Everything About the
KORAIL Pass
The KORAIL Pass is a must-have for tourists looking to explore South Korea by train. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including how it works, where you can use it, the types available, and how to buy it. Let’s dive in!
Last updated: 24.06.2025
Last updated: 24.06.2025
What is the KORAIL Pass?
The KORAIL Pass, also known as the Korea Rail Pass, is a special train pass designed for international tourists visiting South Korea. It allows unlimited travel on most KORAIL trains, including high-speed KTX, intercity trains, and regional trains, for a set number of days. This pass makes traveling around South Korea convenient, affordable, and flexible, offering the freedom to explore the country’s major cities and scenic spots.
By purchasing the KORAIL Pass, tourists can enjoy the ease of traveling between destinations without worrying about individual ticket prices or seat reservations. It’s available in various formats, depending on the length of your stay and travel needs.
By purchasing the KORAIL Pass, tourists can enjoy the ease of traveling between destinations without worrying about individual ticket prices or seat reservations. It’s available in various formats, depending on the length of your stay and travel needs.
Different Types of the KORAIL Pass
The KORAIL Pass offers different options to cater to various travel preferences. The two main types are the KORAIL Standard Pass and the KORAIL Flexi Pass.
KORAIL Standard Pass: This pass offers unlimited travel for a set number of consecutive days, typically ranging from 3 to 10 days. It’s ideal for tourists who want to visit multiple cities within a short period, ensuring they get the most out of their time in South Korea.
KORAIL Standard Pass: This pass offers unlimited travel for a set number of consecutive days, typically ranging from 3 to 10 days. It’s ideal for tourists who want to visit multiple cities within a short period, ensuring they get the most out of their time in South Korea.
KORAIL Flexi Pass: offers more flexibility, allowing tourists to travel on any 4, 5, 7, or 10 days within a 15-day period. This pass is perfect for those who want to explore the country at a more relaxed pace, spreading their trips over a longer duration. Both passes allow access to all major KORAIL trains. The choice between the standard and flexi options depends on your planned travel itinerary.
What Trains Can You Ride with the KORAIL Pass?
Wide variety of trains, including:
KTX (Korea Train Express): The high-speed train that connects major cities like Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju. KTX is the fastest train option and is perfect for those who want to maximize their time in South Korea.
Mugunghwa: A slower, regional train, the Mugunghwa offers an excellent option for travelers looking for a more relaxed pace and lower fares. It stops at various smaller stations and offers comfortable seating for longer journeys.
KTX (Korea Train Express): The high-speed train that connects major cities like Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju. KTX is the fastest train option and is perfect for those who want to maximize their time in South Korea.
Mugunghwa: A slower, regional train, the Mugunghwa offers an excellent option for travelers looking for a more relaxed pace and lower fares. It stops at various smaller stations and offers comfortable seating for longer journeys.
ITX-Saemaeul: Another express train, ITX-Saemaeul offers faster travel between key cities with fewer stops compared to the Mugunghwa.
The KORAIL Pass covers all these trains, so whether you’re traveling on a fast KTX or a slower regional service, you have plenty of options to choose from.
The KORAIL Pass covers all these trains, so whether you’re traveling on a fast KTX or a slower regional service, you have plenty of options to choose from.
Where Can You Use the KORAIL Pass?
Pass covers a broad range of routes across South Korea, including major cities, scenic spots, and popular tourist destinations. Here are some key areas:
Train from Seoul to Busan: The KTX service between Seoul and Busan is the most popular route for tourists, connecting the capital with South Korea's second-largest city in just 2.5 hours.
Train from Seoul to Gyeongju: Known for its historic sites, Gyeongju is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a glimpse into South Korea’s ancient past. The KORAIL Pass allows easy access to this cultural hub.
Train from Seoul to Busan: The KTX service between Seoul and Busan is the most popular route for tourists, connecting the capital with South Korea's second-largest city in just 2.5 hours.
