Real-Life Route of "Train to Busan" Movie Edition: 11 Must-Visit Stops

▲The movie "Train to Busan" achieved high box office success and buzz in Taiwan. (Photo / Garage Play)

Reported by Chen Rui-Zhong / Taipei

After its release, "Train to Busan" swept through theaters across Taiwan, becoming a box office hit and sparking heated discussions among movie fans. The extremely realistic scenes also led many to fear, "Will I run into zombies on the train?" In real life, the KTX high-speed train taken by the movie’s characters is a key transport link between Seoul and Busan. Travelers can explore several major South Korean cities via this Gyeongbu High-Speed Line.

▲The film’s destination, Busan, boasts famous attractions such as Haeundae Beach. (Photo / Air Busan)

Seoul is South Korea’s largest city, while Busan is the second-largest. The Gyeongbu High-Speed Line connecting the two is South Korea’s first high-speed railway, spanning 346.4 kilometers (Taiwan’s high-speed rail is 348.5 kilometers long), departing from Seoul to Busan.The one-way journey takes approximately 2 hours and 41 minutes. The standard class carriages used by the characters in the movie have adult tickets priced at 59,800 KRW (about NT$1,840), and foreign travelers can also purchase KORAIL’s 1–7 day passes or the KTX 2–5 day pass for unlimited rides.

▲South Korea’s KTX high-speed rail. (Photo / From Wikimedia Commons)

The Gyeongbu High-Speed Line stops at stations including Suseo – Seoul – Yeongdeungpo – Gwangmyeong – Suwon – Cheonan Asan – Osong – Daejeon – Gimcheon Gumi – Dongdaegu – Gyeongju – Ulsan – Busan. Aside from familiar destinations like Seoul and Busan, the route also passes through numerous tourist spots. Both Daejeon and Dongdaegu stations play pivotal roles in the movie. Adventurous travelers can ride the wave of “zombie mania” and enjoy the journey between Seoul and Busan.

※※※※Warning: The following content contains spoilers for the "Train to Busan" movie. Viewer discretion is advised.※※※

"Train to Busan" Travel Itinerary Highlights

 Seoul Station
Movie Plot: Boarding point for passengers; location where the female zombie boards the train
Travel Highlights: As South Korea’s largest city, Seoul boasts popular attractions and districts such as N Seoul Tower, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Myeongdong, and Ewha Womans University.

▲Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul is a widely loved tourist attraction. (Photo / From Wikimedia Commons)

Yeongdeungpo Station
Movie Plot: Passed through, not stopped at
Travel Highlights: Located near Seoul, Yeongdeungpo is a popular shopping district featuring various malls including Yeongdeungpo Underground Shopping Center, Times Square, Lotte Department Store, and E-Mart.

Gwangmyeong Station
Movie Plot: Passed through, not stopped at
Travel Highlights: Gwangmyeong offers attractions such as Gwangmyeong Traditional Market and Gwangmyeong Cave, which was once used as a filming location for "Running Man."

▲The classic-style Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Photo / By Reporter Chen Rui-Zhong)

Suwon Station
Movie Plot: Passed through, not stopped at
Travel Highlights: Suwon is home to the historic Hwaseong Fortress, and the local Suwon galbi (short rib) is a renowned Korean dish.

Cheonan Asan Station
Movie Plot: Passengers witness a zombie attack on the platform
Travel Highlights: The area features a Greek-style Mediterranean Village and the traditional Asan Oknyeon Folk Village. The nearby Onyang Hot Springs are also a popular spot for soaking.

▲The Greek-style Mediterranean Village. (Photo / From the official website of the Korea Tourism Organization)

"Daejeon Station"
Movie plot: After getting off the train, the protagonists are attacked by military zombie soldiers.
Tourist highlights: Daejeon is an important industrial city in South Korea. The Daejeon Arboretum and the Yellow Earth Path on Gyejok Mountain are local iconic attractions. The fried pineapple at Sacred Heart Church in front of Daejeon Station is also considered a must-try dish by many.

▲The scene of the characters switching trains and being attacked by zombies was filmed against the backdrop of Dongdaegu Station. (Photo provided by Garage Play)

"Geumcheon-Gumi Station"
Movie plot: There are many tunnels along the way, where the manager, the uncle, and the high school student fight zombies on the train.
Tourist highlights: Gimcheon and Gumi are two major cities in North Gyeongsang Province, primarily industrial. Former South Korean President Park Chung-hee was born in Gumi.

"Dongdaegu Station"
Movie plot: The protagonists get off the train and switch to a smaller train, where they encounter a zombie attack.
Tourist highlights: Daegu boasts attractions such as Palgongsan Mountain, E-World, as well as Dongseongno shopping district, Seomun Market, and Dongseong Missionary Residence. Song Joong-ki once served as the tourism ambassador for Daegu.

▲Buddha's Rock at Guwansa Temple in Palgongsan Mountain, Daegu, South Korea. (Photo from Wikipedia)

"New Gyeongju Station"
Movie plot: The train does not stop here; it is estimated to be the spot where the male protagonist jumps off.
Tourist highlights: Gyeongju was the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, known as Geumseong. It is rich in cultural heritage and historic architecture. Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, along with the Gyeongju Historic Areas, are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

"Ulsan"
Movie plot: The train does not stop here.
Tourist highlights: Ulsan is an important industrial city in South Korea. Its coastline features Daewangam Park, where visitors can see unique rocks and pine trees. Gyeongjeol Cliff, which resembles a slender bamboo pole, is the first place in South Korea where the sun rises.

"Busan"
Movie plot: The final destination of the train, and the home of Sua’s mother.
Tourist highlights: Busan is famous for its seafood. In addition to having the world’s largest Shinsegae Department Store, Haeundae is also a well-known beach in Busan that attracts large numbers of tourists every year.

▲Seafood is a classic local delicacy in Busan.

Besides traditional airlines, low-cost carriers now operate flights from cities including Busan (Incheon, Gimpo), Daejeon, and Seoul. Travelers can take advantage of the single-leg ticketing feature of budget airlines to purchase separate tickets for entering via Seoul and exiting via Busan, then combine this with the KTX high-speed rail line for a fun trip across the route—making for a truly unique "Train to Busan" experience.