How to travel from Gangneung to Busan, South Korea

The distance between Gangneung and Busan is around 329km (205 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train and then fly which takes around 3h 45m.

6 routes found

We've found 6 different ways to get from Gangneung to Busan by bus, train, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out BusanGangneung if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
train
+
plane
+

Train to Hoengseong Station, Fly

Take the train to Hoengseong Station then fly from Wonju (WJU) to Gimhae (PUS).

  • Duration3h 45m
  • Flight time2h 10m
  • Typical cost
    ₩141,525($110)
Operated by

Multiple operators

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

💰 Cheapest
2
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Busan Central Bus Terminal.

  • Duration4h 30m
  • Departsevery 3 hours
  • Typical cost
    ₩35,380($27)

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

3
train
+
train
+

Train

Take the train to Seoul Station and then to Busan Station.

  • Duration4h 40m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    ₩70,765($54)
4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Sasang Bus Terminal.

  • Duration4h 30m
  • Distance345km (215 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Gangneung and Busan

There are several options for getting from Gangneung to Busan by bus, train, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around ₩35,380 ($27) and will take around 4h 30m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the train and then fly and arrive in approximately 3h 45m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ₩141,525 ($110).

The distance between Gangneung and Busan is around 329km (205 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 287km (178 miles)

It takes around 4h 30m to get from Gangneung and Busan by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 4h 30m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Gangneung to Busan is to take the train and then fly which takes around 3h 45m and will set you back approx ₩141,525 ($110).

The cheapest way to travel between Gangneung and Busan, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around ₩35,380 ($27) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Gangneung and Busan. It typically takes around 4h 40m and departs hourly.

There are no direct train services that runs from Gangneung to Busan. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Seoul Station. These services run hourly and will take a minimum of 4h 40m.

Korail and Korail Mugunghwa run train services between Gangneung and Busan. Trains depart hourly and will take around 4h 40m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Gangneung and Busan. It typically takes around 4h 30m and departs every 3 hours.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Gangneung and Busan with no changeovers required. The bus runs every 3 hours and takes 4h 30m.

Gangneung Intercity Bus Terminal and bus Tago run regular bus services between Gangneung and Busan. Buses run every 3 hours and take around 4h 30m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Gangneung to Busan. We recommend that you take the train to Seoul Station then fly from Seoul Gimpo (GMP) to Gimhae (PUS). instead which will take 4hrs.

The closest major airport to Busan is Gimhae International Airport (PUS) (PUS) which is approximately 11km (7 miles) from Busan. Ulsan Airport (USN) (USN) and Daegu International Airport (TAE) (TAE) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Gangneung and Busan. The distance is around 345km (215 miles) by road and it will take around 4h 30m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Gangneung to Busan is to take the bus which takes, on average, 4h 30m and will usually cost around ₩35,380 ($27).

How do I get from Gangneung to Busan

Compare travel optionsbetween Gangneung and Busan

Transport options from Gangneung to Busan
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train to Hoengseong Station, Fly + 1 similar
3h 45m
₩141,525($110)
every 3 hours882km (548 miles)
Train and Plane4hrs
₩78,625($60)
hourly598km (372 miles)
Bus + 1 similar
4h 30m
₩35,380($27)
every 3 hours329km (205 miles)
Bus via Pohang5h 30m
₩36,690($28)
hourly338km (210 miles)
Train
4h 40m
₩70,765($54)
hourly639km (397 miles)
Drive
4h 30m
₩66,830($51)
on demand345km (215 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Gangneung and Busan

Airlines

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Busan

The following major airports near Busan offer regular flights to various popular destinations within South Korea and internationally.

PUS
Gimhae International Airport (PUS)
International Airport
Distance
11km (7 miles) from Busan
USN
Ulsan Airport (USN)
Domestic Airport
Distance
53km (33 miles) from Busan
TAE
Daegu International Airport (TAE)
International Airport
Distance
89km (55 miles) from Busan