Knowing how to check train schedules is essential for smooth travel throughout South Korea, renowned for its efficient railway system. This guide provides key Korean phrases and vocabulary needed to inquire about train times, understand schedule information, and navigate train stations effectively, ensuring you can travel confidently using Korea’s extensive train network.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 기차 시간표 확인하기
Pronunciation: gi-cha si-gan-pyo hwa-gin-ha-gi
Meaning: Checking the train schedule
Basic Vocabulary for Train Travel
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Expression: 기차
Pronunciation: gi-cha
Meaning: Train -
Expression: 기차역
Pronunciation: gi-cha-yeok
Meaning: Train station -
Expression: 시간표
Pronunciation: si-gan-pyo
Meaning: Timetable / Schedule -
Expression: 표 / 티켓
Pronunciation: pyo / ti-ket
Meaning: Ticket -
Expression: 매표소
Pronunciation: mae-pyo-so
Meaning: Ticket office -
Expression: 플랫폼 / 승강장
Pronunciation: peul-laet-pom / seung-gang-jang
Meaning: Platform -
Expression: 출발
Pronunciation: chul-bal
Meaning: Departure -
Expression: 도착
Pronunciation: do-chak
Meaning: Arrival -
Expression: 목적지
Pronunciation: mok-jeok-ji
Meaning: Destination -
Expression: 좌석
Pronunciation: jwa-seok
Meaning: Seat -
Expression: 열차 번호
Pronunciation: yeol-cha beon-ho
Meaning: Train number -
Expression: KTX (케이티엑스)
Pronunciation: ke-i-ti-ek-seu
Meaning: Korea Train eXpress (High-speed train)
Asking About Train Schedules
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Expression: [목적지] 가는 기차 시간표 좀 보여주세요.
Pronunciation: [mok-jeok-ji] ga-neun gi-cha si-gan-pyo jom bo-yeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please show me the train schedule for [Destination]. -
Expression: 다음 [목적지]행 기차는 몇 시에 있어요?
Pronunciation: da-eum [mok-jeok-ji]-haeng gi-cha-neun myeot si-e i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: What time is the next train to [Destination]? -
Expression: 이 기차는 언제 출발해요?
Pronunciation: i gi-cha-neun eon-je chul-bal-hae-yo?
Meaning: When does this train depart? -
Expression: [목적지]에 언제 도착해요?
Pronunciation: [mok-jeok-ji]-e eon-je do-chak-hae-yo?
Meaning: When does it arrive in [Destination]? -
Expression: 막차가 몇 시예요?
Pronunciation: mak-cha-ga myeot si-ye-yo?
Meaning: What time is the last train? -
Expression: 첫차가 몇 시예요?
Pronunciation: cheot-cha-ga myeot si-ye-yo?
Meaning: What time is the first train? -
Expression: [시간]에 출발하는 기차가 있나요?
Pronunciation: [si-gan]-e chul-bal-ha-neun gi-cha-ga it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a train departing at [Time]? -
Expression: 이 시간표가 최신인가요?
Pronunciation: i si-gan-pyo-ga choe-sin-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is this schedule up-to-date? -
Expression: 주말 시간표는 다른가요?
Pronunciation: ju-mal si-gan-pyo-neun da-reun-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is the weekend schedule different? -
Expression: [도시]까지 얼마나 걸려요?
Pronunciation: [do-si]-kka-ji eol-ma-na geol-lyeo-yo?
Meaning: How long does it take to get to [City]? -
Expression: 직행 기차인가요?
Pronunciation: jik-haeng gi-cha-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it a direct train?
Understanding Schedule Information
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Expression: 기차가 연착되었어요.
Pronunciation: gi-cha-ga yeon-chak-doe-eo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: The train is delayed. -
Expression: 출발 시간이 변경되었어요.
Pronunciation: chul-bal si-ga-ni byeon-gyeong-doe-eo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: The departure time has changed. -
Expression: [역 이름]에서 갈아타야 해요.
Pronunciation: [yeok i-reum]-e-seo ga-ra-ta-ya hae-yo.
Meaning: You need to transfer at [Station Name]. -
Expression: 이 기차는 [목적지]까지 갑니다.
Pronunciation: i gi-cha-neun [mok-jeok-ji]-kka-ji gam-ni-da.
Meaning: This train goes to [Destination]. -
Expression: 플랫폼 번호는 몇 번이에요?
Pronunciation: peul-laet-pom beon-ho-neun myeot beon-i-e-yo?
Meaning: What is the platform number? -
Expression: 전광판을 확인하세요.
Pronunciation: jeon-gwang-pan-eul hwa-gin-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: Please check the electronic display board. -
Expression: 이 표는 KTX 전용입니다.
Pronunciation: i pyo-neun ke-i-ti-ek-seu jeon-yong-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This ticket is only for the KTX. -
Expression: 자유석이에요 / 지정석이에요.
Pronunciation: ja-yu-seo-gi-e-yo / ji-jeong-seo-gi-e-yo.
Meaning: It’s a non-reserved seat / It’s a reserved seat. -
Expression: 운행이 취소되었어요.
Pronunciation: un-haeng-i chwi-so-doe-eo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: The service has been cancelled. -
Expression: 도착 예정 시간은 [시간]입니다.
Pronunciation: do-chak ye-jeong si-ga-neun [si-gan]-im-ni-da.
Meaning: The estimated arrival time is [Time]. -
Expression: 이 열차는 모든 역에 정차합니다.
Pronunciation: i yeol-cha-neun mo-deun yeo-ge jeong-cha-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: This train stops at all stations.
Buying Tickets and Confirming Details
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Expression: [목적지] 가는 표 한 장 주세요.
