Getting to Yeosu from Seoul and Other Cities

Yeosu is located at the southern tip of the Korean peninsula, approximately 330 km south of Seoul. High-speed rail connections were established when Yeosu hosted the 2012 World Expo, and the city is well served by both KTX and express bus. Here is a summary of the main transport options with journey times and approximate fares as of 2026.

From Seoul by KTX or SRT

The KTX from Seoul Station reaches Yeosu Expo Station (여수엑스포역) in approximately 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours depending on the service. The station is on the Jeolla Line, which branches from the Honam Line at Iksan — your ticket will specify the correct train.

Standard seat fares: approximately KRW 48,000–58,000 as of 2026. KTX departures to Yeosu are less frequent than to Gwangju or Busan — typically 6–10 services daily. Check the timetable carefully when planning, particularly for return journeys.

SRT from Suseo Station (수서역, Metro Line 3, Gangnam area) reaches Yeosu Expo in a similar time. SRT fares are sometimes slightly cheaper than KTX. Book via the SRT app or srail.kr — foreign credit cards are accepted.

Yeosu Expo Station is on the city’s northern waterfront, approximately 10 minutes by taxi from the Odongdo area and 15–20 minutes from Jinnamgwan Hall. The Maritime Cable Car lower station is a short walk from the station.

From Seoul by Express Bus

Express buses from Seoul Gangnam Express Bus Terminal (강남고속터미널) to Yeosu run several times daily. Journey time: approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours (longer in Friday evening or holiday traffic). Fares: approximately KRW 22,000–26,000 for a standard seat as of 2026.

Yeosu Bus Terminal (여수 공용버스터미널) is in the southern part of the city, approximately 15–20 minutes by bus or taxi from the Odongdo waterfront area. A taxi from the terminal to central Yeosu costs approximately KRW 5,000–7,000 as of 2026.

Book via Kobus (kobus.co.kr) or the Kobus app. Weekend and holiday services fill up quickly — book at least a few days in advance.

From Gwangju

Yeosu and Gwangju are both in South Jeolla Province and are frequently combined in itineraries. Options:

By train: KTX or Mugunghwa (regular train) from Gwangju-Songjeong Station to Yeosu Expo Station. Journey time: approximately 1 hour (KTX) to 1 hour 40 minutes (Mugunghwa). KTX fare: approximately KRW 18,000–22,000 as of 2026. Mugunghwa fare: approximately KRW 9,000–12,000.

By bus: Express buses from Gwangju Usquare terminal to Yeosu Bus Terminal run frequently throughout the day. Journey time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Fare: approximately KRW 8,000–11,000 as of 2026.

From Busan

From Busan, the most practical route to Yeosu is via Suncheon or Gwangju by bus. Direct buses run from Busan Seobu Intercity Bus Terminal to Yeosu. Journey time: approximately 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes. Fare: approximately KRW 18,000–22,000 as of 2026.

Alternatively, take a train from Busan to Gwangju-Songjeong and then a KTX connection to Yeosu.

Getting Around Yeosu

Yeosu does not have a metro system. The main transport options within the city are:

City buses: Regular city buses connect Yeosu Expo Station, the Bus Terminal, Odongdo, Jinnamgwan Hall, and the cable car stations. Fare: approximately KRW 1,500 per journey as of 2026. Key routes:

• Bus 2 / Bus 960: Expo Station ↔ Odongdo area
• Bus 111 / Bus 113: City centre ↔ Hyangiram Hermitage (Dolsan Island, approx 50 min)

Taxis: Metered taxis are readily available from the train and bus stations. Key journey costs as of 2026:

• Expo Station to Odongdo: approximately KRW 4,000–5,000
• Central Yeosu to Hyangiram: approximately KRW 18,000–22,000

Kakao T ridesharing works in Yeosu and is the most reliable way to book taxis in advance. In peak season (July–August and Chuseok/Seollal holidays), street taxis can be scarce near the waterfront in the evening — booking via Kakao T is advisable.

Cable car: The Maritime Cable Car between the city waterfront and Dolsan Island functions both as a tourist attraction and as a quick crossing — useful if your accommodation is on Dolsan Island.

For a private arrival transfer from Yeosu Expo Station to your accommodation, Kiwitaxi offers fixed-price options booked in advance.