South Korea has more than just kimchi and K-pop—they’ve also got some of the world’s fastest high-speed trains too! Chugging at a lightning speed of 330 kilometres per hour, Korea’s KTX trains will send you zooming straight from Seoul to down south at Busan in just two hours!
Sounds zippy? We think so too! The easiest way to travel around Korea by train is with a Korea Rail Pass ( KR Pass)! This bang-for-your-buck pass grants you unlimited train travel from 2, 3, 4, and up to 5 days.
Want to know more? Here’s everything you need to know about the pass:
- What is the Korea Rail Pass?
- What are the different types of passes?
- Where can I use the pass?
- How does it work?
- Where can I buy it?
- How much is the KR Pass?
- Is it worth it?
Friendly travel reminder: Make sure you’ve prepped all the paperwork needed to travel to South Korea from sunny Aus!
1. What is the Korea Rail Pass?
The Korea Rail Pass is an all-in-one travel ticket made for international tourists and visitors to go around and discover routes around South Korea. This pass allows you to hop on and off different train tracks from city to city, anytime and anywhere.
In a nutshell, think of it as the golden ticket (not the Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory kind) to South Korea’s hidden gems and discover places outside Seoul. Thanks to the Korea Rail Pass, you can easily travel in Korea from Seoul to Jeonju, Iksan, Busan, and many more without lining up or paying for each ride. Simply show your pass, and you’re good to go!
2. What are the different types of Korea Rail passes?
Image credits: @epuleusoff on Instagram
Excited? Before you hop on another Train to Busan (here’s your sign to rewatch it for the nth time), get to know the different types of Korea Rail Passes you can choose from:
- Consecutive - Travel via train non-stop for 3 and up to 5 days in a row. This pass is perfect for go-getters and travellers who are staying in Korea for a short time.
- Flexible - If you’re a firm believer in taking your time touring each site, then the Flexible pass is your best match. By choosing this option, you get to enjoy 2 or 4 days of unlimited train rides within 10 days.
- Saver - ‘Cos travel is more fun with mates, a Saver Pass will help your gang of 2 to 5 bundle up and match itineraries. You can choose between a flexible or consecutive option for this to see the best sights.
3. Where can I use a Korea Rail pass?
Image credits: @ji__su_leee on Instagram
A KORAIL pass covers all your Korean travel needs from head-to-toe—erm, scratch that, we meant from Seoul to Mokpu, the southernmost tip of the peninsula!
With the pass, you can ride the KTX trains (aka the high-speed railway system), the ITX trains that bring you to Gapyeong City where Nami Island and Petit France are, and the tourist trains that make for scenic rides.
*What this pass does NOT cover are metro subways and the SRT.
4. How does a Korea Rail Pass work?
These trains aren’t only fast, but they’re also picture-perfect! Image credits: @j_jinpics on Instagram
- Step 1 - Book our Korea Rail pass Klook
Head to the Klook website to book your pass and choose between a consecutive or flexible pass.
- Step 2 - Activate your Korea Rail pass
Once you’ve successfully booked it, select your travel date, and activate the pass on the KORAIL site or at any KORAIL station. You can print your own Korea Rail Pass if you activate online or be given a printed Korea Rail Pass at a KORAIL station to be shown every time you climb aboard.
- Step 3 - Save your seats
Before heading out, here’s one last final step you’ll have to do: reserve your train seats! This can also be done online at the official KORAIL website or onsite.
- Step 4 - Off to great adventures!
And you’re all set! Grab your printed passes and passports, it’s time to wander! Korea’s bursting with countryside views, fantastic beaches, and dazzling places to see.
Klook Tip: A fan of Squid Game? You can visit some of the filming locations of the hit Netflix series by train. Check out our complete guide below!
5. Where can I buy Korea Rail Passes?
Image credits: @kimvo97 on Instagram
The passes are available on the official website, on any KORAIL stations, or best yet, from Klook! Enjoy hassle-free booking, group discounts, and instant confirmation when you purchase your Korea Rail Pass!
6. How much is a Korea Rail Pass?
Regular Adult | Regular Child (6-12) | Savers Pass | |
|---|---|---|---|
2 Day Flexible | $134 | $68 | $123 |
3 Day Consecutive | $152 | $75 | $141 |
4 Day Flexible | $214 | $108 | $200 |
5 Day Consecutive | $230 | $115 | $220 |
Note: Children below 6 can avail of the pass, free of charge.
7. Are Korea Rail passes worth it?
![Here’s another place tick off your travel list: the Jumunjin Breakwater in Gangneum! Image credits: @digdig_activity on Instagram]](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_1000/v1652762676/blog/hkjtb66ztdpo8zo6hlz3.jpg)
Image credits: @digdig_activity on Instagram
Yes, especially if your South Korea travel plans involve crossing to the countryside. Instead of shelling out $110 for one single journey KTX ticket from Seoul, the KORAIL Pass grants you unlimited train travel for only $88. With this price, you can reach Ulsan’s seaside parks and back to Seoul. Now that’s a deal-breaker!
Still, if you’re not convinced yet, we’ve included a side-by-side breakdown of the two—Korean Rail Pass versus roundtrip tickets on the KTX:
KTX | Korea Rail Pass (Saver Pass - 2 days flexible) | |
|---|---|---|
Roundtrip (Seoul to Busan) | $132 | $123 |
Ride | 2 times | Unlimited |
Train coverage | KTX | KTX, ITX, Tourist Trains |
Need we say more? Go book those passes and hop aboard for an unforgettable journey!
Klook Tip: Hit up Incheon using the Korean Rail Pass to visit some of Single Inferno’s shooting sites.
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