Train From Seoul To Busan: Why You Should Get The KORAIL Pass

Wanting to travel to all the breathtaking sights that South Korea has to offer? Love travel by train? Looking to take the train from Seoul to Busan? Korea has a pretty extensive rail system and you should use it when you take a trip to South Korea!

If you’re looking to really take advantage of the rails in Korea but be budget conscious, then look no further than the KORAIL pass! KORAIL is a special rail pass for foreigners that allows you to access multiple railways across Korea. It’s the best way to travel if you are trying to be efficient with your money.

Get ready to travel by train in Korea:

• What is the KORAIL Pass?
• Types of KORAIL Passes
• Which trains is the KORAIL pass for?
• How is the cost of the KORAIL Pass compared to other forms of travel?
• Who can buy the KORAIL Pass?
• Where can I buy the KORAIL Pass?
• How to use the KORAIL Pass
• Differences between the KTX and the ITX trains
• Is the KORAIL Pass worth it?

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

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What is the KORAIL Pass?

The KORAIL Pass is a pass that allows you to ride through almost every train in Korea that is operated by KORAIL. This unlimited pass is perfect for traveling since KORAIL is the main railway provider in Korea. There are various packages you can get to suit your needs and some are even discounted for tourists! The KORAIL Pass makes it a lot easier to travel in Korea.

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Types of KORAIL Passes

Flexible/Select Pass: You can pay for two days or four days that should be used within a ten-day range from the first use.

• Fee: Adults: 121,000 ~ W193,000; Children: W61,000 ~ W97,000

Consecutive Pass: With this pass, you can choose 3 or 5 days that need to be used in a row after the first day of activation. 

• Fee: Adults: W138,000 ~ W210,000; Children: W69,000 ~ W105,000

Saver Options: If you are in a group of 2 to 5 people that are following the same travel dates, times, and itinerary, you can choose the other latter passes for this. 

• Fee: You save W10,000 on all of the prices mentioned above.

Note: Children under 6 are free with an accompanying adult. 

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Which trains is the KORAIL pass for?

The pass covers you on typical railways like KTX, KTX-Sancheon, ITX-Saemaeul, ITX-Cheongchun, Saemaeul, Mugunghwa, Nuriro, but also works for more specific and pleasant routes like the Central Inland Circle Train (O-Train), Baekdudaegan Valley Train (V-train), Jeongseon Arirang Train (A-Train), South Coast Train (S-Train), West Gold Train, Peace Train (DMZ-Train)).

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How is the cost of the KORAIL Pass compared to other forms of travel?

The KTX pass grants unlimited travel on the KORAIL-run trains. They can get you places twice or three times faster than by bus. Normal trains to places like Busan cost W60,000, but with the KTX pass, you have unlimited travel in a two-day or longer period of your choosing utilizing the flexible pass starting at only W121,000. Basically, you’ll save money if you plan to see a couple spots in Korea. Want to stop in Gyeongju and on to Busan and back again? This is a great option for you.

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Who can buy the KORAIL Pass?

Now, it’s important to know who the KORAIL Pass is really for. While there are a lot of foreign residents in Korea, this pass is not for them unfortunately. The KORAIL Pass is specifically for travelers that are entering South Korea on a non-Korean passport with a temporary entry status that is not more than 6 months. 

Also, for our Korean friends out there. If you are considered a permanent resident abroad, you can actually also purchase the KORAIL Pass, however you will need to show proof that you are not considered a resident of Korea though you have a Korean passport. 

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Where can I buy the KORAIL Pass?

You can easily purchase the KORAIL Pass on Klook or on kkday.

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How to use the KORAIL Pass

There are a few things you need to remember when you’re traveling with the KORAIL Pass as it is for foreigners only. 

1. You must carry your KORAIL Pass, train ticket, and passport at all times when using the trains.
2. You are required to have a valid passport when purchasing and using your KORAIL Pass.
3. KORAIL Passes are limited to one per person and can only be used by the person whose name is on the pass.
4. Unfortunately, you cannot change the personal information associated with the pass or the pass type after purchase so make sure everything is correct prior to purchasing.
5. Though you can’t change personal information as stated above, you CAN change the first date of travel once before the pass starts.

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Differences between the KTX and the ITX trains

KTX

KTX is the high-speed railway system that is utilized all over Korea. It covers many popular routes and can reach all the way into the country.  In the KTX  network, there are four main lines that are covered under its veil: the Gyeongbu, Honam, Gyeongjeon, and Jeolla Line. The Gyeongbu line gets you to ocean-bound places like Busan, while Jeolla will get you to hotspots like Jeonju or even Yeosu. Gyeongjeon will get you to stations like Jinjum Changwon, and Hadong as well as southern stations like Suncheon and Boseong. The Honam will take you to Daejeon or even the major station like GwangjuSongJeong. 

ITX

This Rail network is popular for scenic routes and can get you from Gapyeong City to Seoul from the Cheongchun line, while also stopping at locations like Nami Island and Petite France.  

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Is the KORAIL Pass worth it?

If you even only plan to go to Busan and back, you will save money with the KORAIL Pass. Albeit, very small, you would. If you take a stop off at just one other place, you’ll be into the real savings. You don’t get many chances to travel abroad, so wouldn’t you prefer to see as much as you could?

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