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KORAIL PASS Guide: One Pass for Your Seoul-Busan-Gyeongju Trip

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Summary

The KORAIL PASS is a train pass exclusively for foreigners visiting Korea. For a Seoul-Busan-Gyeongju itinerary, get the 2-Day Select Pass (₩131,000) plus KORAIL PASS+ (₩8,000) to cover trains, subways, and buses all with one card.

If Europe has the Eurail Pass, Korea has the KORAIL PASS. Seoul to Busan takes just 2.5 hours by KTX, and Busan to Gyeongju is only 1.5 hours—all covered under one pass that lets you ride freely.

Table of Contents

What is the KORAIL PASS?

The KORAIL PASS is an unlimited train pass exclusively for foreign visitors. It allows you to ride KTX (high-speed trains), Mugunghwa (regular trains), and other KORAIL-operated trains as many times as you want during your selected period.

Do I Need a KORAIL PASS for My Trip?

If you’re traveling Seoul-Busan-Gyeongju over 7 days, the 2-Day Select Pass is perfect for you.

Cost Comparison

RouteIndividual TicketsKORAIL PASS
Day 5: Seoul → Busan (KTX)₩59,800✅ Included
Day 7: Busan → Gyeongju (Mugunghwa)₩7,700✅ Included
Day 7: Gyeongju → Seoul (KTX)₩52,000✅ Included
Total≈ ₩119,500₩131,000

The price difference is only about ₩11,500. So why do we still recommend the KORAIL PASS?

Why KORAIL PASS is Better

  • No language barrier: No need to buy tickets each time—just reserve your seat and go
  • Flexibility: Plans change? Just modify your seat reservation
  • Simplicity: No more wondering “Can I take this train?”—any KORAIL train is yours

What is KORAIL PASS+?

KORAIL PASS+ is an upgraded version of the KORAIL PASS. For just ₩8,000 extra, you get a physical card that works on subways, buses, and even convenience store payments—all in one.

KORAIL PASS Guide: One Pass for Your Seoul-Busan-Gyeongju Trip - image

KORAIL PASS vs KORAIL PASS+

Where You’re GoingKORAIL PASSKORAIL PASS+
Seoul → Busan KTX✅✅
Busan Subway (Haeundae, Gamcheon)❌✅
Busan → Gyeongju Mugunghwa✅✅
Gyeongju City Bus❌✅
Gyeongju → Seoul KTX✅✅
Convenience Store Payments❌✅

Bottom Line: For ₩8,000 more, you eliminate all public transit worries in Busan and Gyeongju.

Which Pass Should I Buy?

We recommend the 2-Day Select Pass (₩131,000).

Pass TypePriceRight for This Trip?
2-Day Select₩131,000✅ Perfect fit
3-Day Select₩186,000Not needed
4-Day Select₩234,000Not needed
5-Day Select₩275,000Not needed

Train days: Day 5 (Seoul→Busan) + Day 7 (Busan→Gyeongju→Seoul) = 2 days

Where Do I Buy It?

KORAIL PASS

Online Purchase (Recommended)

  1. Visit KORAIL official site: www.korail.com/global/eng
  2. Click “BOOK KORAIL PASS”
  3. Enter passport info and pay
  4. Receive E-Pass via email

KORAIL PASS+

  1. After purchasing KORAIL PASS
  2. Visit korailpassplus.korailnetworks.com
  3. Enter your KORAIL PASS number and pay ₩8,000
  4. Receive QR code via email
  5. Pick up your physical card at Incheon Airport or Seoul/Busan Station kiosks

Key Pickup Locations

LocationWhereHours
Incheon Airport T1CU Store near Gate A, F24 hours
Incheon Airport T21F, Exit 1006:00–22:00
Seoul StationNext to KTX Info Desk24 hours
Busan StationNext to Exit 705:50–00:12

How Do I Use It?

Step 1: Reserve Your Seat (Required)

The KORAIL PASS alone doesn’t guarantee a seat. You must reserve separately.

  1. Go to KORAIL site → “MY TICKET” → “SEAT RESERVATION”
  2. Select your travel date and train
  3. Choose your seat and confirm
  4. Save or print your seat ticket

Step 2: Board the Train

Bring your passport + KORAIL PASS + seat ticket, and you’re good to go!