Train from Seoul to Gyeongju: Known for its historic sites, Gyeongju is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a glimpse into South Korea’s ancient past. The KORAIL Pass allows easy access to this cultural hub.
Train from Seoul to Jeonju: Famous for its traditional Hanok Village, Jeonju is a city steeped in Korean culture. The KORAIL Pass provides a cost-effective way to travel here from Seoul.
Train from Seoul to Incheon: If you’re flying into or out of Incheon, the KORAIL Pass can be used for the AREX train, offering a fast and direct route to Seoul Station.
The pass is valid on most KORAIL trains, including the KTX, Mugunghwa, and ITX-Saemaeul trains. However, note that some specific trains, such as express trains with reserved seats, may require additional reservations or fees.
Train from Seoul to Incheon: If you’re flying into or out of Incheon, the KORAIL Pass can be used for the AREX train, offering a fast and direct route to Seoul Station.
The pass is valid on most KORAIL trains, including the KTX, Mugunghwa, and ITX-Saemaeul trains. However, note that some specific trains, such as express trains with reserved seats, may require additional reservations or fees.
The KORAIL Pass supports sustainable tourism by encouraging train travel, which is a more environmentally friendly option compared to driving or flying. Trains are powered by electricity, and South Korea is increasingly using renewable energy sources to power its rail network, contributing to a greener, more sustainable travel experience
How to Use the KORAIL Pass
Using the KORAIL Pass is easy and convenient. Here's a simple step-by-step guide on how to make the most of your pass:
Activation: The pass must be activated within three months of purchase. You can activate it at any KORAIL ticket office or self-service kiosk at major stations like Seoul Station or Incheon Airport. Just present your passport and your KORAIL Pass voucher.
Reservation: While the pass allows unlimited travel, some trains (like the KTX) require seat reservations. You can reserve seats for KTX trains through the KORAIL app, website, or at ticket counters. Seat reservations are free for holders of the KORAIL Pass.
Activation: The pass must be activated within three months of purchase. You can activate it at any KORAIL ticket office or self-service kiosk at major stations like Seoul Station or Incheon Airport. Just present your passport and your KORAIL Pass voucher.
Reservation: While the pass allows unlimited travel, some trains (like the KTX) require seat reservations. You can reserve seats for KTX trains through the KORAIL app, website, or at ticket counters. Seat reservations are free for holders of the KORAIL Pass.
Travel: Once activated, you can board any eligible KORAIL train without buying additional tickets. Simply show your KORAIL Pass and passport to the conductor when requested.
Validity: Your pass is valid for either consecutive days (for the Standard Pass) or flexible days within a period (for the Flexi Pass). Make sure to plan your trips accordingly to maximize its value.
Validity: Your pass is valid for either consecutive days (for the Standard Pass) or flexible days within a period (for the Flexi Pass). Make sure to plan your trips accordingly to maximize its value.
Where and How to Buy the KORAIL Pass
The KORAIL Pass can be purchased both online and in person. Here’s how:
Online: You can use the official KORAIL website or Travel Monster to purchase the Pass, ensuring access to all the necessary information in one place. It’s recommended to purchase the Pass online before arriving in South Korea to ensure availability.
At the Station: If you’re already in South Korea, you can purchase the Pass at KORAIL stations, such as Seoul Station. Simply present your passport, and the ticket agent will help you choose the right pass based on your travel needs.
Online: You can use the official KORAIL website or Travel Monster to purchase the Pass, ensuring access to all the necessary information in one place. It’s recommended to purchase the Pass online before arriving in South Korea to ensure availability.
At the Station: If you’re already in South Korea, you can purchase the Pass at KORAIL stations, such as Seoul Station. Simply present your passport, and the ticket agent will help you choose the right pass based on your travel needs.
Make sure to plan ahead, activate your pass, and reserve your seats for a seamless experience. With the KORAIL Pass, South Korea’s most iconic destinations are just a train ride away. Ready to explore South Korea by train? Purchase your KORAIL Pass today and experience the best of the country’s rail network at your own pace.