KTX

Training Day

When a country goes shopping for a fast train they basically have two choices. Japan, a country located a scant few miles away from Korea, has the bullet train. France, on the other side of the world, has the TGV. Korea wanted a to buy a handful of fast trains. In some strange twist of business, politics, or just sheer spite, the Koreans chose the French train. And now they've finally finished the track and bought the trains, which stop regularly in Daejeon.

I wanted to go to Seoul, which was good, because the KTX - standing for (in another superb Korean near miss) Korea Train eXpress - also goes to Seoul. Quick as a flash I jumped into a taxi and headed down to the station.

Guards at Daejeon Station.

Although somewhat perturbed my the presence of armed guards at the station, I was nonetheless pleased to see what they had done with the place. They had finished construction since I had last visited, and a metaphorical 'new car smell' still hung over it. I paid my 19,700won for a ticket and then breakfasted on a chocolate chip cookie and a bottle of banana milk while I waited for the train.

The KTX pulls in.

With great excitement the Korea Train eXpress rolled powerfully and slowly into the station, all shiny and sleek. People were taking pictures and there was a lot of energy in the crowd. It seemed to me that they were getting their money's worth. It certainly was a beautiful train, and I've never called a train beautiful before. I boarded and we were off. I can't say much about the trip to Seoul because it didn't last long at all. 50 minutes and we were there, which was hardly enough time to walk from one end of the train to the other and back. I could feel the power of the train through the soles of my feet as I walked. I was travelling at 300km/h (plus or minus my walking speed) but the train ran so smoothly that it almost felt like we were standing still. The seats even had enough leg room for my 6'2 frame. I asked if I could go up to say 'hi' to the driver, but was told, in broken English, that that would be dangerous - I wasn't sure if the danger was to me or the train driver.

The KTX attendants.

Seoul seemed less interesting now that it takes less than an hour to get there! I didn't book ahead to return to Daejeon which was a mistake. The KTX was sold out and I had to resort to a dilapidated Mugunghwa train. It cost a third of the price, but it took nearly three hours. It was a definite cultural experience, standing on a train surrounded by the usual interesting hoi polloi of well dressed Korean civilians and military types. So that left me with a contrast. Pay 20,000 for a comfortable quick ride or 7,000 to stand on a train for three hours. I can confidently say that the 13,000won difference is well worth paying for two hours of time that you can spend not on a train, even if it is one as beautiful as the KTX.

At rest in Seoul..

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