Honam Line KTX: Gwangju Songjeong, Mokpo Fares and Booking

Compare departures from Yongsan, Seoul and Suseo when booking KTX trains to Gwangju Songjeong or Mokpo. The reduced base fare from Yongsan to Gwangju Songjeong is 42,000 won. Check Korail+ for actual fares and train times.

Book KTX trains to Gwangju Songjeong or Mokpo through Korail+ or the Korail website. You can compare departures from Yongsan, Seoul, and Suseo. Have your travel date, passenger count, and payment method ready. The base fare from Yongsan to Gwangju Songjeong after the reduction is 42,000 won.

Fare figures reflect the September 1 reduction announced by Korail on August 5, 2026.

How to book KTX trains to Gwangju Songjeong or Mokpo

Choose your travel date and arrival station, then select a train on the official booking screen. You can book with a member account or as a guest. For guest bookings, have a way to verify your identity ready.

  1. Open the ticket booking screen in Korail+ or on the Korail website. Enter your departure and arrival stations.
  2. Select your travel date and number of passengers. Make sure the age and discount categories match the actual passengers.
  3. Check the departure and arrival times and stops of the trains listed. If you are traveling to Mokpo, set your arrival station to Mokpo.
  4. Select your seat and any available discounts. Check the final price and refund conditions before paying.
  5. Check the departure station, train number, car number, and seat on your ticket. Also plan your onward transportation from the arrival station.

Korail’s “Frequently Asked Questions” explains guest bookings as follows.

Once you verify your identity through a simple authentication service such as Naver or Kakao, you can pay and have your ticket issued.

After booking, check that payment and ticket issuance are complete. Do not assume your ticket has been issued just because you can see the reservation details. You can find guest purchases under the guest ticket lookup section on the website. Korail Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I book?

From October 1, 2026, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport extended the booking window to 2 months before departure. This was announced on September 20, 2026. Check the booking screen for your train for the actual date tickets go on sale and the payment deadline. Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announcement on the extended booking window

Comparing departures from Yongsan, Seoul, and Suseo

Choose your departure station based on both the time it takes to get there from home and the available trains. With integrated operations starting on September 1, 2026, the SRT name changed to KTX-Sancheon. You can also look up departures from Suseo in Korail+. Korail announcement on integrated high-speed rail operations

Departure station When to check it first What to compare
Yongsan When Yongsan Station is easy to reach Departure times and seats for Gwangju Songjeong and Mokpo
Seoul When your journey takes you through Seoul Station Honam Line services on your preferred date
Suseo When Suseo Station is easy to reach Fares and arrival times for your destination

The announcement of additional services at Seoul Station covers the Gyeongbu, Gyeongjeon, Donghae, Honam, and Jeolla lines together. The 13 additional weekday services and 14 additional weekend services are totals across these lines. Do not use these figures as the daily number of services to Gwangju Songjeong or Mokpo alone.

When changing your departure station, search again using the same date and passenger count. Compare services from each station to your intended destination. Do not use search results for Gwangju Songjeong as a substitute for results for Mokpo.

KTX fares to Gwangju Songjeong and Mokpo

The confirmed base fare from Yongsan to Gwangju Songjeong after the reduction is 42,000 won. This applies from September 1, 2026. The actual amount you pay varies by train, date, seat, and discount conditions.

Route Confirmed fare Basis and limitations
Yongsan to Gwangju Songjeong 46,800 won before the reduction, 42,000 won after Announced August 5, 2026; seat class and age conditions not specified
Seoul to Gwangju Songjeong Check the booking screen Based on the selected train and passenger conditions
Suseo to Gwangju Songjeong Check the booking screen Based on the selected train and passenger conditions
Yongsan, Seoul, or Suseo to Mokpo Check the booking screen for each departure station The Gwangju Songjeong fare cannot be used instead

Korail announced an average fare reduction of 10%. This does not mean fares on every route fell by exactly 10%. Do not assume that 42,000 won applies to every seat and age group, either. Korail fare reduction announcement

Discounts and mileage points

Check eligibility for mileage points and transfer discounts separately. The KTX member mileage accrual rate in the integration announcement is 5%. When connecting to a conventional train, the transfer discount is 30% of the conventional train fare.

