Korean Dictionary
How to say "Express Train" in Korean
“Express Train” in Korean is 급행열차 (pronounced "geuphaeng yeolcha").
급행열차
geuphaeng yeolcha
Usage & Context
급행열차 stops only at major stations making it faster than regular trains on the same route. Korean subway systems have 급행열차 services on certain lines especially in Seoul that skip smaller stations. Commuters strategically choose 급행열차 to cut travel time during busy rush hours.
Example Sentence
급행열차를 타면 더 빨리 도착할 수 있어요.
If you take the express train you can arrive faster.
How to use 급행열차 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Express Train” is 급행열차, romanized as geuphaeng yeolcha.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 급행열차.
Pronunciation Guide
Say '급행열차' as "Geup-haeng-yeol-cha." '급' (geup) sounds like "goop." '행' (haeng) is like "hang." '열' (yeol) sounds like "yule" (as in Christmas). '차' (cha) is like "cha-cha."
More Example Sentences
Giving directions for subway travel.
다음 역에서 급행열차로 갈아타야 해요.
You need to transfer to an express train at the next station.
Explaining a commuting strategy.
출근 시간에는 급행열차가 훨씬 빨라요.
During rush hour, the express train is much faster.
Informing someone about train service on a specific route.
이 노선에는 급행열차가 없어요.
There's no express train on this line.
Cultural Context
In major Korean cities like Seoul, the subway system often includes '급행열차' (express trains) on certain lines. These trains skip smaller stations, making them significantly faster for commuters traveling longer distances. Identifying the express train platform or specific car can be crucial during rush hour, and subway maps and digital displays clearly indicate which stations are express stops, often using different colors or symbols.
Editorial note
We review entries like 급행열차 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
급행열차 타다
to take an express train
급행열차 시간표
express train timetable
급행 정차역
express train stop station
Related Expressions
보통열차
botong yeolcha
local train (stops at all stations)
지하철
jihacheol
subway
기차
gicha
train (general term)
환승
hwanseung
transfer (between lines/trains)
More Transportation Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Express Train and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
