If you’re headed to Korea, you’ve probably got burning questions about which is the best bang-for-your-buck train pass. If your itinerary takes you outside of Seoul, to places like Busan, Daegu or even the DMZ border, then a Korail Pass is right up your alley.
Think of this pass as the Korea Rail Pass as the South Korean version of the JR pass of Japan or the Eurail Pass. The Korail Pass gives you access to numerous railway routes all across Korea. And because it’s designed especially for international visitors, it’s the most economical and accessible way to get around the country.
If you’re still not convinced the Korail pass is made for your Korean holiday, let’s unpack more about it can benefit you and get you on track to where you want to go.
1. Types of Korail passes
Korea Rail offers three rail passes, so one of them is bound to be a match. Choose from the standard consecutive day-pass, a flexible day-pass for the go-getter and lastly, the saver pass for group travellers.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Which travel pass should you get?
Klook’s Pro Tip: If you’re travelling as a family with young kids, it is cheaper to get individual child tickets for your kids, and the group save pass for the adults!
2. Destinations covered with Korail pass
All the good places
Oh, the places you’ll go with this multi-region pass. South Korea is your oyster; the Korail Pass has you covered across standard lines such as the KTX train and ITX as well as the scenic lines such as the O-train and DMZ-train.
High Speed Trains | Conventional Trains | Tourist/Scenic Trains |
|---|---|---|
KTX | ITX-Saemaeul | O-Train |
KTX-Sancheon | Saemaeul | V-Train |
Mugunhwa | S-Train | |
Nuriro | DMZ-Train | |
ITX-Cheongchun | A-Train | |
G-Train |
KTX
Seaside wandering
If you’re a fan of fast and easy, this high-speed rail system has your name all over it. And the best part is – the Korail Pass covers it. Thanks to the KTX, you can travel from the North the South of South Korea in a fuss-free way. This is no clickety-clack service – we’re talking smooth efficiency.
Under the KTX tickets, there are four main lines: Gyeongbu Line, Honam Line, Gyeongjeon Line and Jeolla Line. And conveniently, the three main stations located within the district of Seoul are Seoul Station, Yongsan Station and Yoeungdongpo Station.
KTX Seoul to Busan – from Seoul Station, the Gyeongbu line will get you to Korea’s seaside city, Busan. The Jeolla line will get you to Jeonju or Yeosu Expo, where the Expo Ocean Park is located. On top of that, these four lines also connect travellers from Incheon Airport to the city; no annoying airport transfers.
ITX
I scream for green
This is the other superstar line. The ITX Cheongchun takes passengers from Seoul to Gapyeong city where you can visit picturesque spots such as Nami Island, Petite France and the Garden of Morning Calm.
Scenic trains
#cinematic
Apart from the above services which traverse across cities, your Korail Pass also covers a range of tourist trains so you can access scenic sights on the outskirts of Seoul.
Scenic Trains | Sights & Places |
|---|---|
V-Train (Baekdudaegan Mountain Range Canyon Train) | Explore the best valleys in Korea on the V-Train. Travels through the mountains in the Gangwon and Gyeongsangbuk provinces |
O-Train (Central Inland Circle Train | A scenic train that loops around attractions in the Gangwon, Chungcheongbuk and Gyeongsangbuk provinces. |
A-Train (Jeongseon Arirang Train) | Travel to Jeongseon Country where the traditional Arirang folk song originated! The A-Train brings you to Jeongson and Auraji Station in Gangwon Province. |
S-Train (South Coast Train) | The S-Train takes you on a journey through the southwestern region of South Korea, with scenic views of the southern coast. |
G-Train (West Gold Train) | Journey to the west of South Korea for sights of the West Sea Coast! The G-Train also has cabins and stops at Boryeong and Gunsan. |
DMZ-Train (Peace Train) | Visit major historical landmarks: Cheorwon Korean Workers' Party Headquarters, the Dora Observatory, the Baekmahoji battlefield and city of arts - Paju City! |
3. Korail pass prices
Fuss-free travel.
Photo by Niyaoke
As you can see, a Korail Pass is mighty powerful. To get in on this train transport action, simply Klook your Korail pass and get it at a steal!
On top of the convenience of booking with Klook, you can also get your Korail passes at a discounted price!
