Traveling in Korea on a Budget with the KORAIL Pass

January 10, 2026

Traveling in Korea becomes much easier and more economical when you choose the right mode of transportation. Among the solutions favored by international tourists, the KORAIL Pass (KORAIL Rail Pass) stands out as a “travel pass” that makes exploring the land of kimchi more flexible and proactive.

How to get to Nami island from Seoul? — How to go & how to travel to Nami island from Myeongdong?
How to get around Seoul — 5 cheapest, easiest & best way to get around Seoul & from Seoul
Korea Railplus Card — Everything you need to know about Railplus Korail card
Korail Pass — What is Korail Pass, how to buy Korail Pass & how to use Korail Pass for KTX, ITX and Airport Express
Best parks in Seoul: 13 Famous theme, best amusement parks in Seoul

Korea not only has vibrant cities but also a modern train network, flexibly connecting Seoul to Busan, Jeonju, and Gyeongju. With the KORAIL Pass, you can easily travel between popular destinations, proactively plan your itinerary, and enjoy your journey in the most comfortable way.

Let’s explore the details of this “powerful” pass to understand why the KORAIL Pass is considered a worthwhile option for your trip to Korea.

What is the KORAIL Pass?

South Korea 4G Prepaid SIM Card (KR Airports Pick Up) from KT

The KORAIL Pass is a special train ticket issued by the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL), exclusively for foreign tourists. With this “powerful” pass, you can travel unlimited on most KORAIL train routes for a specified period. If you love exploring and want to fully enjoy the beauty of Korea by train, the KORAIL Pass is an indispensable companion.

With the KORAIL Pass, you can freely plan your itinerary, visit your favorite destinations, and experience life like a local. No need to worry about buying individual tickets every time you travel; you’ll save a lot of time and money!

Types of KORAIL Passes & How to Choose the Right One for Your Schedule

Flexible 2-Day KORAIL Pass – Suitable for Short, Unhurried Trips

AREX Incheon Airport Express Train Ticket

The flexible 2-day pass allows you to choose any 2 days of use within its validity period, ideal for short trips or non-fixed schedules. If you only travel a few legs of the journey, such as from Seoul to Busan or visiting a nearby city, this pass saves money while maintaining flexibility in your plans.

3-Day KORAIL Pass – A Popular Choice for First-Time Travelers

With a 3-day pass, you can travel unlimitedly on the KORAIL train system for 3 consecutive days. This is a favorite choice for many first-time visitors to Korea, as the time is just right to combine Seoul with a few other popular cities without having to calculate the cost of each train leg.

KORAIL Pass 4 Consecutive Days – Balancing Experience & Time

The 4-day pass is suitable for those who want to explore Korea at a more leisurely pace. With 4 consecutive days of use, you can arrange your itinerary efficiently, avoiding rushed travel while still having enough time to experience both major cities and suburban destinations. This is an ideal choice for a moderately sized trip, neither too short nor too long.

KORAIL Pass 5 Consecutive Days – Optimized for Long Trips

KORAIL PASS – KTX Train Ticket

If you plan a long trip and travel extensively, the 5-day pass offers maximum comfort. For 5 consecutive days, you can freely ride the KORAIL train an unlimited number of times, easily exploring many different regions throughout Korea. This pass is especially suitable for those who want to travel extensively and optimize transportation costs for their entire trip.

KORAIL Pass Ticket Prices (Updated 2026)

Ticket Type	Adult	Children (6-12 years old)	Note
2 days (choose your dates)	2,377,916 VND	1,198,034 VND	Use it flexibly, 2 days a week for 10 days.
3 days (consecutive)	3,323,213 VND	1,661,708 VND	Use continuously for 3 days.
4 days (consecutive)	3,947,241 VND	1,973,620 VND	Use flexibly 4 days out of 10 days.
5 days (consecutive)	4,930,198 VND	2,474,185 VND	Use continuously for 5 days.

KORAIL Pass Benefits in Korea

Children under 6 years old travel free when accompanied by a ticketed adult (maximum 1 child/1 adult).
Saver Pass is only applicable for groups of 2-5 people traveling together on the same train and on the same route.
Don’t forget that you can buy KORAIL Pass right on Klook at great prices with many attractive promotions.

Train Routes Covered by KORAIL Pass

With a KORAIL Pass, you will be free to explore Korea on most KORAIL train routes, including the modern KTX high-speed trains and slower trains offering a great sightseeing experience.

KTX High-Speed Train

KTX train - comfortable ride — KTX train – comfortable ride

N Seoul Tower Observatory Ticket

KTX is the most modern high-speed train system in Korea, connecting major cities at speeds up to 300km/h. With the KORAIL Pass, you can travel freely between popular destinations like Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gyeongju, and Jeonju in just a few hours.

ITX-Saemaeul & Mugunghwa Trains

ITX-Saemaeul and Mugunghwa are other popular train services offered by KORAIL, serving both long and short routes across the country. A special feature of these trains is that you can admire stunning natural scenery, from lush green rice fields to majestic mountains, while also exploring the unique culture of each region.

Themed Tourist Trains: Unique and Unforgettable Experiences

In addition to regular train routes, KORAIL also offers themed tourist trains, providing unique and unforgettable experiences for travelers. You can choose to explore the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) on the DMZ Train, admire the beauty of Mount Seorak on the Seorak Sunrise Train, or enjoy the romantic autumn scenery on the O-Train and V-Train.

