Short answer: The KORAIL Pass is the foreign-visitor rail pass for Korea. It covers KTX and other KORAIL-operated intercity trains (but not SRT or subways), comes in Flexible 2/4-day and Consecutive 3/5-day versions, lets you reserve up to 2 seats per person per day, and is refundable until the day before your start date. Age bands are Adult 28+, Youth 13–27, Child 6–12 (one under-6 travels free per adult, no seat). :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
What the KORAIL Pass Includes (and Excludes)
Included: KTX/KTX-Sancheon and most intercity trains operated by KORAIL (ITX-Cheongchun/ITX-Saemaeul, Mugunghwa, Nuriro). Excluded: SRT (different operator), metropolitan subways/metros, and non-KORAIL services. If seats are sold out, you may board with standing/free-seat where available. Always carry your passport; the pass is personal and non-transferable. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
2025 Pass Types & Official KRW Prices
Verified on 2025-10-11 (KST). Agents may show slight differences due to fees/exchange rates; use KRW as the reference. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Official price table (Adult/Youth/Child) from KORAIL; Saver figures cross-checked with a KORAIL partner page. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Who Can Buy It (Eligibility) & Age Bands
- Foreign visitors only. Passport required; pass is personal (non-transferable).
- Age bands: Adult 28+, Youth 13–27, Child 6–12; one under-6 child per adult rides free (no seat). :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
How to Buy (Official Site vs Agents)
- Buy on the KORAIL global site (English). Keep passport details consistent. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- After purchase, go to MY TICKET on the site/app to manage the pass and reservations. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
- Refunds: no fee until the day before the start date; none after start. Cancel any seat reservations before refunding. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Seat Reservations: The 2-Per-Day Rule
Reservations open one month before departure. You can reserve up to two seats per person per day (transfer tickets may count differently). If all seats are taken, you may board as standing/free-seat. For Flexible passes, register your travel date before booking seats. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Flexible vs Consecutive: Which One Should You Choose?
- Flexible 2/4-day (within 10 days): best when you’ll take 2–4 long KTX rides but want rest days or non-rail days in between.
- Consecutive 3/5-day: ideal for fast multi-city hops where you’ll ride intercity trains daily.
- Saver (2–5 pax): same trains/schedule together ⇒ more savings; great for families/friends.
Rules & Fine Print You Should Know
- Trains excluded: SRT and all metro/subway lines. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
- Refunds: until the day before start (no fee); none after. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
- Seat class: Economy included; First Class may be possible with extra fee if available (check during booking). :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
- Peak seasons: Lunar New Year/Chuseok/year-end – seats scarce; standing allowed. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
Ready-Made Itineraries (Copy & Tweak)
Flexible 2-day (within 10 days)
Day 1: Seoul ↔ Busan (day trip) • Day 2: Seoul ↔ Gangneung. Slot city-days in between; register each travel date before seat booking.
Consecutive 3-day
Day 1: Seoul → Daejeon → Daegu • Day 2: Daegu → Gyeongju → Busan • Day 3: Busan → Seoul. Daily intercity rides maximize value.
• Passport spelling & birthdate match your booking
• Flexible pass: register travel dates first, then reserve seats
• Respect the 2-reservations/day limit (transfers may count differently) :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}