Do not apply the conventional train transfer discount rate to the entire KTX fare. Do not count mileage points earned as a discount deducted immediately at payment. Check the actual benefits in the details of your selected ticket.

Fare difference calculation example

The difference between the announced Yongsan to Gwangju Songjeong fares is 4,800 won. This is the result of subtracting the reduced fare of 42,000 won from the previous fare of 46,800 won. The calculations below do not reflect additional discounts or seat changes.

Calculation Formula Result
Difference between announced fares 46,800 won - 42,000 won 4,800 won
Reduction rate based on announced fares 4,800 won ÷ 46,800 won × 100 Approximately 10.26%

Approximately 10.26% is the rate for this route, calculated directly from the two fares. Its calculation covers a different scope from the overall average of 10% announced by Korail. To work out your actual savings, compare tickets with the same conditions.

The Honam High-Speed Line and the route to Mokpo

Beyond Gwangju Songjeong, trains currently use the existing Honam Line to reach Mokpo. The new section of Honam High-Speed Railway Phase 2 is under construction. The fact that KTX trains run to Mokpo does not mean the entire route is a high-speed line.

Category Route and stations What to distinguish in current information
Honam High-Speed Railway Phase 1 Osong, Gongju, Iksan, Jeongeup, Gwangju Songjeong Opened in April 2015
Gwangju Songjeong to Mokpo services Use the existing Honam Line Stops need to be checked for each train
Honam High-Speed Railway Phase 2 A 77.8 km project from Gwangju Songjeong to Mokpo Includes upgrading the existing line for higher speeds, building a new line, and using the existing line

The Honam High-Speed Main Line in Korail’s operating network is 183.8 km long. It runs from Osong to Gwangju Songjeong. The conventional Honam Line runs 252.5 km from Daejeonjochajang to Mokpo. Both figures are current as of September 1, 2026. Korail passenger train operating information

Osong, Gongju, Iksan, Jeongeup, and Gwangju Songjeong are stations on the Phase 1 section. Not every KTX train stops at all these stations. Also check your selected train’s stops to see whether it runs via Seodaejeon.

When will Honam High-Speed Railway Phase 2 open?

The project period listed by Korea National Railway is 2015 to 2027. As of September 2026, construction progress is 61.0%. The final year of the project period alone does not establish the actual opening date.

The Phase 2 station plan includes Naju, Muan Airport, and Mokpo. Muan Airport Station has not yet opened. Naju Station and Mokpo Station are currently in use. Korea National Railway major high-speed rail project status

How to get from Gwangju Songjeong Station to central Gwangju

To reach central Gwangju, check connections to Gwangju Metro Line 1. From Gwangju Songjeong Station, you can take trains toward Sotae and Nokdong. Sangmu, Geumnamno 4-ga, and Culture Complex stations are among those on the same line. Gwangju Transportation Corporation Cyber Station

  1. After leaving the KTX train, follow the signs to Gwangju Songjeong metro station.
  2. Find the metro station closest to your destination.
  3. Check the stops of the relevant train toward Sotae or Nokdong.
  4. If you arrive late, check the last metro train and other transportation options.
Destination area Metro stations to check Additional details to check
Sangmu area Sangmu Station Route from the station to your final destination
Geumnamno area Geumnamno 4-ga Station, Geumnamno 5-ga Station Which station is closest to your destination
Around the Culture Complex Culture Complex Station Exit and walking route

Gwangju Transportation Corporation provides elevator information for Gwangju Songjeong metro station. This is separate from information on facilities throughout the KTX station. If stairs are difficult for you, also check the route between the two stations.

