Discovering Korea's best with the Korea Rail Pass
Welcome aboard! South Korea's advanced railway is about to take you on an endless adventure. Whether it's the KTX bullet trains or the ITX express trains, the "Land of the Morning Calm" is widely connected through the efficient rail system, making it a breeze for international travellers to explore the country's diverse landscapes. While travelling to South Korea, travel smarter and more conveniently with the Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass). This is just the ticket that helps you zip across the country putting each destination at your fingertips.
Let's dig deeper and uncover everything about the Korea Rail Pass.
Unlock Travel with the Korea Rail Pass
One of the incredible features of Korea Rail Pass is its accessibility to connect throughout South Korea. Consider it as a gateway for exploring the heart and soul of the country, from the bustling cities of Seoul and Busan to the hidden gems tucked in the countryside. Korea Rail Pass is nothing short of a packaged deal with unlimited train travel between cities allowing from 2, 3, 4, and up to 5 days. For all your cultural, outdoor, and culinary explorations, KR Pass is the only answer.
Types of Korea Rail Passes
Now, let's understand the three main types of Korea Rail Passes and how they may suit your travel preferences such as trip duration, group size, itinerary:
Consecutive Pass: This is perfect for those inclining towards a jam-packed itinerary and want to travel back-to-back as the Consecutive Pass allows unlimited train rides from straight 3 to 5 days.
Flexible Pass: For those who want to travel leisurely and enjoy exploring at their own pace, the Flexible Pass allows them to choose 2 to 4 travel days for unlimited train rides within 10 days.
Saver Pass: For families and friends travelling together with an identical travel itinerary, Saver Pass allows you to group up to 2 to 5 passengers and offers discounted rates. A Saver Pass can be either a Consecutive or Flexible Pass, depending on your trip schedule.
Trains covered in the Korea Rail Pass
Once you have your preferred Korea Rail Pass, the question arises about which kind of trains you can hop on using the pass.
KTX Trains: The KTX (or the Korean Train Express) trains are high-speed bullet trains connecting Seoul to Busan and all other major cities of South Korea. Amazingly, the KTX train route from Seoul to Busan is takes less than 3 hours.
ITX Trains: The ITX (or the Intercity Train Express/Saemaeul) trains are the second-quickest ones and help you uncover offbeat destinations. From Seoul, you can even travel to Jeju Island or Nami Island by boarding a train to their nearest stations. Opting for these trains works perfectly for shorter distances.
Scenic Trains: These trains let you explore the countryside in style while leisurely soaking in the breathtaking views. Different scenic rides are covered by S, V, O, A, and G trains that pass through the coastal, mountainous, and city landscapes of the country.
However, it's essential to note that your KORAIL Pass does not extend to metro subways and the SRT (Super Rapid Trains).
How to buy and use the KR Pass?
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to acquire and use your KR Pass:
Book your Korea Rail PassTo begin with your South Korea expedition, purchase your Korea Rail Pass through reputable platforms like Pelago or directly through KORAIL's website. Select the type of your pass (Consecutive, Flexible or Saver) depending on your South Korean travel plan.
Activate your KR Pass: Once your pass is secured, it's time to activate it — either online or at designated KORAIL stations. If you are activating online, print your Korea Rail Pass so that you can present it every time you board a train. While activating it from the KORAIL station, you will be provided with your physical pass.
Reserve your seats: With your KR Pass in hand, you can now make seat reservations for specific train journeys. This is how you do it: Head to the KORAIL website. Insert your KORAIL Pass Number or your e-mail address. Select your travel dates and check the train schedules. Choose your preferred train and select your desired seats.
Confirm your seats and print the tickets.
If you aren't comfortable doing this process online, you can also reserve seats at the Travel Center of the station.
Let your South Korean adventure begin: Finally, with your pass activated and seats reserved, you're all set to embark your journey.
Simply present your printed KR Pass and your passport as you climb aboard and roam around South Korea's wonders by rail.
Where to buy the KR Pass from?
When it comes to purchasing your KR Pass, you have several convenient options at your disposal. For a seamless online experience, consider Pelago to avail instant confirmations and group discounts. You can also choose to buy the KR Pass directly from the KORAIL stations or browse through various authorised resellers.
How much does the Korea Rail Pass cost?
Pricing of the Korea Rail Pass depends on the duration and the type of pass that you choose.
