How to Book and Save on South Korea Trains: Complete Travel Tips
Photo by Minku Kang on Unsplash
The most convenient and efficient way to explore South Korea is by train. There are several types of trains available, from high-speed trains similar to Japan’s Shinkansen to regular, slower inter-city trains.
These trains are also widely used by locals, and some routes sell out very quickly. Some locals even book their tickets a year in advance. Below are some tips for solo travelers on how to get these tickets.
Tip 1: Book train tickets ahead of time.
After watching numerous Korean variety shows, I used to think I could just buy tickets on the day of travel. WRONG! Some routes fill up quickly and sell out fast.
Tickets can be purchased online up to 1 year before your trip and at the station starting 30 days in advance. If you're buying tickets online, you can do so as late as 20 minutes before departure.
Tip 2: Purchase tickets online.
There are several convenient ways to check routes and book your train tickets online.
The Korailtalk App: The primary app for checking and purchasing tickets for KTX, ITX, and regular trains is the Korailtalk App. Download the Korailtalk App for iOS or Android. Too lazy to download the app? Book via the official Korail website here
The Naver Train Booking: Another recommended option by Visit Korea is the Naver Train Booking website. While I haven't tried this one myself yet, I plan to give it a shot on my next visit. Since Visit Korea is the official tourism app, it’s designed to be user-friendly for foreigners, so I believe it’s worth a try. Check out the link here.
KakaoT Train: Additionally, the KakaoT App includes a feature for train bookings. If you already use KakaoT for transportation, this can be a handy alternative. Download the KakaoT App for iOS or Android.
Remember, after boarding, you’ll need to show your ticket—either printed or digital—to the train attendant.
Photo by yujeong Huh on Unsplash
3. Save money with the Korail Pass
If your trip to South Korea includes long-distance train journeys, it’s worth considering a Korail Pass. This pass covers KTX, ITX, and regular trains across South Korea, but it’s not valid for SRT, subways, or temporary tourist trains.
So, what is a Korail Pass? It’s an exclusive pass designed for foreign travelers.
What these passes include:
Unlimited use of standard cabins during the period,
If all seats are fully reserved, the pass holder can use the pass as a standing ticket.
Reserve seats up to twice a day
50% discount on First class seats purchases
There are several purchase options to choose from to cater for different travel needs.:
Option 1: The 3-day consecutive pass, valid from your selected start date (e.g., if you choose February 1, it’s valid from Feb 1 to Feb 3).
Option 2: The 5-day consecutive pass, valid from your chosen start date.
Option 3: The 2-Day Flexible Pass, allowing you to pick any 2 days within 10 days of your start date (e.g., if you select Feb 1, you can choose any 2 days from Feb 1 to Feb 10).
Option 4: The 4-Day Flexible Pass, allowing 4 days within a 10-day window.
All these options can be purchased for groups of up to 5 people, providing even more savings. A valid passport and credit card are required to purchase a Korail Pass.
Learn more about Korail Passes here. | Purchase your Korail Pass here.
Stone Garden at Museum SAN in Wonju. Wonju is 1 hour from Seoul by train.
Tip 4: If all seats are sold out, you can still purchase standing tickets at the station or directly on the train.
I discovered this by accident when all tickets were booked, and I resorted to buying a standing ticket out of desperation. I later looked up what it entailed—standing tickets mean you’ll be standing for the entire journey.
Standing tickets are only available when no seats remain, and in some routes, they can only be purchased at the station.
If you don’t have time to buy the ticket at the counter, you can simply board the train and pay the train attendant on the spot. While this option is slightly more expensive than buying in advance, it can save you from missing your train.
Where can you stand on the train? Standing ticket holders can sit in any empty seat until the ticketed passenger arrives to claim it. Some trains have unreserved seats in cafe cars, and others have folding seats near the doors.
I’ve also seen passengers sitting on the floor in the area between the main cars, where the vending machines and toilets are located. These spots are first come, first served, so arriving early gives you the best chance to grab a spot!
Tip 5: If all seats are booked, try getting a ticket to a nearby station along the route and extend your trip as a standing passenger.
For example, if you’re traveling from Seoul to Busan and all seats are sold out, try searching for a ticket from Seoul to a station just before Busan. This increases your chances of securing a spot.
Once on the train, show this ticket to the train attendant and let them know you’d like to extend your journey with a standing ticket to your final destination. It’s important to inform the attendant; otherwise, they might think you’re trying to avoid paying for a ticket, which could result in a hefty fine.
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