16 Oct 2011 - KTX to Busan

Left hotel as early as 6.35am for Seoul Station for my day trip to Busan. Excited even though it was only a day trip ^^  Jae said a day trip is definitely not enough to experience the beauty of Busan.  I totally agreed with him!   Busan deserved a lot a lot more than just a day trip.  Well, a trip to Busan was sort of a last minute decision. Anyway, I can only squeeze in a day trip to Busan since I have booked my hotel room. 괜찮아.  At least, I can get an overview of Busan and I will be back for a longer stay!   

I grabbed a chicken burger from Lotteria on my way to Myeongdong Station. The young boy took so long to process my order when I was the only customer in the fast food restaurant...hmmm...

The lady who sold me the tickets informed me that I can reached the station 15 mins before departure time but I wanted to reach earlier since I was not familiar with the place.  I reached Seoul Station at around 7.25am.  Just before you reached the ticket counters, look at the black board to check out which platform to take your train.  Both the arrival and departure hall are the same place.  You need to take an escalator down to get to the platform for your train.  If you are standing in front, facing the Travel Centre 서울 여행 센터, the escalator is on your left.  As far as I can remember, there are no washroom at the platform area.  If you want to go to the washroom, go before you take the escalator down.  Otherwise, you have to wait till you board the train.  



I was there early ^^  For once...I was early  Haahahaa...

All my friends knew I am a habitual latecomer ㅋㅋㅋ 

No choice...train waits for no man...ㅎㅎㅎ

Taking pictures while waiting for the train....Pardon me for boring shots....

First timer taking a KTX is always more excited to take pictures ㅎㅎㅎ

나가는 means exit or way out.  It seems like I am always searching for this word or "Transfer" in the subway stations  ㅋㅋㅋ

Here comes my train KTX 113  ^^  Woohoooo

 

Searching for my cabin which is also known as the car no. on my ticket.



This was the ticket which I bought over the counter.  I think online booking comes in a different format.  First of all, make sure you are on the correct platform.  My date of departure was 11/10/16(YY/MM/DD).  My KTX train number was 113, departing at 8am, on platform 9. The platform number will not be reflected on the ticket and you must find out which platform to go to, by using the LED board before taking the escalator down to the departure hall.  My car number was 18 and seat number was 14A.  Expected time of arrival in Busan is 10.42am.  Notice the two hangul characters besides 113?  I think that means something like last station.  Thus, the last station for this train is Busan.  I was not aware and did not understand these two hangul characters...Well, that's another experience which I will share towards the end of my Busan trip  

 

On the right platform.  The sign board indicates that this section is meant for cabin or rather car no. 17 and 18.



KTX 113 with car no. 18, and seat nos. 

Double confirmed.  This train is heading to Busan  ㅎㅎㅎ

Economy seats.  I wanted to buy first class seat initially because I read about some unpleasant hassles experienced by some bloggers while taking the economy seats.  From this experience, I think it should not be a problem as long as you got the correct time and seat.

Ok, super confirmed that I am on the correct train ㅎㅎㅎ  They will also announce the train is bound for which province in both Korean and English.  One can hardly go wrong with so many reminders. 

Vending machine on train. 

There will also be a pushcart selling simple snacks and drinks along the journey.

Bye Bye Seoul.... I will be back tonight..



Another boring shot! Hahahaaa...Yup! I have finally arrived in Busan..The chap beside me slept throughout the journey, which made it difficult for me to go to the washroom ㅜㅜ Take note, there is no washroom on the platform level....



"Urgent call of nature" but I am still taking pictures ㅎㅎㅎ

Busan Train Station looked a lot less intimidating than Seoul Station...

The counters looked quiet too.... 

BUT I WAS WRONG! 

BUSAN Train Station was just as overwhelming as Seoul Station when I took the train back that night...