How to travel from Gwangju to Samcheok, South Korea

The distance between Gwangju and Samcheok is around 430km (267 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take the train which takes around 4h 20m.

6 routes found

We've found 6 different ways to get from Gwangju to Samcheok 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 SamcheokGwangju if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
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plane
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train
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train
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Fly to Wonju (WJU), train

Fly from Gwangju (KWJ) to Wonju (WJU) then take the train to Gangneung Station and then to Samcheok Haebyeon Station.

  • Duration4h 20m
  • Flight time2hrs
  • Typical cost
    ₩306,640($235)
Operated by

Multiple operators

1 similiar route

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

2
4 x train
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Train

Take the train to Cheonan Asan Station, Seoul Station then Gangneung Station and then to Samcheok Haebyeon Station.

  • Duration4h 60m
  • Departstwice daily
  • Typical cost
    ₩81,245($62)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

💰 Cheapest
3
bus
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bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Dongdaegu and then to Samcheok.

  • Duration6hrs
  • Departsevery 20 mins
  • Typical cost
    ₩53,730($41)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

1 similiar route

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

4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Samcheok.

  • Duration5h 10m
  • Distance430km (267 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Gwangju and Samcheok

There are several options for getting from Gwangju to Samcheok by bus, train, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around ₩53,730 ($41) and will take around 6hrs. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and then take the train and arrive in approximately 4h 20m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ₩306,640 ($235).

The distance between Gwangju and Samcheok is around 430km (267 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 327km (203 miles)

It takes around 6hrs to get from Gwangju and Samcheok by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 5h 10m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Gwangju to Samcheok is to fly and then take the train which takes around 4h 20m and will set you back approx ₩306,640 ($235).

The cheapest way to travel between Gwangju and Samcheok, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around ₩53,730 ($41) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Gwangju and Samcheok. It typically takes around 4h 60m and departs twice daily.

There are no direct train services that runs from Gwangju to Samcheok. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Cheonan Asan Station, Seoul Station and Gangneung Station. These services run twice daily and will take a minimum of 4h 60m.

Suseo High Speed Railway, Korail and Sea Train run train services between Gwangju and Samcheok. Trains depart twice daily and will take around 4h 60m, 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 Gwangju and Samcheok. It typically takes around 6hrs and departs every 20 mins.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Gwangju to Samcheok. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Dongdaegu. These services run every 20 mins and will take a minimum of 6hrs.

Ko Bus, Gangneung Intercity Bus Terminal, TxBus, bus Tago, Jeonbuk Express and Cheongju Bus Terminal run regular bus services between Gwangju and Samcheok. Buses run every 20 mins and take around 6hrs on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Gwangju to Samcheok. We recommend that you fly from Gwangju (KWJ) to Seoul Gimpo (GMP) then take the train to Gangneung Station and then to Samcheok Haebyeon Station. instead which will take 4h 45m.

The closest major airport to Samcheok is Yangyang International Airport (YNY) (YNY) which is approximately 83km (52 miles) from Samcheok. Wonju Airport (WJU) (WJU) and Pohang Airport (KPO) (KPO) 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 Gwangju and Samcheok. The distance is around 430km (267 miles) by road and it will take around 5h 10m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Gwangju to Samcheok is to take the bus which takes, on average, 6hrs and will usually cost around ₩53,730 ($41).

How do I get from Gwangju to Samcheok

Compare travel optionsbetween Gwangju and Samcheok

Transport options from Gwangju to Samcheok
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly to Wonju (WJU), train + 1 similar
4h 20m
₩306,640($235)
twice daily810km (503 miles)
Plane and Train4h 45m
₩100,905($77)
twice daily575km (357 miles)
Train
4h 60m
₩81,245($62)
twice daily582km (361 miles)
Bus + 1 similar
6hrs
₩53,730($41)
every 20 mins448km (278 miles)
Bus via Jeonju8h 15m
₩56,350($43)
once daily476km (296 miles)
Drive
5h 10m
₩83,870($64)
on demand430km (267 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Gwangju and Samcheok

Bus companies

Train operators

Airlines

Airports near Samcheok

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

YNY
Yangyang International Airport (YNY)
International Airport
Distance
83km (52 miles) from Samcheok
WJU
Wonju Airport (WJU)
Domestic Airport
Distance
107km (66 miles) from Samcheok
KPO
Pohang Airport (KPO)
Domestic Airport
Distance
162km (101 miles) from Samcheok