Korea Rail Pass

The Korea Railpass is available to travellers entering the Republic of Korea on a non-Korean passport with "Temporary Visitor" entry status, who stays in South Korea for a period no longer than 6 months.

It is very important to note that Korean citizens resident abroad can use the KR Pass only if they have a permanent residency status in a foreign country. It is up to the individual Korean citizen to present/declare full proof of his/her status when buying the rail pass and when exchanging the railpass voucher once in Korea.

See detail for Saver Pass

All trains operated by Korail, the national railway of South Korea, are included. KTX, Saemaeul and Mugunghwa trains can be used in 2nd class travel (also known as general or standard seating).

Non-KTX trains are called the Saemaeul, Mugunghwa and Tonggeun corresponding roughly to express, semi-express and local services.

Saemaeul trains are a little pricier than buses, while Mugunghwa are about 30% cheaper. However Saemaeul trains are extremely comfortable, having seats that are comparable to business class seats on airplanes. Unfortunately since the introduction of the KTX, there are much fewer Saemaeul and Mugunghwa services.

Tonggeun, formerly Tonggil, are the cheapest, but long-distance, non-aircon services have been phased out and they're now limited to short stopping commuter services. Most long-distance trains have an entertainment car with a small cafe/bar, computers with internet access and a few trains even have private compartments with coin-operated karaoke machines! KR Pass holders can  also access the Cinema coach on KTX trains, at a discounted rate of 7,000 Korean Won.

KR Pass holders can  also access the Cinema coach on KTX trains, at a discounted rate of 7,000 Korean Won.

The KR Pass is not valid for travel in 1st class and overnight sleepers. However, if a passenger wishes to travel in 1st class he/she is allowed to do so paying only 50% of the cost.  At present, the 1st class upgrade can only be made in Korea.

The KR Pass does not include travel on subway/underground services and tourist trains.

Seat reservations in 2nd class, are usually available free of charge but are not available to KR Pass holders if travelling during South Korea main holiday periods, i.e., Lunar New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, summer holiday, etc. However, customers can still board the trains with the KR Pass, even without a specific reserved seat.

The Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass) is a discounted ticket allowing unlimited rail travel throughout South Korea (Republic of Korea) over a 3, 5, 7 or 10 consecutive day period. It is only available in 2nd class, however 1st class travel and overnight sleeper travel is possible upon payment of a supplement, usually half price of the regular fare. The pass is valid to travel anywhere in South Korea, on all services run by Korail, including the modern and fast KTX trains.

Pass Entitlement
The Korea Rail Pass is available to travellers entering the Republic of Korea on a non-Korean passport with "Temporary Visitor" entry status, which stays in South Korea for a period not longer than 6 months.

It is very important to note that Korean citizens resident abroad can use the Korea Rail Pass only if they have a permanent residency status in a foreign country. It is up to the individual Korean citizen to present/declare full proof of his/her status when buying the rail pass and when exchanging the railpass voucher once in Korea.

The Korea Rail Pass is a registered pass that cannot be used by any other individual whose name does not match the information on the voucher. You may not purchase more that two passes for yourself per reservation.

What is includedAll trains operated by Korail, the national railway of South Korea, are included. KTX, Saemaeul and Mugunghwa trains can be used in 2nd class travel (also known as general or standard seating).

Non-KTX trains are called the Saemaeul, Mugunghwa and Tonggeun corresponding roughly to express, semi-express and local services.

Smoking is not permitted on any Korean trains or stations (including open platforms).

What is not included
The Korea Rail Pass is not valid for travel in 1st class or overnight sleepers, however if a passenger wishes to travel in 1st class he/she is allowed to do so paying only 50% of the cost. At present, the 1st class upgrade can only be done in Korea. The Korea Rail Pass does not include travel on subway/underground services and tourist trains.

Seat reservations within 2nd class is usually available free of charge but is not available to Korea Rail Pass holders if travelling during South Korea main holiday periods, i.e. Lunar New Year's day, Thanksgiving day, Summer holiday, etc. However pass holders can still board the trains with the Korea Rail Pass even without a specific reserved seat.

Reservations can be made as early as one year before entry but make sure that the passport number you enter if booking that far in advance is valid for travel for the reservation journey date.

General
The voucher need to be 'exchanged' for the actual pass within 60 days of the issuing date; afterward if this is not done it becomes invalid. KR passes are only 2nd class, or Normal/Standard.

Passengers wishing to travel 1st class may do so upon payment of a supplement of 50%, and this can only be done locally in South Korea directly by the customer.

KR Pass for Youth applies to young persons and students holding the ISIC Card only.

You must ensure that the start date you enter for your pass is the actual date you intend to start travelling by rail within Korea.

You cannot exchange your voucher for the pass more than 2 days prior to your travel commencement date.

Once your travel commencement date has past, your pass will be made invalid and you will be unable to validate it.

Refunds and Ticket/ Pass Changes
There is no refund on partially used, lost or stolen passes. We strongly recommend that your travel insurance protects you against loss or theft of your rail pass or that you buy our Ticket Protection.

A Korea Rail Pass voucher can only be refunded if it has not been 'exchanged' for a pass. After the voucher has been 'exchanged' a refund is no longer possible; no refund can be made after the validity date has started.

Refund requests must be made within 6 months from the issuing date, and the cancellation & admin fee is 30% of the applicable pass price.

No refund is granted for cancellation requests made after 6 months from the issuing date and the voucher cannot be re-issued under any circumstance.

Extension of the validity period of a Korea Rail Pass is also not permitted.