KORAIL Subway & Bus

Seoul City Tour Bus Downtown Palace Namsan Hop-On Hop-Off Tours

The KORAIL Pass isn’t limited to long-distance trains; it also allows you to use subway and bus routes operated by KORAIL in major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu. This makes traveling convenient and cost-effective when visiting destinations within the city.

With its diverse railway and transportation network, the KORAIL Pass is the ideal travel companion, taking you to every corner of the country, from vibrant cities to peaceful countryside, from ancient historical sites to modern architectural marvels.

How to Buy a KORAIL Pass on Klook

KTX (Korea Train Express) at Seoul station

Today, buying a KORAIL Pass is easier than ever thanks to reputable online platforms like Klook. Simply access the Klook website or app, select the KORAIL Pass that suits your needs and travel dates, add it to your cart, and proceed to checkout. With Klook’s “Instant Confirmation” feature, you’ll receive an e-voucher via email and in the app.

Upon arrival in Korea, simply bring this e-voucher to any KORAIL train station to activate your ticket. With the e-voucher, you won’t have to wait in line, saving you valuable time to begin your exploration.

Instructions for Using the KORAIL Pass for Korea Travel

After owning your valuable KORAIL Pass, you’re ready to start exploring Korea by rail. Let’s learn how to use the KORAIL Pass to maximize its benefits and experience the most convenient and comfortable journeys.

Ticket Activation Time and Validity Period

The KORAIL Pass will be activated on the day you selected during purchase. From this point on, you can use the ticket for the period corresponding to your chosen ticket type (2, 3, 4, or 5 days). Please note that the voucher is only valid for the specified period, so plan your use wisely to avoid missing out on any experiences.

Book Your Seats in Advance for Convenience

To ensure a truly comfortable journey and fully enjoy the scenery along the way, you should book your seats in advance. Each passenger is allowed to book a maximum of 2 seats per day using the KORAIL Pass.

You can book online through the official KORAIL website up to 30 days before departure or book directly at the ticket counter at train stations. Booking online not only saves you time but also avoids the situation of tickets selling out on peak days.

Boarding and Presenting Your KORAIL Pass

When boarding the train, you need to present your KORAIL Pass (printed or electronic version on the Klook app) along with your passport. If you have made a reservation, please also present your reservation ticket to be directed to the correct seat. In case tickets are sold out, you can still board the train with a standing ticket or using your KORAIL Pass and passport.

KORAIL Pass Cancellation & Change Policy

If you have purchased a KORAIL Pass but have not booked online or exchanged your ticket in Korea, you may be eligible for a full refund by canceling your ticket at least 2 days before your scheduled travel date on Klook.

If you have booked online but have not exchanged your ticket in Korea, you are also eligible for a full refund. However, before canceling your ticket on Klook, you need to cancel your online booking through the official KORAIL website.

*Important Note: Once your KORAIL Pass has been exchanged for a physical ticket in Korea, you will not be able to cancel, get a refund, or change your ticket.

You can change your trip start date once on Klook, provided this change is made within 31 days of the voucher issuance date. This gives you more flexibility in scheduling and enjoying your trip as you wish.

Important Notes When Using the KORAIL Pass

Each KORAIL Pass is only valid for the person whose name is on the ticket. Buying, selling, or lending tickets is illegal and may result in fines. Please cherish your ticket and use it responsibly.

When traveling by train, always carry your KORAIL Pass (printed or electronic version on the Klook app), passport, and train ticket (if booked in advance). These are important documents for boarding the train and receiving accompanying benefits. Please note that screenshots of tickets are not valid.

Discover Seoul Pass

KORAIL does not have a compensation policy for delays or cancellations. Always stay updated on train schedules and proactively plan your time to avoid unexpected inconveniences.

Improper use of the KORAIL Pass may result in having to purchase a new ticket at the regular price and paying a fine of 10 to 30 times the ticket price. Therefore, please read the terms and conditions carefully to avoid unnecessary problems.

Q&A About KORAIL Pass When Traveling in Korea

1. Do I need to make a reservation before traveling by train?

For KTX trains, advance booking is essential, especially on weekends, during peak season, or at convenient times. Booking early allows you to manage your time effectively and avoid sold-out seats. For slower trains like ITX or Mugunghwa, booking is more flexible, but it’s still advisable to check beforehand if you have a fixed schedule.

2. Is the KORAIL Pass hourly or daily?

The KORAIL Pass is daily, not hourly. This means that once activated, the entire day counts as one day of use, so it’s best to start using the pass in the morning to maximize its value.

3. Who should buy a KORAIL Pass?

The KORAIL Pass is suitable for travelers with long itineraries and multiple cities, such as Seoul – Busan – Daegu over 3-5 days. Continuous travel on intercity trains will maximize the pass’s cost-effectiveness and convenience.

4. When is a KORAIL Pass not necessary?

If your itinerary only involves traveling within Seoul or visiting only one or two nearby cities, buying individual tickets or using the inner-city subway system will be more economical and practical. In cases of minimal travel, the KORAIL Pass may not offer as many benefits as expected.

With the KORAIL Pass and the suggestions above, you’re ready for an exciting and memorable journey exploring South Korea. Let the trains take you to new lands, meet new people, and experience the wonderful things this country has to offer.

Have you purchased your KORAIL Pass yet?

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Seoul you can refer to

Are you finding more top things to do in Seoul: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.