How to Book Train Tickets in Korea with KORAIL (코레일)
Train travel is a convenient and efficient means of transportation for foreigners visiting Korea (한국).
In particular, Korea’s extensive railway network connecting major cities and tourist destinations offers a variety of travel experiences.
In this article, we will explore how foreigners can book train tickets in Korea (한국) and learn about the KORAIL PASS, a special discount pass exclusively for foreigners.
The KORAIL PASS allows unlimited train travel for a set period, making it a great option for saving on travel expenses and conveniently exploring Korea.
How to Book KORAIL Train Tickets
1. Using the KorailTalk (코레일톡) App
- Download the App: Download and install the 'KorailTalk (코레일톡)' app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Sign Up: Open the app and sign up. Foreigners can also sign up.
- Booking: Select the departure station, arrival station, date, and time within the app to book your ticket.
- Payment: Pay using a credit card (international cards are accepted) or a quick payment method (such as KakaoPay).
- Check Ticket: After payment, you can check your ticket within the app.
2. Using the KORAIL Website
- Access the Website: Go to the [KORAIL website] ➜ (http://www.letskorail.com).
▶ [KORAIL English website] ➜ https://www.letskorail.com/ebizbf/EbizBfKrPassAbout.do
- Set Language: Select English from the language options in the top right corner.
- Sign Up: Click the 'Register' button to sign up.
- Booking: In the 'Booking' menu, enter the departure station, arrival station, date, and time to book your ticket.
- Payment: Pay with a credit card (international cards are accepted).
- Check Ticket: After payment, a ticket confirmation will be sent to your email, and you can also check it on the website.
3. sing the KORAIL Customer Service Center
- Phone Reservation: Call the KORAIL Customer Service Center at 1544-7788 to make a reservation. Services are available in English, Chinese, Japanese, and more.
- Provide Information: Inform the customer service representative of your departure station, arrival station, date, and time.
- Payment: Pay with a credit card.
- Collect Ticket: After receiving your reservation number, present it at the train station to collect your ticket.
4. Purchasing Directly at the Train Station
- Visit Train Station: Go to the ticket office at the nearest train station.
- Request Ticket: Ask the ticket office staff for a ticket in English.
- Payment: Pay with cash or a credit card.
- Collect Ticket: Receive your ticket immediately.
📌 Additional Information
- Exclusive Benefits for Foreigners:
KORAIL offers a special discount ticket for foreigners called the 'KORAIL PASS'.
This pass allows unlimited train travel for a set period and can be purchased from the [KORAIL PASS website](http://www.letskorail.com/ebizbf/EbizBfKrPassAbout.do).
- Language Support:
Most online services and apps support English, and some also support Japanese and Chinese.
🔎 Differences Between the KORAIL PASS and Regular Train Tickets
KORAIL PASS (코레일패스)
1. Validity Period
- The KORAIL PASS allows unlimited train travel for a specified period (e.g., 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, etc.).
- It is valid for consecutive days starting from the first day of use.
2. Available Routes
- The KORAIL PASS can be used on all regular trains, including KTX, ITX-Saemaeul, Saemaeul-ho, and Mugunghwa-ho.
- Some tourist trains (such as the Gyeongui-Jungang Line) and special trains may be excluded.
3. Price
- The price of the pass varies depending on the duration. For example, a 2-day pass and a 5-day pass have different prices.
- The pass is cost-effective for long-term travel compared to regular tickets.
4. Purchase Conditions
- The KORAIL PASS is exclusively for foreigners and cannot be used by Korean citizens.
- It can be reserved from abroad and used upon arrival in Korea.
5. Reservation
- After purchasing the pass, you need to make a separate seat reservation. You can reserve seats through the KorailTalk app or the KORAIL website.
Regular Train Tickets (일반 티켓)
1. Validity Period
- Regular train tickets must be used on the reserved date and time.
- They are valid only for the reserved train, and changes in date or time require additional procedures.
2. Available Routes
- You can only use the reserved seat on a specific train and route.
- Regular tickets are available for all trains, including KTX, ITX-Saemaeul, Saemaeul-ho, and Mugunghwa-ho.
3. Price
- Prices vary depending on the distance and type of train.
- Unless discounts are applied, regular tickets can be more expensive than a pass.
4. Purchase Conditions
- Both foreigners and Korean residents can purchase regular tickets. They can be bought through online reservations, phone reservations, or at ticket offices in stations.
5. Reservation
- Reservations require specifying the departure date and time, as well as the departure and arrival stations.
- Tickets are valid only for the reserved train. Changing to another train requires a refund and rebooking process.
Summary
- KORAIL PASS: Allows unlimited train travel for a specified period, exclusively for foreigners, requires seat reservation after purchase, advantageous for long-term travel.
- Regular Train Tickets: Valid for specific dates and times, available to both foreigners and Korean residents, changing trains requires additional procedures, suitable for short-term travel.
Tips and Precautions for Booking KORAIL Train Tickets
Precautions
1. Check Passport Information
- Foreign passengers must enter their passport information accurately when booking. Incorrect information can cause issues when boarding.
2. Refund and Change Policies
- Familiarize yourself with the refund and change policies for tickets. Refund fees may increase as the departure time approaches.
3. Punctuality
- Arrive at the platform at least 10 minutes before the train's departure. High-speed trains like KTX depart on time, and you may not be able to board if you are late.
4. Confirm Station Locations
- Check the locations of the departure and arrival stations in advance. Arrive early at larger stations as finding the platform can take time.
5. Verify Payment Card
- Ensure the credit card used for booking is capable of international transactions. Some cards may have restrictions on foreign payments.
Useful Tips
1. Enable App Notifications
- Set up notifications in the KorailTalk app to receive real-time updates on booking confirmations, departure times, and platform information.
2. Early Booking
- Popular routes and times can sell out quickly, so it’s best to book as early as possible, especially on weekends and holidays.
3. Utilize Travel Passes
- Take advantage of foreigner-exclusive passes like the KORAIL PASS, which allows unlimited train travel for a specified period at a lower cost. This can help save on travel expenses.
4. Seat Selection
- For high-speed trains like KTX, you can choose preferred seats such as window seats or specific locations in advance. Check the KorailTalk app or website for this option.
5. Language Support Services
- The KORAIL website and KorailTalk app support multiple languages, including English. Change the language settings to English for a more convenient booking experience.
6. Check for Discounts
- KORAIL offers various discounts, so be sure to check and apply them before booking. There are early bird discounts, student discounts, group discounts, and more.
Conclusion
For foreigners planning to travel by train in Korea, booking KORAIL train tickets and using the KORAIL PASS are essential. You can easily book tickets through the KorailTalk app and KORAIL website, and they are also available for purchase directly at train stations.
Moreover, the KORAIL PASS, which allows unlimited train travel for a specified period, offers both cost savings and convenience, making your trip richer and more enjoyable.
We hope that the information provided in this article helps make your train travel in Korea a more enjoyable and convenient experience.
Have a wonderful trip in Korea!