Step 3: Use Subway/Bus (If You Have KORAIL PASS+)

Pick up your card at the kiosk → Top up → Start using immediately

Important Things to Know

  • Passport required: Always carry your passport when boarding
  • Personal use only: Transferring to others results in 30x penalty fare
  • SRT not included: SRT is a different company—KORAIL PASS doesn’t cover it
  • Refunds: Only available before your pass start date

My Recommendation

2-Day Select Pass (₩131,000) + KORAIL PASS+ (₩8,000) = ₩139,000

This combo covers your Seoul-Busan-Gyeongju train travel + Busan/Gyeongju subway and bus—all with one card.

FAQ

Q

What is the KORAIL PASS and who can use it?

A

The KORAIL PASS is an unlimited train pass exclusively for foreign visitors to Korea. It lets you ride KTX (high-speed trains), Mugunghwa, and other KORAIL-operated trains as many times as you want during your selected period. Korean nationals cannot purchase it.

Q

Is the KORAIL PASS cheaper than buying individual tickets?

A

For a Seoul-Busan-Gyeongju trip, individual tickets cost about ₩119,500 while the 2-Day Select Pass is ₩131,000—only ₩11,500 more. The small price difference is worth it for the convenience: no language barriers at ticket machines, flexible seat changes, and the freedom to take any KORAIL train.

Q

What’s the difference between KORAIL PASS and KORAIL PASS+?

A

KORAIL PASS covers only trains (KTX, Mugunghwa, etc.). KORAIL PASS+ adds ₩8,000 for a physical card that works on subways, buses, and convenience store payments nationwide. If you’re visiting Busan and Gyeongju, KORAIL PASS+ eliminates all public transit worries with one card.

Q

Do I need to reserve seats with the KORAIL PASS?

A

Yes, the KORAIL PASS alone doesn’t guarantee a seat. After purchasing, go to the KORAIL website → “MY TICKET” → “SEAT RESERVATION” to book your specific trains. When boarding, bring your passport, KORAIL PASS, and seat ticket.

Q

Where can I pick up my KORAIL PASS+ card?

A

After purchasing online and receiving your QR code, pick up the physical card at NAMANE kiosks. Key locations include: Incheon Airport T1 (CU Store near Gate A/F, 24 hours), Incheon Airport T2 (1F Exit 10), Seoul Station (next to KTX Info Desk, 24 hours), and Busan Station (next to Exit 7).

