South Korea Launches KTX SRT 132% Capacity Increase Pilot

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – The Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with operators Korail and SR, initiated a pilot program for cross-operation between KTX and SRT high-speed trains on February 25. The program involves the mutual circulation of trains between Seoul’s two main high-speed terminals, Seoul Station and Suseo Station, and the city of Busan. This test includes one daily round trip for each service on the other’s traditional route.

What Does This Regulation Cover?

The pilot program facilitates the operation of KTX trains on the Suseo-Busan route and SRT trains on the Seoul Station-Busan route for the first time. This operational change aims to test network integration and increase transport capacity, particularly at Suseo Station, by introducing a 955-seat KTX-1 train to replace a 410-seat SRT train, more than doubling seat availability on that specific service. To maintain consistency for passengers during the trial, fares are being adjusted: KTX services from Suseo will match SRT prices, while SRT services from Seoul Station will be approximately 10% cheaper than standard KTX fares, though these tickets will not accrue loyalty points.

Key Regulatory Data

How Does This Compare to Global Standards?

South Korea’s “pseudo-competition” model, with two operators on the same infrastructure but serving different termini, is unique and contrasts sharply with the open-access competition seen in Europe. In Italy, state-owned Trenitalia and private operator Italo directly compete on high-speed routes like Milan-Rome, offering passengers choices in price and service from the same stations. Similarly, Spain’s network now features three competing operators: Renfe, Ouigo, and Iryo. The South Korean move toward integration represents a departure from this liberalization trend, prioritizing network efficiency over direct competition. This approach also differs from countries planning new networks, such as Australia, which is considering partnerships with experienced international technology providers like Japan’s shinkansen operators to build its system from the ground up. (Source: Japan Today, 2024)

Editor’s Analysis

This pilot program signals a strategic shift from a flawed competitive model towards operational optimization. After nearly a decade, authorities appear to have concluded that the operational inefficiencies and passenger confusion caused by the KTX/SRT split outweigh the limited benefits of indirect competition. By focusing on integrating services, South Korea aims to maximize the utility of its existing high-speed infrastructure, a practical goal that aligns with a global trend of increased investment in rail to improve transport efficiency and sustainability. (Source: Hotel News Resource, 2025)

FAQ

Q: Why were KTX and SRT separate services in the first place?
A: The SRT service was introduced in 2016 to create competition in South Korea’s high-speed rail market, which had been monopolized by the state-run KTX since 2004. However, as they served different Seoul stations and didn’t compete on the same routes, it was often described as “pseudo-competition.”

Q: How much will seat capacity increase on the Suseo-Busan route during the pilot?
A: The introduction of a 955-seat KTX-1 train replacing a 410-seat SRT train on one round trip will increase seat capacity on that specific service by 545 seats, a 132% increase.

Q: Will this integration become permanent after the test?
A: The government has stated it will analyze the results of the pilot program to decide on future steps. A permanent integration is a potential outcome but has not been officially confirmed.