Traveling across South Korea with the Korail Pass is an adventure on its own! Whether you’re zooming past cities at high speed, winding through scenic mountains, or hopping between coastal gems, there’s a Korail train for every kind of traveler. With the Korail Pass, you can hop on a variety of trains. Let’s dive into all the different trains you can take with your pass, from ultra-fast bullet trains to scenic countryside rides!
The most common Korail trains
Below you will find the most common Korail trains in South-Korea that you can take with the Korail-pass. We suggest to reserve them upfront, you can follow our easy guide on how to reserve a seat if you have never done this before. Next to that we invite you to check out all the KTX routes that are included in the Korail pass. You will be surprised how much you can travel of the country with the highspeed trains.
🚄 KTX (Korea train express) – The speed king
Perfect for: Fast and comfortable long-distance travel.
The KTX is South Korea’s high-speed train, reaching speeds of up to 305 km/h (190 mph). It connects major cities like Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju, cutting travel times dramatically.
- Why you’ll love it: Super fast, comfy seats, and onboard WiFi
- Where you can go: Seoul → Busan in just 2.5 hours!
- Pro tip: Get a window seat to enjoy Korea’s diverse landscapes rushing past
There are different types of KTX trains, including KTX-Ieum (serving more scenic destinations like Gangneung and Jeonju) and KTX-Sancheon, which offers a modern, sleek design.
🚄 SRT (Super rapid train) – KTX’s sleek rival
Perfect for: Speedy travel with a modern touch.
The SRT is another high-speed train, operated separately from KTX but equally fast. It departs from Suseo Station in Seoul, which is great for travelers staying in the Gangnam area.
- Why you’ll love it: Super modern interior, quieter ride
- Where you can go: Directly to Busan, Mokpo, and Gwangju
- Not included in Korail pass deal: Operated by a different company, the SRT is not included in the Korail Pass. It does travel over Korail rails.
🚆 ITX-Saemaeul – Classic comfort
Perfect for: A smooth, comfortable ride with big windows.
The ITX-Saemaeul train is a step below the KTX in speed but offers a spacious and relaxing ride. It’s a great choice if you want to enjoy Korea’s countryside while traveling in comfort.
- Why you’ll love it: Comfortable seating, wide windows for scenic views
- Where you can go: Seoul → Busan (but slower than KTX)
- Fun fact: The name “Saemaeul” comes from Korea’s rural development movement in the 1970s
🚆 ITX-Cheongchun – The nature lover’s choice
Perfect for: Escaping Seoul and heading into nature.
The ITX-Cheongchun train is your ticket to adventure in the mountains! It connects Seoul with Chuncheon, a charming city known for its stunning lakes, mountains, and the famous Nami Island.
- Why you’ll love it: Panoramic windows, perfect for a scenic getaway
- Where you can go: Seoul → Gapyeong → Chuncheon
- Must-visit: Stop at Gapyeong Station for Nami Island & the Garden of Morning Calm
🚃 Mugunghwa – The budget-friendly explorer
Perfect for: Slow travel and experiencing Korea like a local
The Mugunghwa train is an old-school railway experience that lets you travel across Korea at a relaxed pace. It’s slower than KTX and ITX trains, but it’s super affordable and great for sightseeing.
- Why you’ll love it: Budget-friendly, local experience, cozy seating
- Where you can go: Almost everywhere in Korea!
- Pro tip: Bring snacks and enjoy a relaxed journey watching the countryside roll by
🚃 Nuriro – The hidden gem
Perfect for: Shorter regional trips.
Not as famous as the KTX or ITX, the Nuriro train is a modern, comfortable train used for medium-distance routes. It’s often less crowded and a great way to explore smaller towns without rushing.
- Why you’ll love it: Less crowded, smooth ride
- Where you can go: Seoul → Onyang (perfect for hot spring lovers!)
🚊 Tourist trains – Travel with a view
If you want something truly special, Korea has tourist trains designed for amazing experiences. These trains are perfect for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a unique ride. They take you through mountains but also to the infamous DMZ.
Sea train – Ocean views like never before
This train runs along Korea’s east coast, offering stunning sea views. It even has seats facing the ocean so you can just sit back and soak it all in.
- Route: Samcheok → Donghae
- Must-do: Take photos from the open-air section!
🚂 V-Train – The “Baby Baekho” train
This train takes you through Baekdudaegan Mountain Range, giving you breathtaking forest views. It’s like a moving postcard!
- Route: Buncheon → Yangwon
- Fun fact: The train is designed to look like a baby white tiger
🍂 O-Train – The circular mountain train
A train that loops through Korea’s beautiful mountain region, giving you 360° views of nature!
- Route: Seoul → Taebaek → Jecheon
- Why it’s special: Panoramic windows for insane views
Final tips for riding Korail trains
- 🚉 Arrive early – Stations are huge, and platforms can be confusing!
- 🎟️ Seat reservations – Not always required but highly recommended for KTX and ITX trains
- 👜 Luggage storage – KTX has racks, but Mugunghwa and ITX have limited space
- 🍱 Bring snacks – Some trains have snack trolleys, but options can be limited
- 📸 Take photos! – Some routes have amazing views, especially the ITX-Cheongchun and tourist trains
- FAQ – Check out our FAQ about the Korail pass.
Which trains are not included in the Korail pass?
The Korail Pass offers foreign travelers unlimited access to most trains operated by Korail, including high-speed KTX, ITX-Cheongchun, ITX-Saemaeul, Saemaeul, Mugunghwa, and Nuriro trains. However, it’s important to note that certain services are excluded from the Korail Pass coverage:
- Metropolitan Subways: The pass does not cover metro or subway lines, even those operated by Korail, such as the Seoul Metropolitan Subway.
- SRT (Super Rapid Train): Operated by a different company, the SRT is not included in the Korail Pass.
- AREX (Airport Railroad Express): This line connects Incheon International Airport to central Seoul and is not covered by the Korail Pass.
- Tourist Trains: Some specialty tourist trains designed for sightseeing purposes are excluded from the pass.
Book your Korail train with the Korail Pass!
Easily book your Korail trains with the Korail pass for travellers from abroad. Travel to any corner of the country within hours against the for a one time fixed price. It can’t get any cheaper than this!