Type of Pass | Adult ( 28 years old and above) | Youth (Age from 13 to 27) | Child (Age from 6 to 12) | Saver Pass (Group of 2-5 travellers) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Flexible (2 Days) | SGD 129.16 | SGD 103.52 | SGD 65.07 | SGD 119.30 |
Consecutive (3 Days) | SGD 162.68 | SGD 130.14 | SGD 81.83 | SGD 152.82 |
Flexible (4 Days) | SGD 230.71 | SGD 184.37 | SGD 115.36 | SGD 220.85 |
Consecutive (5 Days) | SGD 240.57 | SGD 192.26 | SGD 120.28 | SGD 230.71 |
Note: Children below 6 years travel for free and do not require the KR Pass.
Is the Korea Rail Pass value for money?
Here comes the big question with the answer being a big YES. Let us explain why. A single adult ticket price for the KTX train ride from Seoul to Busan will be about SGD 106 and for the round trip from Busan to Seoul will cost about SGD 212. But if you spend approximately SGD 129, you can take unlimited train rides for two days with a Flexible KR Pass. Also, when weighed against the selection of train types (KTX, ITX and scenic train rides) and KTX train seats (First Class vs Economy), KR Pass always emerges as a superior choice.
Further breaking down the price of a KTX train ride from Seoul to Jeonju, let's understand why Korea Rail Pass is a smart buy.
Normal Ticket | Korea Rail Flexible Pass (2 days) | Korea Rail Flexible Saver Pass (2 days) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Round Trip (KTX Train From Seoul to Jeonju) | SGD 124 | SGD 129 | SGD 119 |
Train Rides | Twice | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Train Type | KTX | KTX, ITX, Scenic Trains | KTX, ITX, Scenic Trains |
Assa! Seize this great deal that KR Pass offers and turn your South Korean trip worthwhile and budget-friendly.
Unique recommendations to add to your itinerary
Make the most of the KR Pass and South Korea's widest rail network to discover the hidden treasures of the country. Some of our best-loved experiences include:
Hike the Yudal Mountain (KTX Seoul to Mokpo)
Visit Petite France and Nami Island (ITX from Seoul to Gapyeong)
Explore traditional houses at Jeonju Hanok Heritage Village (KTX from Seoul to Jeonju)
Witness the phenomenal mountain vistas of the central region (Scenic ride on O-Train)
South Korea travel essentials
Consider pre-booking these services, for a S(e)oul-ful and seamless journey as soon as you land in Seoul at the Incheon Airport.
For your Seoul city exploration
Skip the line and get access to the top attractions of Seoul and also unlock exclusive discounts for several unmissable cultural gems. With the 1, 2, or 3 day city pass, you can also commute around the city via buses, subways and cycle.
Express train transfer to and from the airport
Arrive or depart stress-free with the pre-booked AREX (Airport Railroad Express) Train transporting you swiftly between the Incheon Airport and Seoul downtown.
Get internet and transport easily around Seoul
Stay connected on-the-go with a convenient 2-in-1 data card that not only promises high-speed connectivity but also turns into a transportation card for you to tour around Seoul with ease.
Stress-free airport transfers
Start your Korean journey in comfort and style and arrange a private cab transfer from the airport to your accommodation and vice versa. This pre-booked service will provide ultimate convenience saving you with your precious time.
KR Pass - your passport to an epic South Korean journey
Say goodbye to the hassle of booking individual tickets and hello to the freedom of unlimited train travel. With the Korea Rail Pass in your pocket, the possibilities of venturing around South Korea are as boundless as you can imagine. Whether you are a K-drama fanatic chasing the romantic filming locations, a foodie on a mission to savour every bite of kimchi and bibimbap, or a history enthusiast exploring ancient temples and palaces, the KR Pass is your golden ticket that comes with unbeatable convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.
Commonly Asked Questions
Is there a rail pass for South Korea?
Yes, there is a rail pass for South Korea called the Korea Rail Pass, that offers unlimited travel on KORAIL trains for a set number of days,
Can I use KORAIL pass for KTX?
Absolutely! You can ride on the KTX high-speed bullet trains using the KORAIL Pass.
Is there an unlimited train pass in Seoul?
While there isn't a specific unlimited pass for Seoul, you can use the Korea Rail Pass to travel on KORAIL trains that operate within the Seoul metropolitan area.
How do I buy a ticket on KORAIL?
Tickets for KORAIL trains can be purchased from the online booking platforms or from the travel centres at the KORAIL stations.