Type of Korail Pass | Klook’s Adult Price (Age 26+) | Klook’s Youth Price (Age 13-25)* | Klook’s Youth Price (Age 13-25)* | Klook’s Saver Pass Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 Day | AUD 86 | AUD 79 | AUD 49 | AUD 89 |
3 Days | AUD 140 | AUD 111 | AUD 69 | AUD 125 |
5 Days | AUD 206 | AUD 164 | AUD 103 | AUD 185 |
7 Days | AUD 242 | AUD 192 | AUD 119 | AUD 216 |
Flexible 2 Day Pass | AUD 127 | AUD 99 | AUD 63 | AUD 111 |
Flexible 4 Day Pass | AUD 189 | AUD 151 | AUD 94 | AUD 170 |
* The youth pass is only valid for youths with an International Student Identification Card (ISIC)
Similar to the JR Pass in Japan, the Korail Pass can only be used by the person whose name is registered at the time of purchase – make sure you fill it in accordingly.
4. Purchasing a Korail Pass
Bagging one for yourself is as simple as 1, 2, 3:
- Pop by the Klook website and select your preferred type of Korail.
- Add it to your cart, then check out and you’ll receive your voucher via email within 2 business days.
- Activate your voucher at any Korail Station in Korea and you can ready, set, train! With an e-voucher dropped directly to your mail for activation, begone the neverending queues.
5. Using your Korail Pass
With your golden ticket secured, you’re on your way to exploring South Korea! Reserve and book your train tickets ahead of time on the Korail website. When you’re here, keep your Korail pass, boarding tickets, passport and ISIC card (for Youth pass holders) close cause you’ll need to show them on each Korail trip.
6. Klook’s Korail top three
Now we’ve taken care of the nitty-gritty details; you’re ready to see South Korea’s best – thanks Korail! Whatever you do, don’t miss these gems:
Busan’s Gamcheon Cultural Village
Unique horizons
Busan is Korea’s seaside sensation. Home to South Korea’s biggest seafood market, there’s more to Busan than just fresh fish! Apart from the statue of The Little Prince from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s scribed masterpiece, there’s another hidden gem here: Gamcheon Village. This cultural spot sports a colourful world of buildings and The Jeonggeo Wall Painting Village is here too.
Address: Gamcheon Culture Village, 203 Gamnae 2(i)-ro, Gamcheon-dong, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea
How to Get There:
- From Seoul Station, take the Gyeongbu Line (Red) on the KTX to Busan Station
- Take the Subway Line 1 to Toseong Station.
- At Toseong Station, exit at Exit 6.
- At the intersection, turn right at the corner and walk straight
- On your right, you will see a bus stop in front of a hospital.
- Take either Bus 2 or 2-2 from that bus stop and drop at Gamcheon Culture Village
To experience the best of Busan, Klook your Jeonggeo Wall Painting Village Tour, where you can visit Songdo beach, Jeonggeo Wall Painting Village plus South Korea’s largest seafood market, the Jagalchi Fish Market!
Nami Island
Naturally-blessed
This naturally-blessed islet came to fame after it was featured in the classical Korean drama, ‘Winter Sonata.’ Stroll the iconic tree-lined avenues, find the perfect picnic spot, sip on a hot drink and explore this serene isle as you snap Insta-worthy photos.
Address: Nami Island, 1 Namisum-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
How to Get There:
- Take the ITX Cheongchun from Yongsan Station in Seoul to Gapyeong station
- From there, take the Gapyeong tour bus and take one stop to the Nami Island Station
- The fare should cost KRW 6,000 (=USD 5.62)
Petite France
All the colours of the rainbow.
Photo Credit: The Travel Intern
Designed after the beloved French novella, ‘The Little Prince,’ this French-themed village has been used in various dramas and variety shows. Think pretty pastel-coloured French buildings where you can experience European culture and listen to the street musicians do their thing. There’s even a Marionette Czech String Puppet show! Voila! It’s France but not!
Address: Petite France, Gapyeong, South Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Gapyeong-gun, Oeseo-myeon, 호반로
How to Get There:
- Take the ITX Cheongchun from Yongsan Station in Seoul to Gapyeong station
- From there, take the Gapyeong tour bus and take three stops to the Petit France Station
- The fare should cost KRW 6,000 (=USD 5.62)
To get the best of Nami Island and Petite France, Klook your one-day adventure on this Nami Island & Petite France tour where an experienced tour guide will show you the must-sees.
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