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Tea Ceremony at Donghwasa Temple
Today you have a unique opportunity to leave the reality aside and immerse yourself in the peaceful and calm atmosphere in Donghwasa Temple.
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Biseulsan County Park
The perfect experience for the Sping trip is a visit to Biseulsan County Park.
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Donghwasa Temple Visit
Today together with your guide, you visit the Donghwasa Temple, built AD 493.
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Common Questions
Seoul to Daegu trains, answered
How long is the train from Seoul to Daegu?
The fastest KTX reaches Dongdaegu Station in about 1 hour 34 minutes. Trains with more stops take closer to 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours.
Is there a direct train from Seoul to Daegu?
Yes. KTX and SRT both run direct from Seoul to Dongdaegu Station with no change of train.
Which station does the Daegu train use?
KTX and SRT stop at Dongdaegu Station, on the eastern side of the city. Daegu Station, closer to the old downtown, is served by slower regional and Mugunghwa trains instead.
Do I need to book Seoul to Daegu tickets in advance?
Trains run often enough that booking within the same week is usually fine on weekdays, but weekends and Korean holidays fill up — book as soon as your date is fixed to get the class and time you want.
Can foreign visitors buy KTX tickets online?
Yes. You do not need a Korean phone number or card. Tell us your date, passengers and class; we find the train, send a secure payment link and email the tickets.
Is the train better than flying from Seoul to Daegu?
Yes, for almost every traveller. The flight barely saves time once you add the airport transfers, while Dongdaegu Station is already on the metro.
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Popular train routes in South Korea
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