🗣️

Useful Korean Phrases

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여기 어떻게 가나요? Yeo-gi eo-tteo-ke ga-na-yo? How do I get here?
입구가 어디예요? Ip-gu-ga eo-di-ye-yo? Where is the entrance?
출구가 어디예요? Chul-gu-ga eo-di-ye-yo? Where is the exit?
입장료 얼마예요? Ip-jang-ryo eol-ma-ye-yo? How much is admission?
무료예요? Mu-ryo-ye-yo? Is it free?
학생 할인 있어요? Hak-saeng hal-in i-sseo-yo? Is there a student discount?
외국인 할인 있어요? Oe-guk-in hal-in i-sseo-yo? Is there a discount for foreigners?
단체 할인 되나요? Dan-che hal-in doe-na-yo? Is there a group discount?
표 어디서 사요? Pyo eo-di-seo sa-yo? Where do I buy tickets?
온라인 예매 가능해요? On-la-in ye-mae ga-neung-hae-yo? Can I book online?
몇 시에 문 열어요? Myeot si-e mun yeo-reo-yo? What time do you open?
몇 시에 문 닫아요? Myeot si-e mun da-da-yo? What time do you close?
쉬는 날이 언제예요? Swi-neun na-ri eon-je-ye-yo? What day are you closed?
점심시간 있어요? Jeom-sim-si-gan i-sseo-yo? Do you close for lunch?
마지막 입장이 몇 시예요? Ma-ji-mak ip-jang-i myeot si-ye-yo? What time is the last entry?
영어 안내 있어요? Yeong-eo an-nae i-sseo-yo? Do you have an English guide?
오디오 가이드 있어요? O-di-o ga-i-deu i-sseo-yo? Do you have an audio guide?
지도 있어요? Ji-do i-sseo-yo? Do you have a map?
영어 팸플릿 있어요? Yeong-eo paem-peul-rit i-sseo-yo? Do you have an English brochure?
가이드 투어 있어요? Ga-i-deu tu-eo i-sseo-yo? Do you have guided tours?
해설 프로그램 있어요? Hae-seol peu-ro-geu-raem i-sseo-yo? Are there any commentary programs?
사진 찍어주세요 Sa-jin jji-geo-ju-se-yo Please take a photo for me
여기서 사진 찍어도 돼요? Yeo-gi-seo sa-jin jji-geo-do dwae-yo? Can I take photos here?
플래시 사용해도 돼요? Peul-lae-si sa-yong-hae-do dwae-yo? Can I use flash?
동영상 촬영 가능해요? Dong-yeong-sang chwal-yeong ga-neung-hae-yo? Can I record video?
사진 명소가 어디예요? Sa-jin myeong-so-ga eo-di-ye-yo? Where is the best photo spot?
화장실 어디예요? Hwa-jang-sil eo-di-ye-yo? Where is the restroom?
짐 보관소 있어요? Jim bo-gwan-so i-sseo-yo? Is there a luggage storage?
물 마실 데 있어요? Mul ma-sil de i-sseo-yo? Is there a water fountain?
유모차 대여 가능해요? Yu-mo-cha dae-yeo ga-neung-hae-yo? Can I rent a stroller?
휠체어 이용 가능해요? Hwil-che-eo i-yong ga-neung-hae-yo? Is it wheelchair accessible?
엘리베이터 있어요? El-li-be-i-teo i-sseo-yo? Is there an elevator?
와이파이 되나요? Wa-i-pa-i doe-na-yo? Is there WiFi?
충전할 곳 있어요? Chung-jeon-hal got i-sseo-yo? Is there a place to charge my phone?
카페나 식당 있어요? Ka-pe-na sik-dang i-sseo-yo? Is there a cafe or restaurant?
기념품 가게 어디예요? Gi-nyeom-pum ga-ge eo-di-ye-yo? Where is the souvenir shop?
다 둘러보려면 얼마나 걸려요? Da dul-leo-bo-ryeo-myeon eol-ma-na geol-lyeo-yo? How long does it take to see everything?
꼭 봐야 할 것 뭐예요? Kkok bwa-ya hal geot mwo-ye-yo? What is a must-see here?
근처에 뭐 있어요? Geun-cheo-e mwo i-sseo-yo? What is nearby?
여기서 가장 유명한 게 뭐예요? Yeo-gi-seo ga-jang yu-myeong-han ge mwo-ye-yo? What is the most famous thing here?
일몰 명소가 어디예요? Il-mol myeong-so-ga eo-di-ye-yo? Where is the best sunset spot?
야경이 예뻐요? Ya-gyeong-i ye-ppeo-yo? Is the night view pretty?
밤에도 열어요? Bam-e-do yeo-reo-yo? Is it open at night?
비 와도 볼 수 있어요? Bi wa-do bol su i-sseo-yo? Can I visit even if it rains?
반려동물 데려갈 수 있어요? Bal-lyeo-dong-mul de-ryeo-gal su i-sseo-yo? Can I bring my pet?
안녕하세요 An-nyeong-ha-se-yo Hello
감사합니다 Gam-sa-ham-ni-da Thank you
고맙습니다 Go-map-seum-ni-da Thank you (casual)
죄송합니다 Joe-song-ham-ni-da I'm sorry
실례합니다 Sil-lye-ham-ni-da Excuse me
네 Ne Yes
아니요 A-ni-yo No
괜찮아요 Gwaen-cha-na-yo It's okay / I'm fine
안녕히 계세요 An-nyeong-hi gye-se-yo Goodbye (to someone staying)
안녕히 가세요 An-nyeong-hi ga-se-yo Goodbye (to someone leaving)
영어 할 줄 아세요? Yeong-eo hal jul a-se-yo? Do you speak English?
한국어 못해요 Han-guk-eo mot-hae-yo I don't speak Korean
한국어 조금 할 수 있어요 Han-guk-eo jo-geum hal su i-sseo-yo I can speak a little Korean
천천히 말해주세요 Cheon-cheon-hi mal-hae-ju-se-yo Please speak slowly
다시 한 번 말해주세요 Da-si han beon mal-hae-ju-se-yo Please say that again
적어 주세요 Jeo-geo ju-se-yo Please write it down
이거 한국어로 뭐예요? I-geo han-guk-eo-ro mwo-ye-yo? What is this in Korean?
무슨 뜻이에요? Mu-seun tteu-si-e-yo? What does it mean?
번역기 사용해도 돼요? Beon-yeok-gi sa-yong-hae-do dwae-yo? Can I use a translator app?
도와주세요 Do-wa-ju-se-yo Help me please
잠깐만요 Jam-kkan-man-yo Wait a moment
모르겠어요 Mo-reu-ge-sseo-yo I don't know / I don't understand
이해 못했어요 I-hae mot-hae-sseo-yo I didn't understand
여기 좀 봐주세요 Yeo-gi jom bwa-ju-se-yo Please look at this
하나 Ha-na One
둘 Dul Two
셋 Set Three
넷 Net Four
다섯 Da-seot Five
위험해요! Wi-heom-hae-yo! It's dangerous!
경찰 불러주세요 Gyeong-chal bul-leo-ju-se-yo Please call the police
구급차 불러주세요 Gu-geup-cha bul-leo-ju-se-yo Please call an ambulance
병원 어디예요? Byeong-won eo-di-ye-yo? Where is the hospital?
약국 어디예요? Yak-guk eo-di-ye-yo? Where is the pharmacy?
아파요 A-pa-yo I'm sick / It hurts
머리가 아파요 Meo-ri-ga a-pa-yo I have a headache
배가 아파요 Bae-ga a-pa-yo I have a stomachache
알레르기가 있어요 Al-le-reu-gi-ga i-sseo-yo I have an allergy
지갑을 잃어버렸어요 Ji-ga-beul i-reo-beo-ryeo-sseo-yo I lost my wallet
핸드폰을 잃어버렸어요 Haen-deu-po-neul i-reo-beo-ryeo-sseo-yo I lost my phone
여권을 잃어버렸어요 Yeo-gwo-neul i-reo-beo-ryeo-sseo-yo I lost my passport
대사관 전화번호 좀 알려주세요 Dae-sa-gwan jeon-hwa-beon-ho jom al-lyeo-ju-se-yo Please tell me the embassy phone number
1330 관광 안내 전화 Il-sam-sam-gong gwan-gwang an-nae jeon-hwa 1330 Korea Travel Hotline
112 경찰 Il-il-i gyeong-chal 112 Police
119 소방/구급 Il-il-gu so-bang/gu-geup 119 Fire/Ambulance
편의점 어디예요? Pyeon-ui-jeom eo-di-ye-yo? Where is a convenience store?
ATM 어디예요? ATM eo-di-ye-yo? Where is an ATM?
환전소 어디예요? Hwan-jeon-so eo-di-ye-yo? Where is a currency exchange?
우체국 어디예요? U-che-guk eo-di-ye-yo? Where is the post office?
충전기 빌릴 수 있어요? Chung-jeon-gi bil-lil su i-sseo-yo? Can I borrow a charger?
관광안내소 어디예요? Gwan-gwang-an-nae-so eo-di-ye-yo? Where is the tourist information center?
와이파이 어디서 쓸 수 있어요? Wa-i-pa-i eo-di-seo sseul su i-sseo-yo? Where can I use WiFi?
유심 어디서 사요? Yu-sim eo-di-seo sa-yo? Where can I buy a SIM card?

