All you need to know about the Korail!
Planning a trip to Korea and wondering what’s the best train pass to get a bang for your buck? If you’re planning to visit spots outside of Seoul such as Busan, Daegu or even the DMZ border, then a Korail Pass is just what you need!
Just like the JR pass of Japan or the Eurail Pass of Europe, the Korail Pass gives you access to numerous railway routes all across Korea. A rail pass catered especially for foreigners, it is the most economical way to travel across Korea thanks to its accessibility to almost all train services in the country.
If you’re still sitting on the fence and not convinced that the Korail pass is what you need for your holiday in Korea, read on to find out more about it and how it can benefit you!
1. Types of Korail Passes
Before you get lost on another Train to Busan, it’s important to know what passes to get. Korail offers three rail passes to suit every traveller; from the standard consecutive day-pass to a flexible day-pass for the go-getter and lastly, the saver pass for group travellers.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Klook’s Pro Tip: If you’re travelling as a family with young kids, it is cheaper to get individual child tickets for your kids and the group save pass for the adults!
2. Where can I go with my Korail Pass?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Your must-have springboard into multiple regions across South Korea, let the Korail Pass take you to places! It’s got you covered across standard lines such as the KTX and ITX to even the scenic lines such as the O-train and DMZ-train.
Here’s a list of trains that are covered by your Korail:
KTX
One of the more popular routes covered by the Korail Pass would be the KTX! Similar to the Eurolines in EU and railways in Japan, the KTX is Korea’s high speed rail system. Thanks to the KTX, you can travel from the North of South Korea to the South of the country.
Under the KTX, there are four main lines – Gyeongbu Line, Honam Line, Gyeongjeon Line and Jeolla Line with the three main stations located within the district of Seoul are Seoul Station, Yongsan Station and Yoeungdongpo Station.
Take the Gyeongbu line from Seoul Station to get to Korea’s seaside city, Busan or the Jeolla line to get to Jeonju or Yeosu Expo, where the Expo Ocean Park is located at! On top of that, these four lines also connect travellers from Incheon Airport to the city so you have to worry about your airport transfer.
ITX
One other popular line would be the ITX Cheongchun that takes passengers from Seoul to Gapyeong city where you can visit picturesque spots such as Nami Island, Petite France and the Garden of Morning Calm.
Scenic Trains
Apart from these trains that are used to travel across cities, your Korail also covers a range of tourist trains that brings you scenic sights in the outskirts of Seoul city.
Source: Visit Korea by KTO
3. How much is a Korail Pass and how can I purchase it?
Source: Niyoke
Now you know how mighty a Korail Pass can be, here’s how you can own this hero – simply Klook your Korail pass and get it at a steal!
Bagging one for yourself is simple:
- Pop by the Klook website and select your preferred type of Korail
- Add it to your cart, check it out and you will receive your voucher via email within 2 business days after booking.
- Activate your voucher at any Korail Station in Korea and you’re good to go! With an e-voucher dropped directly to your mail for activation, queuing for passes would be the last thing on your mind.
On top of the convenience of booking with Klook, you can also get your Korail passes at a discounted price!
* The youth pass is only valid for youths with an International Student Identification Card (ISIC)
Very much like the JR Pass in Japan, the Korail Pass can only be used by the person whose name is registered during the purchase of the pass so do fill up the details accordingly during purchase!
4. Using your Korail Pass
With your golden ticket settled, you’re well on your way to start exploring South Korea! Plan ahead of your trip by reserving and booking your train tickets on the Korail website beforehand. When you’re here, keep your Korail pass, boarding tickets, passport and ISIC card (for Youth pass holders) close as they are needed for every Korail train ride.
5. Klook’s Korail Top 3 Must Visits!
Now that we’ve got the nitty-gritty details out of the way, you’re ready to take on South Korea’s best with your Korail pass! Read on to find out on the gems you shouldn’t miss when you hop on the Korail:
1. Busan’s Gamcheon Cultural Village
The second biggest city after Korea, Busan is Korea’s hottest seaside town. Home to South Korea’s biggest seafood market, fresh seafood isn’t all Busan has to offer. Hidden in Busan, is The Little Prince from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s world famous novel.
The most popular spot that tourists travel to Busan for, the Gamcheon Village is a colourful world of buildings with wall murals splashed across various buildings. The Jeonggeo Wall Painting Village is also around this area and should not be missed on your trip to Busan.
Address: Gamcheon Culture Village, 203 Gamnae 2(i)-ro, Gamcheon-dong, Saha-gu, Busan, South Korea
Opening Hours: Daily 9am to 6pm
How to get there:
- From Seoul Station, take the Gyeongbu Line (Red) on the KTX to Busan Station
- Take the Subway Line 1 to Toseong Station.
- At Toseong Station, exit at Exit 6.
- At the intersection, turn right at the corner and walk straight
- On your right, you will see a bus stop in front of a hospital.
- Take either Bus 2 or 2-2 from that bus stop and drop at Gamcheon Culture Village
Source: Tan Kwang Yu
To experience the best of Busan, why not Klook your Jeonggeo Wall Painting Village Tour where you can visit Songdo beach, Jeonggeo Wall Painting Village plus South Korea’s largest seafood market, Jagalchi Fish Market!
2. Nami Island
Nami Island rose to popularity thanks to its feature in the classical Korean drama, Winter Sonata. Visit the iconic tree-lined avenues and snap an instaworthy photo or two at this picturesque spot. This serene nature spot is perfect for a picnic or a romantic walk in the park with your other half.
Address: Nami Island, 1 Namisum-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
How to get there:
- Take the ITX Cheongchun from Yongsan Station in Seoul to Gapyeong station
- From there, take the Gapyeong tour bus and take one stop to the Nami Island Station
- The fare should cost KRW 6,000 (=USD 5.62)
3. Petite France
Source: The Travel Intern (for Klook)
Have a slice of France in South Korea at this little french-themed village! Designed after the French novella, “The Little Prince”, this scenic location has been used in various dramas and variety shows. Filled with pretty pastel-coloured French buildings, get a chance to experience some European culture while here and even get to enjoy several free performances such as the accordion performances by street musician and even a Marionette Czech String Puppet show!
Source: The Travel Intern (for Klook)
Address: Petite France, Gapyeong, South Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Gapyeong-gun, Oeseo-myeon, 호반로
Admission Fee: ₩8,000/pax
Opening Hours: Daily, 9am to 6pm (Last admission 1 hour before closing)
How to get there:
- Take the ITX Cheongchun from Yongsan Station in Seoul to Gapyeong station
- From there, take the Gapyeong tour bus and take three stops to the Petit France Station
- The fare should cost KRW 6,000 (=USD 5.62)
For the best of both Nami Island and Petite France, Klook your one day adventure on this Nami Island & Petite France tour and be guided around by an experienced tour guide who will show you the best places to explore at these two locations!
And if you’re on the search for the best deals to make your Korea trip budget friendly, check out this article on How to save $100 on your year end holiday to South Korea!
