Travel & getting around
Across Korea by KTX: taking the train & the Korail Pass
As of: October 2026 · Leben in Korea
From Seoul to Busan, Gangneung or Yeosu: the high-speed train gets you there fast. Here's which trains there are, what the Korail Pass can do and how to book tickets.
KTX and SRT
The KTX is Korea's high-speed train, running at up to 330 km/h. It leaves from Seoul Station, Yongsan and Cheongnyangni for Busan, Pohang, Mokpo, Yeosu, Gangneung, Andong and other cities.
The SRT is a separate high-speed train (max. 300 km/h) from Suseo towards Busan or Mokpo. The Korail Pass isn't valid on it.
The Korail Pass
The Korail Pass (KR Pass) is only for foreign travellers. It comes as a 2-, 3-, 4- or 5-day pass that you can use flexibly within ten days. You'll find current prices on the KORAIL website.
Included are:
- unlimited rides in standard class
- up to two seat reservations per day
- unlimited standing tickets
- 1st class for 50% of the regular fare
Where the pass isn't valid
The pass can't be used for the SRT, subways and temporary tourist trains.
Where do you buy the pass?
You buy the regular KORAIL PASS on the KORAIL website or at stations.
KORAIL PASS+ combines the pass with a transit card for subway and bus. The card costs ₩8,000 extra and is sold at NAMANE Card kiosks at Incheon Airport and at major KTX stations (Seoul, Yongsan, Busan). You can use it right away.
Booking tickets
Tickets are available at the counter, on the KORAIL website, in the KORAIL+ app, at machines, via NAVER Train Booking or KakaoT. Sales usually start one month before departure at 07:00 and end 20 minutes before departure (in the app sometimes a little later).
Online you choose your seat in advance with the "Reserve Seat" button. On the KORAIL website you book KTX, SRT, conventional trains and tourist trains.
Help
You can reach the KORAIL Customer Center at +82-1599-7777 (English only), daily 08:00–20:00.
Checklist
- Departing from Suseo? That's the SRT, no Korail Pass
- Book popular routes early: sales start one month before at 7 a.m.
- With a pass: reserve seats (up to two per day)
Sources
- VISITKOREA – Train
- VISITKOREA – KORAIL PASS+: An All-in-One Travel and Payment Card for International Travelers
As of: October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice. No guarantee; the official authorities have the final word.