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Culture Station Seoul 284, Seoul, Korea.
October 2015.
Canon 6D.
South Korea's high-speed rail system is one of the most advanced in the world, operating under the Korea Train Express (KTX) brand. Since its launch in 2004, the country has developed several types of high-speed trains. The original KTX-I was based on French TGV technology and marked the beginning of high-speed travel between major cities like Seoul and Busan. In 2010, the KTX-Sancheon, also known as KTX-II, became the first high-speed train fully developed in Korea by Hyundai Rotem. It introduced improved safety, design, and comfort features tailored to Korean needs.
More recently, the KTX-Eum (이음), launched in 2021, was introduced as a next-generation electric multiple unit (EMU) designed specifically for semi-high-speed service on lines such as the Jungang and Donghae Lines. Unlike past KTX trains that rely on locomotive-hauled sets, the KTX-Eum uses distributed traction motors beneath each car, allowing for better acceleration and more efficient energy use. With a maximum operating speed of 260 km/h on dedicated EMU tracks (and up to 150 km/h on general conventional lines), the Eum balances high-speed performance with versatility on routes that were previously served only by slower, conventional trains.
The design of the KTX-Eum reflects a focus on passenger comfort and accessibility. Each car features low-floor entrances for easier boarding, spacious seating arrangements, and Wi-Fi connectivity throughout. Large panoramic windows enhance the travel experience along scenic stretches such as those between Cheongnyangni and Andong on the Jungang Line. Technologically, the Eum is equipped with regenerative braking systems that feed energy back into the grid, LED lighting for reduced power consumption, and advanced onboard diagnostics to minimize maintenance downtime.
One of the hallmark routes for the KTX-Eum is its service connecting Seoul with Gangneung, a line initially upgraded for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics and later optimized for regular KTX-Eum operations. By reducing the former four-hour journey to approximately two and a half hours, it has opened up tourism and business opportunities in Gangwon Province, especially during peak seasons when coastal destinations see increased foot traffic.
In 2024, Korea unveiled the KTX-Cheongryong, or “Blue Dragon,” an advanced EMU-type high-speed train capable of reaching 320 km/h, equipped with cutting-edge technology and a futuristic design. Alongside these, the SRT (Super Rapid Train), operated by SR Corporation since 2016, provides similar service using KTX-Sancheon–type rolling stock but departs from Suseo Station in Seoul, offering a private alternative to Korail-operated KTX.
Together, these developments—especially the introduction of the KTX-Eum—demonstrate Korea’s commitment to expanding high-speed rail beyond its core network, integrating urban centers with regional cities without sacrificing speed, comfort, or efficiency.
Seoul Station, South Korea
The Korail Class 220000, operating under the service name ITX-Maum (ITX-마음), is a mid-speed electric multiple unit (EMU) manufactured by the South Korean company Dawonsys. Officially introduced on September 1, 2023, this train was specifically designed to modernize intercity services and progressively replace the aging Mugunghwa-ho class trains. It operates at a service speed of 150 km/h (with a design speed of 165 km/h), optimizing efficiency and comfort on South Korea's main conventional lines.
Named through a public contest, "Maum" (마음) translates to "heart" or "mind," symbolizing the train's mission to connect the people and regions of the country. Each set, available in 4 or 6-car formations with distributed traction, features a streamlined red-and-black aerodynamic design. The interior is equipped with modern passenger amenities, including onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets and USB ports at every seat, individual reading lights, and accessible spaces for passengers with reduced mobility, adhering to Korail's universal design standards.
Powered by AC traction motors with regenerative braking and equipped with ATP safety systems, the ITX-Maum serves an extensive network. Its key routes include the Gyeongbu, Honam, Jeolla, Jungang, Taebaek, and Donghae lines, among others. Its deployment marks a crucial step in the renewal of Korea's railway fleet, offering a faster, quieter, and more sustainable travel alternative on routes not served by the high-speed KTX trains.
Seoul Station, South Korea
Excerpt from rail.ninja/station/seoul-central:
New Seoul Railway Station
One of the most significant train stations in Korea, Seoul station is the starting point of all regional railway routes connecting the most popular travel destinations. Serving around 100 000 passengers a day, this station is famous for being the busiest train hub in the entire country! The glass-covered complex has everything you need for a comfortable journey, including restrooms, parking lot, ticket office, help center, as well as various restaurants and cafes. If you are already planning your South Korea getaway, you should also know that Seoul railway station is the primary terminus for the KTX trains, the fastest trains operating on the Korean railways.
KTX-Sancheon No. 110 arrives at Seoul Station at 21:00 — a quiet symbol of South Korea’s precision and modern rail technology.
South Korea’s high-speed rail network is among the most advanced in the world, operated under the Korea Train Express (KTX) brand. Since its launch in 2004, the country has developed several domestic train models. The KTX-Sancheon (KTX-II), seen here, was introduced in 2010 as the first high-speed train entirely designed and manufactured in Korea by Hyundai Rotem. Its name, “Sancheon” (산천), meaning “mountain and stream,” reflects Korea’s deep connection to nature.
