How to Use the Korail Pass: Step-by-Step Guide

When I first looked into the Korail Pass, I had way more questions than answers. I wasn’t sure if it would actually save me money, or if it was just another tourist trap.

I also wondered about the rules. Even the official site wasn’t super clear, which made planning more stressful than it needed to be.

If you’re here, you’re probably wondering the same things. The good news is that after using the pass myself, I’ve figured out what works and what doesn’t.

Read on to know about the Korail Pass!

What is the Korail Pass?

If you’re planning to travel South Korea by train, the Korail Pass is worth it.

It’s rail pass that gives you unlimited rides on most Korail trains for a set number of days. You can hop on the KTX high-speed trains, or ride the slower ones like ITX, Saemaeul, Mugunghwa, and Nuriro.

There are a few limits though. The pass doesn’t work on SRT trains (they run from Suseo in southern Seoul), and it won’t cover your subway rides either. It’s really just for Korail intercity routes.

And just so you know, the Korail Pass is only for tourists. If you live in Korea with a long-term visa, it won’t work for you.

Korail Pass types and prices

The Korail Pass comes in two main styles:

• Flexible pass (2 or 4 travel days within 10 days)
• Consecutive pass (3 or 5 days in a row)

Here’s what the adult prices look like right now in 2025:

• 2-Day Flexible: ₩121,000 ≈ $89 USD / £68 GBP
• 3-Day Consecutive: ₩138,000 ≈ $101 USD / £78 GBP
• 4-Day Flexible: ₩193,000 ≈ $141 USD / £109 GBP
• 5-Day Consecutive: ₩210,000 ≈ $153 USD / £118 GBP

(Exchange rate: ₩1,000 ≈ $0.74 USD / £0.56 GBP. Always check the latest.)

There are cheaper options if you’re a kid, a student under 25, or if you’re traveling in a group. And if you want to sit in first class, you can pay a little extra to upgrade.

Quick tip: always check the latest price on the Korail site or Klook before you buy. Prices do change.

Is the Korail Pass worth it?

Honestly, this is the big question. For me, it really depends how many train rides you plan to take.

A one-way KTX ticket from Seoul to Busan is around ₩59,800 in standard class. A round trip costs about ₩120,000.

That’s basically the same as the 2-Day Flexible Korail Pass. So if you’re doing that trip and maybe one more, the pass already makes sense.

If you’re only staying in Seoul and planning one train ride, skip it. Just buy a single ticket. But if you’re plan to visit a few cities, Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan, Daegu, maybe even Gangneung, then the pass is 100% worth it.

If you’re still not sure, check out my full guide on KTX ticket prices and how to book them. It’ll help you compare single tickets vs the Korail Pass.

How to buy Korail Pass

Buying the pass is pretty simple. Here’s how I’d do it:

1. Go to the Korail English website or Klook.
2. Pick the type of pass (flexible or consecutive) and the number of days.
3. Enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport. If the names don’t match, you might not be able to book seats.
4. Pay online. You’ll get a confirmation email or voucher number.
5. If you bought a flexible pass, log in and choose your actual travel days before booking trains. (This step is easy to forget! I almost missed it myself.)

Refunds are usually fine if you cancel before the first travel day. Once the pass is active, you can’t get your money back.

Buying the Korail Pass on Klook

A lot of travelers actually buy their Korail Pass on Klook instead of the Korail website.

I bought mine this way, and it was super easy. The price is usually the same, but sometimes Klook has promos so you might even save a bit.

Here’s how it works:

1. Pick the pass you want on Klook (2-day, 3-day, 4-day, or 5-day).
2. Enter your name and passport details exactly as they are.
3. Pay online. Klook will email you a voucher.

That voucher is not your train ticket yet. You still need to go to the Korail English website and activate it. Once you activate, you’ll get a Korail Pass number that lets you reserve seats.

So really, the difference is simple:

• Buying on Korail = you get your pass number right away.
• Buying on Klook = you get a voucher first, then redeem it on Korail before booking seats.

Either way, the seat reservation process is exactly the same once your pass is activated.

