Compared across countries
Can you take a large suitcase on the train?
For a trip that crosses borders — the same question, answered country by country.
The pattern
Three countries measuring three different things. Japan measures the bag and makes you reserve a space, China measures the bag and refuses it past the line, and Korea measures nothing — it counts pieces and asks whether you can carry them yourself.
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Japan
Yes, but once the three sides added together pass 160cm you have to reserve the space in advance.
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China
Within limits, free: 20kg per adult, and on high-speed trains each item's three dimensions may total no more than 130cm.
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South Korea
There is no size to measure against. Korail states a condition instead: no more than two pieces, you must be able to carry them unaided, and they may not occupy a seat or block the aisle. Nothing is reserved and nothing is declared — which is the opposite of what both neighbours ask for.
Japan
China
South Korea