South Korea’s New KTX-Eum Train Opens Breathtaking East Coast Beach Adventures

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August 25, 2026 6:45 PM

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South Korea has unveiled a new, speedy method of travelling along the stunning east coast: the Donghae Line KTX-Eum, which connects key cities along the coast from Busan to Gangneung. Thanks to this new service, visitors can travel to the well-known beaches, resorts and cultural sites of the country while admiring the beautiful scenery of the East Sea. This new rail connectivity is likely to change the landscape of coastal tourism in South Korea by giving tourists access to a new travelling option apart from roads. Today you can plan a vacation along the beach using just one rail route connecting Gangneung with the buzzing beaches of Busan and various water attractions of Pohang.

Donghae Line KTX-Eum Brings Faster Access To South Korea’s Famous East Coast Beaches

The launch of the Donghae Line KTX-Eum has created a major opportunity for travellers who want to discover South Korea beyond Seoul’s famous city attractions. The semi-high-speed train began full operations on the Donghae Line on 30 December 2025, improving access between Busan’s Bujeon Station and Gangneung Station.

The journey between the two destinations now takes around 3 hours and 50 minutes, reducing travel time significantly compared with previous train services. The route operates six times daily, with three services travelling in each direction, giving tourists more flexibility when planning coastal trips.

The Donghae Line KTX-Eum connects travellers with a series of coastal destinations, including:

• Bujeon
• Taehwagang
• Gyeongju
• Pohang
• Yeongdeok
• Uljin
• Samcheok
• Donghae
• Mukho
• Jeongdongjin
• Gangneung

The route allows visitors to experience different landscapes, from historic cities and fishing villages to beaches, cafés and seaside walking areas. The train journey itself has become part of the travel experience because many sections offer views of Korea’s scenic eastern coastline.

Travellers Can Reach East Coast Beaches Without Renting A Car

One of the biggest advantages of the Donghae Line KTX-Eum is that tourists can explore South Korea’s east coast without depending on private vehicles. Many popular beaches and attractions are located close to railway stations, making independent travel easier for international visitors.

During peak holiday periods, coastal roads in South Korea often experience heavy traffic. The new train service helps visitors avoid long road journeys while providing a comfortable and efficient way to reach seaside destinations. For overseas travellers, the railway connection offers a simpler way to build multi-city itineraries. Visitors can begin their journey in Busan, explore coastal towns along the route and finish their trip in Gangneung, one of Korea’s most popular seaside destinations.

Key benefits of travelling by Donghae Line KTX-Eum include:

• Faster travel between Busan and Gangneung
• Direct connections without multiple transfers
• Easy access to beaches and coastal attractions
• Reduced dependence on rental cars
• Scenic East Sea views during the journey

The service supports South Korea’s growing focus on regional tourism by encouraging visitors to explore smaller coastal communities rather than concentrating only on major cities.

Gangneung’s Anmok Beach Offers Cafés, Ocean Views And Relaxed Coastal Experiences

Gangneung Station provides access to Anmokhaebyeon Beach, one of the most attractive stops for travellers following the Donghae Line KTX-Eum route. The beach is particularly popular among visitors who enjoy seaside cafés, local food and relaxed coastal scenery. Anmok Beach is famous for Gangneung Coffee Street, where travellers can enjoy ocean views while visiting unique cafés along the shoreline. The destination combines traditional beach relaxation with modern café culture, making it a popular choice for younger travellers and international visitors.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Oceanfront cafés
• Coastal walks
• Local seafood experiences
• Photography spots
• Relaxing beach views

Gangneung also offers a wider range of cultural and natural attractions, making it suitable for travellers looking for more than a simple beach visit. The city provides a balance of nature, food, culture and leisure experiences.

Pohang’s Yeongildae Beach Adds Food And Night Views To The East Coast Journey

Travellers using the Donghae Line KTX-Eum can also discover Yeongildae Beach in Pohang, another major coastal attraction featured along the route. The destination combines seaside scenery with urban convenience, creating a different experience from quieter beach towns. Yeongildae Beach is known for its long coastline, waterfront atmosphere and nearby restaurants. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, evening walks and views of the ocean while exploring Pohang’s local culture. Pohang provides an excellent stop for travellers who want to combine a beach trip with food experiences. The city’s coastal attractions demonstrate the variety available along South Korea’s eastern shoreline.

KORAIL PASS Gives International Visitors More Travel Flexibility

International tourists visiting South Korea can also benefit from the KORAIL PASS, which provides unlimited travel on KORAIL-operated trains, including KTX services, for selected periods. The pass is designed specifically for overseas visitors and can help travellers reduce transport costs while exploring multiple regions.

Travellers can choose different validity options, including:

• Three or five consecutive travel days
• Two or four selected travel days

KORAIL PASS holders can also access additional discounts and benefits, including selected transport and tourism-related offers. Seat reservations can be made through official KORAIL services and the Korail Talk mobile application. For international visitors planning a South Korea itinerary, combining the KORAIL PASS with the Donghae Line KTX-Eum can create a convenient way to explore multiple destinations.

Multilingual Services Improve Travel Experience For Global Visitors

South Korea has also focused on making railway travel easier for international tourists. KORAIL provides multilingual support through its official website and mobile application, including services in English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Indonesian. This support allows overseas visitors to check schedules, manage bookings and plan journeys with greater confidence. KORAIL Lounges at major stations also provide comfortable waiting areas for passengers. Same-day KTX travellers can use these lounges to relax before departure, with facilities including Wi-Fi, seating areas, power outlets and computer services.

South Korea’s East Coast Tourism Receives A Major Boost From New Rail Connectivity

The Donghae Line KTX-Eum represents a significant step in expanding South Korea’s coastal tourism opportunities. By connecting beaches, cultural destinations and seaside communities through a faster railway network, the service creates new possibilities for domestic and international travellers. The route allows visitors to experience a different side of South Korea, where ocean landscapes, local cuisine and smaller coastal cities become central parts of the journey. For tourists searching for a summer escape, scenic railway adventure or alternative South Korea itinerary, the Donghae Line KTX-Eum provides a convenient gateway to some of the country’s most memorable east coast destinations.