The unit pictured — No. 110 — belongs to the Korail Class 110000 series, representing the first generation of the Sancheon. Capable of reaching speeds up to 305 km/h, it operates on major lines such as the Gyeongbu and Honam. Known for its aerodynamic design, improved safety features, and passenger comfort, the Sancheon marked a major shift from foreign dependence to domestic innovation in Korean rail technology. Today, it remains one of the most frequently seen trains on the KTX network — a testament to reliability and national engineering pride.
Seoul Station, South Korea
Excerpt from rail.ninja/station/seoul-central:
New Seoul Railway Station
One of the most significant train stations in Korea, Seoul station is the starting point of all regional railway routes connecting the most popular travel destinations. Serving around 100 000 passengers a day, this station is famous for being the busiest train hub in the entire country! The glass-covered complex has everything you need for a comfortable journey, including restrooms, parking lot, ticket office, help center, as well as various restaurants and cafes. If you are already planning your South Korea getaway, you should also know that Seoul railway station is the primary terminus for the KTX trains, the fastest trains operating on the Korean railways.
Excerpt from rail.ninja/station/seoul-central:
New Seoul Railway Station
One of the most significant train stations in Korea, Seoul station is the starting point of all regional railway routes connecting the most popular travel destinations. Serving around 100 000 passengers a day, this station is famous for being the busiest train hub in the entire country! The glass-covered complex has everything you need for a comfortable journey, including restrooms, parking lot, ticket office, help center, as well as various restaurants and cafes. If you are already planning your South Korea getaway, you should also know that Seoul railway station is the primary terminus for the KTX trains, the fastest trains operating on the Korean railways.
Fast train from Seoul to Busan and a week later from Busan to Seoul. Free Wi-fi on all public transport in Korea!
Excerpt from rail.ninja/station/seoul-central:
New Seoul Railway Station
One of the most significant train stations in Korea, Seoul station is the starting point of all regional railway routes connecting the most popular travel destinations. Serving around 100 000 passengers a day, this station is famous for being the busiest train hub in the entire country! The glass-covered complex has everything you need for a comfortable journey, including restrooms, parking lot, ticket office, help center, as well as various restaurants and cafes. If you are already planning your South Korea getaway, you should also know that Seoul railway station is the primary terminus for the KTX trains, the fastest trains operating on the Korean railways.
Excerpt from the plaque:
The Former Seoul Railway Station was first built in 1900 by the Korean Empire as a railway station near Namdaemun, which was a part of Gyeongin Railway that ran between Seodaemun in Seoul and Jemulpo in Incheon. In 1925, the building was reconstructed in an eclectic renaissance style.
The building was distinguished by the classical symmetry in its overall composition and its non-classical features, including the central dome, a small steeple and the wings that were attached to the central part of the building. The original inspiration of the building came from the Lucerene Train Station in Switzerland. The first floor of the building hosted the central hall with waiting rooms on both sides of the hall. The second floor hosted a Western restaurant and office space for station staffs. Currently, the building is composed of cultural venues for exhibition and performance, along with educational facility.
After the liberation of Korea from Japanese rule in 1945, the station played a central role in transportation and distribution within the Korean peninsula. It expanded with the establishment of South Station in 1957 and Western Station in 1969. In addition, with the opening of the first subway line in Seoul in 1974, the station consolidated its position as the center of the railway system in Korea as well as Seoul’s public transportation hub. However, it has lost its function as a train station with the spread of private car ownership and the opening of a new station building for KTX, a new express railway system. After its closure in 2004, the station underwent years of restoration. After the restoration of the 1925 building was completed, the Former Seoul Railway Station reopened in 2011 as a cultural complex to present a wide range of cultural event accessible to the citizens.
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Culture Station Seoul 284, Seoul, Korea.
October 2015.
Canon 6D.
Excerpt from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kang_Woo-kyu:
Kang Woo Kyu (姜宇奎, April 20, 1855 – November 29, 1920) was a doctor of Korean medicine and a fighter for Korean independence during the Japanese colonial period. In 1919, Kang tried to assassinate Saitō Makoto, who was serving as the Governor-General of Korea, but failed.
Kang's remains were first buried at a cemetery in Sinsa-dong, Eunpyeong-gu. They were later moved to Suyu-ri, Jindo in 1954 and to the Seoul National Cemetery in 1967. In March 1962, Kang was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation.
A Chinese poem written in Kang's will just before his execution at Seodaemun Prison was preserved in the Independence Hall of Korea.
斷頭臺上 猶在春風
有身無國 豈無感想
I am on the guillotine, as if I were amidst the spring breeze.
I have a body but no country; how can I not have feelings?
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Seoul Station, Seoul, Korea.
November 2015.
Canon 6D.
Today I bought a proper neutral density filter holder from Nisi. I have only used it a little so far, but it looks pretty nice with these long exposures from the Seoullo 7017 bridge.
Seoul, Korea
September 2017
A little tilt-shift perspective on one of Seoul's biggest streets and Namdaemun. Taken from Seoull 7017.
Seoul, Korea
May 2017