How to reserve seats with the Korail Pass

Once you’ve got your pass, the next step is booking your seats. Here’s what you need to know:

• You can book seats up to 30 days in advance. For busy weekends and holidays, you’ll want to jump in as early as possible.
• Each day, you can make up to 2 seat reservations with your Korail Pass. If you’re doing a longer journey with a transfer, that usually counts as one booking if you do it in one go.
• If seats are sold out, you can still board as a standing passenger. It’s not the most comfortable, but it works if you’re desperate to get on the train.

How to actually book:

1. Log in to the Korail English site.
2. Go to “My Ticket” then click Seat Reservation.
3. Enter your pass number and details.
4. Choose your route and time, then grab your seats.
5. Download the e-ticket or print it out.

Planning to ride the famous Seoul to Busan train? I’ve got a Seoul to Busan travel guide with seat tips, travel times, and what to do when you get there.

How to Use Korail Pass on travel day

On the day of your trip, show up about 10–15 minutes before your train. Stations in Korea are super organized and the signs are in English, so you won’t get lost.

All you need is your e-pass and passport. Sometimes they check, sometimes they don’t, but always keep them with you.

Once you’re on board, head to your assigned seat. If you couldn’t book one, you can sit in the standing area or grab any unreserved seat until the rightful passenger arrives.

Want more comfort? You can upgrade to first class by paying the difference at booking. First class has wider seats and more legroom, which feels nice if you’re doing Seoul to Busan or beyond.

Luggage is pretty straightforward. There are overhead racks for smaller bags and spaces at the end of the cars for bigger suitcases. The general rule is simple: bring what you can carry, and don’t block the aisles.

Korail Pass itineraries

Here’s where the Korail Pass really shines. Instead of just traveling from Seoul to Busan and back, you can actually build a whole trip around it.

2-Day Flexible Pass

• Day 1: Seoul → Gyeongju (see the ancient temples) → Busan (sleep by the beach)
• Day 2: Busan → Daejeon (lunch stop) → Seoul

3-Day Consecutive Pass

• Day 1: Seoul → Jeonju (food heaven)
• Day 2: Jeonju → Gwangju → Busan
• Day 3: Busan → Seoul

4-Day Flexible Pass

• Day 1: Seoul → Gyeongju
• Day 2: Gyeongju → Busan
• Day 3: Busan → Gangneung (East Coast vibes)
• Day 4: Gangneung → Seoul

Note: If Gyeongju is on your list, don’t miss my post on things to do in Gyeongju. It’s one of my favorite cities in Korea.

And if you want to see how the Korail Pass fits into a bigger trip, check out my South Korea 7-day itinerary where I used the pass myself.

What to pack for KTX trips

You don’t need much, but here are a few things that make train travel smoother:

• A smaller bag or suitcase. Overhead racks aren’t huge, so I usually carry one medium-sized bag that fits above my seat.
• Snacks and water. Trains don’t always have a food cart, and even if they do, options can be limited. I always pack kimbap or a sandwich.
• Portable charger. Outlets are available on many KTX trains, but not always in every seat.
• Your passport. Staff don’t always check, but you need it if they ask.

If you’re not sure what else to bring for your Korea trip, I’ve put together a Korea packing list for every season. It covers clothes, gadgets, and a few little things I wish I had on my first visit.

Common mistakes with the Korail Pass

I see people tripping up on the same things again and again. Here’s what you should avoid:

• Booking the wrong train. The pass doesn’t work on SRT trains. Always pick KTX or other Korail trains when you search.
• Forgetting to activate flexible days. If you have a flexible pass, you have to choose your travel days before you can book seats. I almost forgot this once, and trust me, it’s stressful when you’re already at the station.
• Expecting unlimited bookings. You only get 2 seat reservations per day. If you’re planning lots of short hops, group them into longer bookings when you can.
• Traveling on peak holidays without planning ahead. During Chuseok or Lunar New Year, trains sell out fast. Book the second tickets open (30 days before).

Korea Train Pass FAQs

Before you go

The Korail Train Pass is a great start, but there’s so much more that can make your Korea trip smoother. Here are a few posts you might want to check out next:

• Korean public holidays and festivals – so you know which dates to avoid (or celebrate) when trains get packed.
• Staying in a Korean hanok – a guide to traditional guesthouses and what to expect.
• Must-try Korean foods – a foodie’s list that goes beyond bibimbap.
• Must-know Korea travel tips – what I wish I knew

Take a look at those before you lock in your plans — they’ll give you a clearer picture of what to see, eat, and experience beyond the train ride.