Onward transportation from Mokpo Station

After arriving at Mokpo Station, choose a bus or taxi based on your final destination. For Namak or Oryong, you can check the Allta 2001 bus service listed by Mokpo City. Recheck the boarding location and operating times on your travel date. Mokpo City Allta 2001 service information

If you are continuing toward Boseong or Suncheon, also look up conventional trains. The Mokpo-Boseong Line began operating on September 27, 2025. The opening announcement lists Saemaeul-ho and Mugunghwa-ho services. Do not assume that your KTX train continues all the way to Boseong. Korail Mokpo-Boseong Line service information

Checking parking, luggage lockers, and nursing rooms

Before visiting, check the location and availability of any station facilities you need. Do not assume that Gwangju Songjeong Station and Mokpo Station have the same facilities or conditions. It is best not to base your plans on unverified parking fees or locker locations.

Facility needed What to check Where to check
Parking Operating parking lots, base fees, additional fees, discount conditions Korail station information or parking operator information
Luggage lockers Availability, location, accepted luggage sizes, hours of use Station information or the Railway Customer Center
Nursing room Location, opening hours, how to use it Station information or the Railway Customer Center
Rental car Pickup and return locations and business hours Your rental car company
EV charging Charger locations, operating status, charging fees Parking and charging facility operator information

In January 2025, Korail announced improvements to the existing EV chargers at Gwangju Songjeong Station. This announcement alone does not tell you whether charging will be available on the day of your visit. If you are driving, also check the charging facility operator’s information. Korail announcement on EV charging facility improvements

For station facility inquiries, contact the Railway Customer Center at 1588-7788. The Korail website also lists 1544-7788. When making an inquiry, provide the station name and the facility you need.

How to compare total travel time rather than just train time

When choosing a departure station, compare the total travel time from home to your destination. Even if the KTX ride is shorter, a long trip to the station can reduce the advantage. Include transfer waiting times after arriving at Gwangju Songjeong or Mokpo.

Part of the journey What to compare
Home or workplace to the departure station in the Seoul metropolitan area Travel time, number of transfers, transportation costs
Inside the departure station Time needed to reach the platform
KTX journey Actual departure and arrival times of your selected train
Arrival station to final destination Bus and metro waiting times and walking time
  1. Search for departures from Yongsan, Seoul, and Suseo using the same arrival station.
  2. Add travel time outside the stations for each available service.
  3. Check whether you can make the last connection or arrive in time for your appointment.
  4. Choose by comparing both total transportation costs and the effort involved in the journey.

Common mistakes when reading timetables

Distinguish construction project figures from actual ticket information. The length of an entire line also differs from the distance you personally travel. The following items need to be checked again on the booking screen.

Information that can be confusing How to verify it
Yongsan to Mokpo in 2 hours 5 minutes This is a figure used by Korea National Railway to describe project benefits, so check the actual train arrival time
13 additional weekday services and 14 additional weekend services at Seoul Station These are totals across several lines, so look up service counts for each destination separately
Phase 2 project period through 2027 Check a separate opening announcement for the actual opening date
Average fare reduction of 10% Check the final amount payable for your route
Coupled operation with 820 seats This was the seat count for some trial trains in May 2026, not a figure shared by all trains

The 820 seats refer to the trial operation coupling SRT and KTX-Sancheon trains. At the time, the Honam Line services involved were some weekend trains between Suseo and Gwangju Songjeong. Check the seat selection screen for your chosen train for current seating information. Korail announcement on trial coupled operations

You should also distinguish reports about a possible fare increase from announcements that an increase will actually take effect. On March 7, 2025, Korail stated that the rate and timing of an increase had not been decided. Base your travel budget on the price shown on the booking screen rather than speculation about increases. Korail press reference material on fare increases

FAQ

Where can I book KTX tickets to Gwangju-Songjeong or Mokpo?

Book through KORAIL+ or the KORAIL website. Enter your departure and arrival stations, date, and number of passengers, then select your train and seats.