Pronunciation: [mok-jeok-ji] ga-neun pyo han jang ju-se-yo.
Meaning: One ticket to [Destination], please. -
Expression: 왕복으로 주세요.
Pronunciation: wang-bo-geu-ro ju-se-yo.
Meaning: A round trip ticket, please. -
Expression: 편도로 주세요.
Pronunciation: pyeon-do-ro ju-se-yo.
Meaning: A one-way ticket, please. -
Expression: 가장 빠른 기차로 주세요.
Pronunciation: ga-jang ppa-reun gi-cha-ro ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please give me a ticket for the fastest train. -
Expression: KTX 표 있나요?
Pronunciation: ke-i-ti-ek-seu pyo it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there KTX tickets available? -
Expression: 좌석 번호가 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: jwa-seok beon-ho-ga eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the seat number? -
Expression: 이 표로 맞나요?
Pronunciation: i pyo-ro mat-na-yo?
Meaning: Is this the correct ticket? -
Expression: 어디서 타야 하나요?
Pronunciation: eo-di-seo ta-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Where should I board? -
Expression: [플랫폼 번호]번 승강장이 맞아요?
Pronunciation: [peul-laet-pom beon-ho] beon seung-gang-jang-i ma-ja-yo?
Meaning: Is platform number [Platform Number] correct? -
Expression: 영수증 주세요.
Pronunciation: yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please give me the receipt. -
Expression: 카드로 계산할게요.
Pronunciation: ka-deu-ro gye-san-hal-kke-yo.
Meaning: I’ll pay by card. -
Expression: 예약 확인하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: ye-yak hwa-gin-ha-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: I want to confirm my reservation.
Korean Culture Notes
KorailTalk App is King: Most Koreans check train schedules and book tickets using the official KorailTalk mobile app. It’s available in English and highly recommended for convenience. You can see real-time schedules, delays, seat availability, and make payments easily.
KTX vs. Slower Trains: Korea has various train types. KTX is the fastest (and most expensive), followed by ITX-Saemaeul, Mugunghwa, and Nuriro. Schedules vary significantly between these train types, so specify which one you’re interested in or check the schedule details carefully.
Punctuality is Expected: Korean trains, especially the KTX, are known for their punctuality. Departure times are strictly adhered to. Always aim to arrive at the station well in advance, especially during peak hours or holidays, to find your platform and board comfortably.
Check Electronic Displays: Large electronic display boards (전광판 – jeon-gwang-pan) are prominently placed in stations. These show upcoming departures, destinations, train numbers, departure times, delays, and platform numbers. Always double-check these boards before heading to your platform, as last-minute changes can occur.
Booking in Advance: For popular routes (like Seoul-Busan) or during holidays (Chuseok, Seollal) and weekends, it’s crucial to book train tickets well in advance as they sell out quickly. Checking the schedule early allows you to secure your preferred time and seat.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A traveler (A) approaches a station employee (B) at the information desk to ask about the train schedule to Busan.
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Expression: A: 저기요, 부산 가는 기차 시간표 좀 확인할 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: jeo-gi-yo, bu-san ga-neun gi-cha si-gan-pyo jom hwa-gi-nal su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: A: Excuse me, could I check the train schedule for Busan? -
Expression: B: 네, 언제 출발하시려고요? 오늘이신가요?
Pronunciation: ne, eon-je chul-bal-ha-si-ryeo-go-yo? o-neu-ri-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes, when are you planning to depart? Is it today? -
Expression: A: 네, 오늘 오후요. 가장 빠른 다음 기차가 몇 시에 있나요?
Pronunciation: ne, o-neul o-hu-yo. ga-jang ppa-reun da-eum gi-cha-ga myeot si-e it-na-yo?
Meaning: A: Yes, this afternoon. What time is the next available fastest train? -
Expression: B: 잠시만요… (확인 후) 오후 2시 30분에 출발하는 KTX가 있습니다.
Pronunciation: jam-si-man-yo… (hwa-gin hu) o-hu du-si sam-sip-bun-e chul-bal-ha-neun ke-i-ti-ek-seu-ga it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: B: One moment please… (After checking) There is a KTX departing at 2:30 PM. -
Expression: A: 아, 네. 그럼 그 기차는 몇 번 플랫폼에서 타나요?
Pronunciation: a, ne. geu-reom geu gi-cha-neun myeot beon peul-laet-po-me-seo ta-na-yo?
Meaning: A: Ah, okay. Then which platform does that train depart from? -
Expression: B: 5번 플랫폼입니다. 출발 10분 전까지 탑승해 주세요. 전광판에서 다시 한번 확인하시고요.
Pronunciation: o-beon peul-laet-po-mim-ni-da. chul-bal sip-bun jeon-kka-ji tap-seung-hae ju-se-yo. jeon-gwang-pa-ne-seo da-si han-beon hwa-gi-na-si-go-yo.
Meaning: B: It’s platform 5. Please board at least 10 minutes before departure. Please double-check the electronic display board as well. -
Expression: A: 알겠습니다. 감사합니다!
Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
Meaning: A: I understand. Thank you! -
Expression: B: 네, 즐거운 여행 되세요.
Pronunciation: ne, jeul-geo-un yeo-haeng doe-se-yo.
Meaning: B: You’re welcome. Have a pleasant trip.
Practice Tips
Checking train schedules is a practical skill you’ll use often when traveling in Korea! Try practicing these phrases by looking up schedules online or using the KorailTalk app~ Familiarize yourself with the vocabulary for departure (출발), arrival (도착), and platform (플랫폼/승강장). You can role-play asking for schedule information at an imaginary ticket counter. Pay attention to announcements and display boards at actual train stations to reinforce your learning. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be navigating Korea’s train system like a pro! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/You can do it!)
