KTX high-speed rail tickets to PyeongChang go on sale

Members of the public will be able to put the train to the test for the first time on 22 December. Meanwhile, any Olympic fans wishing to use the link to reach PyeongChang 2018 will be able to book their tickets, one month prior to their intended travel dates according to local organisers.

As well as from Seoul’s three main rail stations,  the high-speed link will also run a direct service from Incheon International Airport. It is anticipated that the KTX will transport up to 20,910 passengers each day from Incheon to Jinbu (PyeongChang) and Gangneung stations, enabling easy and quick travel to the two main hubs of the sporting programme.

The longest journey time, between Incheon International Airport and Gangneung, will just under two hours, and there will be 51 trains scheduled to run each day, meaning that travel to the Games could not be easier. Meanwhile, those travelling direct from one of three stations in the capital city, Seoul, will be able to reach PyeongChang in as little as 67 minutes.

“KTX is a wonderful way to travel to the Games,” commented Lee Hee-beom, President of the PyeongChang 2018 Organising Committee (POCOG). “I took a trip on it earlier this month as part of the test runs and really enjoyed the speed and efficiency provided.

“We want PyeongChang 2018 to be the most accessible Games ever, and the rail connection to Seoul and Incheon Airport is a big part of that,” added the POCOG President. “Whether you are coming to join us for a day or a week, the train will get you to your destination and kick-start your Winter Games experience in a memorable way.”

“We are very proud to be launching ticket sales for the KTX service from Incheon International Airport to Gangneung today,” commented Yu Jae-Young, the CEO of Korail. “We will do all we can to ensure that the KTX journey is a smooth one for everyone coming to PyeongChang 2018.”

Tickets for local and international visitors can be purchased online from Korail at www.letskorail.com/ebizbf/EbizbfForeign_pr16100.do?gubun=1. International visitors also have the option of purchasing the “PyeongChang Korail Pass”, which can be used for travel throughout the Republic of Korea from 1 February to 25 March. More information on this pass can be found at www.letskorail.com/pyeongchang

Once ticket holders arrive in the host city, they will be able to enjoy free Games transport on the day they are attending events. This includes shuttle buses from the train stations and car parks to the venues and back, and also between venues.

Jinbu Station (PyeongChang) is only 10 minutes from Alpensia Olympic Park and the stadium that will host the Opening and Closing Ceremonies; meanwhile, Gangneung Station is a 15-minute ride from Gangneung Olympic Park, which will host all of the ice sports.