💡 Tip: Tap the screen icon to display the phrase in large text for locals to read.

Summary of Key Points

The KORAIL PASS is an unlimited train pass available only to foreign visitors to Korea
For a Seoul-Busan-Gyeongju itinerary, the 2-Day Select Pass (₩131,000) covers all necessary train journeys
KORAIL PASS+ (₩8,000 extra) adds subway, bus, and payment card functions nationwide
Purchase online at the official KORAIL website; pick up the PASS+ card at Incheon Airport or major train stations
Seat reservation is required separately after purchasing the pass
Always carry your passport when using the KORAIL PASS

Actionable Next Steps

Finalize your travel dates: Confirm which days you'll be taking trains (Day 5 and Day 7 in our itinerary)
Purchase KORAIL PASS online: Visit www.korail.com/global/eng and buy the 2-Day Select Pass
Add KORAIL PASS+: Go to korailpassplus.korailnetworks.com and pay the additional ₩8,000
Reserve your seats: One month before departure, log in and reserve seats for each train journey
Pick up your card: Upon arrival at Incheon Airport, collect your KORAIL PASS+ card at the NAMANE kiosk
Top up and travel: Add funds to your card and enjoy seamless travel across Korea

References

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1 thought on “KORAIL PASS Guide: One Pass for Your Seoul-Busan-Gyeongju Trip”

  1. Pingback: Seoul to Busan Itinerary: 3-Day Guide to Busan & Gyeongju (Days 5-7) - Travel Korea Now

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