How much is the KTX fare from Yongsan to Gwangju-Songjeong?

The base fare announced by KORAIL following the reduction on September 1, 2026, is 42,000 won. The announcement does not specify seat class or age conditions. Check the booking screen for your selected train to see the actual amount you will pay.

Are fares from Seoul and Suseo to Mokpo also 42,000 won?

42,000 won is the announced fare for the Yongsan to Gwangju-Songjeong route. It cannot be applied directly to routes from Seoul or Suseo to Mokpo. Select your departure station, then check the fare for a service arriving at Mokpo.

Can I also take the Honam Line KTX from Seoul Station?

You can also take the Honam Line KTX from Seoul Station. Check KORAIL+ for services to Gwangju-Songjeong or Mokpo on your preferred date.

Do I also book trains departing from Suseo through KORAIL+?

Following the start of integrated operations on September 1, 2026, you can also search for and book services departing from Suseo through KORAIL+. According to the integration notice, SRT has been renamed KTX-Sancheon.

How long does it take to get to Gwangju-Songjeong and Mokpo?

Travel times vary depending on the departure station and stops. Check each train's departure and arrival times for your preferred date. The agency's figure of 2 hours and 5 minutes from Yongsan to Mokpo is used to describe the project's benefits.

Does the train also use a high-speed line from Gwangju-Songjeong to Mokpo?

The Gwangju-Songjeong to Mokpo section currently uses the existing Honam Line. The new section of Phase 2 of the Honam High-Speed Railway is under construction.

Can I take the KTX from Muan Airport Station?

Muan Airport Station is a station included in the Phase 2 plan for the Honam High-Speed Railway that has not yet opened. Check the separate opening announcement for the actual date when service begins.

Will Phase 2 of the Honam High-Speed Railway open in 2027?

The project period announced by Korea National Railway is 2015 to 2027. The project period alone does not establish the actual opening date. Check separate announcements from the agency and KORAIL for the opening date.

How do I get from Gwangju-Songjeong Station to downtown Gwangju?

Look for Gwangju Metro Line 1 services toward Sotae or Nokdong. Sangmu, Geumnamno 4-ga, and Culture Complex stations are among those on the same line. Check which station and exit are closest to your final destination.

Is there a bus from Mokpo Station to Namak and Oryong?

Mokpo City lists the Olta 2001 bus as connecting Mokpo Station with Namak and Oryong. Check the operating times and boarding location for your travel date.

Does the KTX continue from Mokpo to Boseong?

The trains listed in the opening notice for the Mokpo-Boseong Line are Saemaeul-ho and Mugunghwa-ho. After arriving in Mokpo by KTX, look up conventional trains toward Boseong separately.

Can non-members also book train tickets?

You can book as a non-member. Select a train on the Korail website, then proceed with non-member booking. Once you verify your identity using simplified authentication, you can pay and have your ticket issued.

How far in advance can I book train tickets?

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport expanded the booking window effective October 1, 2026, allowing reservations 2 months before departure. Check the Korail booking page for the actual date when tickets for that date go on sale.

Does the transfer discount for conventional trains also apply to KTX fares?

The 30% transfer discount in the consolidated announcement applies to conventional train fares. It does not apply to the combined total of KTX and conventional train fares. Check the booking page to see how the discount is actually applied.

Where can I check parking fees for Gwangju-Songjeong Station and Mokpo Station?

Check Korail's station information and the operating information for the relevant parking lot. For the locations of luggage lockers and nursing rooms, contact the Railroad Customer Center at 1588-7788.

Sources

Images

A silver-haired older woman in a plum coat pulls a suitcase along a platform beside an open train door.
A silver-haired older woman in a plum coat pulls a suitcase along a platform beside an open train door.
A man in a blue coat loads a travel bag into an open taxi trunk outside a railway station.
A man in a blue coat loads a travel bag into an open taxi trunk outside a railway station.