Getting from Seoul to Busan in under 2 hours 🤗
South Korea has more than just great local food and K-pop — they’ve got some of the world’s best high-speed trains too! Chugging at a lightning speed of 330 kilometers per hour, Korea’s KTX trains will send you zooming straight from Seoul to Busan in just two hours!
Sounds fast and fuss-free? We think so too! The easiest way to travel around Korea by train is with a KORAIL PASS! This bang-for-your-buck pass grants you unlimited train travel from 2, 3, 4, and up to 5 days.
Here’s everything you need to know about the pass:
1. What is the KORAIL PASS?
The KORAIL PASS is an all-in-one travel ticket made for international tourists and visitors to go around and discover routes in South Korea. This pass allows you to hop on and off from city to city, anytime and anywhere.
In a nutshell, think of it as the golden ticket to South Korea’s hidden gems and discover places outside Seoul. Thanks to the KORAIL PASS, you can easily travel in Korea from Seoul to Busan, Iksan, Jeonju, and many more with just one pass. Forget about having to pay for and hold on to multiple tickets for each ride you’ll be taking. Simply show your pass, and you’re good to go!
2. What are the different types of KORAIL PASSES?
Before you hop on another Train to Busan (here’s your sign to rewatch it for the nth time 🤭), get to know the different types of KORAIL PASSES you can choose from:
- Consecutive: Enjoy non-stop rides for either up to 3 or 5 days in a row. This pass is perfect if you plan to travel to different cities or provinces in Korea from 3 to 5 days.
- Flexible: If you’re a firm believer in taking your time touring each site, then the Flexible pass is your best match. By choosing this option, you get to enjoy 2 or 4 days of unlimited train rides within 10 days.
- Saver / Regular: Since traveling is more fun with friends and loved ones, a Saver Pass will help your group of 2 to 5 bundle up and match itineraries. You can choose between a flexible or consecutive option for this to see the best sights. You can also opt to get an individual pass if you’re traveling solo.
3. Where can I use the KORAIL PASS?
A KORAIL PASS covers all your Korean travel needs from Seoul to Mokpo, the southernmost tip of the peninsula!
With the pass, you can ride the KTX trains (aka the high-speed railway system), the ITX trains that bring you to Gapyeong City where Nami Island and Petite France are, and the tourist trains that make for scenic rides.
Important Reminder: What this pass does NOT cover are metro subways and the SRT.
4. Where can I buy a KORAIL PASS?
The passes are available on the official website, on any KORAIL stations, or best yet, from Klook! Enjoy hassle-free booking, group discounts, and instant confirmation.
Important Note: You can start using your pass on the date that you selected upon booking.
5. How much is the KORAIL PASS?
Regular Adult | Regular Youth (13-27) | Regular Child (6-12) | Savers Pass | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2 Day Flexible | 95.85 USD | 76.85 USD | 48.29 USD | 88.55 USD |
3 Day Consecutive | 120.75 USD | 96.59 USD | 60.75 USD | 113.45 USD |
4 Day Flexible | 171.25 USD | 136.85 USD | 85.60 USD | 163.89 USD |
5 Day Consecutive | 178.55 USD | 142.69 USD | 89.29 USD | 171.25 USD |
Note: Children below 6 can avail of the pass, free of charge.
6. How to book a KORAIL PASS?
Step 1 - Book your KORAIL PASS on official channels
Head to the Klook website or app to book your pass and select the date of your pass activation. The date that you select should be the date that you plan to start using the pass. After selecting your starting date, you can then pick whether you want a Regular (single passenger) or Saver pass (group of 2-5). Once done, choose between a consecutive or flexible pass:
1. Consecutive Pass: 3 or 5 days
2. Flexible Pass: 2 or 4 days
Compared to booking on the KORAIL website where you’ll be required to pay with a credit card and with only three languages available (English, Chinese, and Japanese), you can pay through your desired payment system using your preferred language if you choose to purchase your pass on Klook instead!
Step 2 - Reserve your seats
Reserving your seat is not required but highly recommended. If you reserve your seat after booking, you’ll be able to avoid long queues upon boarding the train. There are two ways to reserve your seats:
1. At the train station counter - Present your printed or mobile KORAIL PASS and passport
2. Reserve online (up to 30 days in advance) - Follow these steps to reserve your seat on the KORAIL website:
Step 3 - Make sure to have your printed pass or mobile voucher and passport with you at all times
Photo Credit: @epuleusoff on Instagram
And you’re all set! With your printed pass or mobile voucher and passport in hand, it’s finally time to wander! Korea is bursting with countryside views, fantastic beaches, and dazzling places to see and experience.
7. Are KORAIL PASSES worth it?
Yes, especially if your South Korea travel plans involve crossing to the countryside. Instead of shelling out 110 USD for one single KTX ticket from Seoul, the KORAIL PASS grants you unlimited train travel starting at 88 USD. With this price, you can reach Ulsan’s seaside parks and back to Seoul. Now that’s a steal!
If you’re not yet convinced, we’ve included a side-by-side breakdown of the two — KORAIL PASS versus roundtrip tickets on the KTX:
KTX | KORAIL PASS (Saver - 2 Day Flexible) | |
|---|---|---|
Roundtrip (Seoul to Busan) | 110 USD | 88 USD |
Ride | 2 times | Unlimited |
Train Coverage | KTX | KTX, ITX, Tourist Trains |
Now that you know how to explore the best of Korea with just one pass to get around, go book your KORAIL PASS and hop aboard for an unforgettable journey!
Now that you’ve got your Korea cross-country plans covered, make sure you’ve got all your other Korea travel essentials!
🇰🇷South Korea Essentials🇰🇷
🚄Trains & Airport Transfers
🚇Transportation & Prepaid Cards
