Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan in One Trip: Is the KORAIL PASS Worth It? (2026)
Breakfast in Seoul. Lunch among 1,000-year-old tombs in Gyeongju. Sunset on Haeundae Beach in Busan. In Korea, that is not a dream itinerary. It is one day on the KTX. And with the KORAIL PASS, you can do it again tomorrow without buying another ticket.
Our pick for travelling Korea by train
KORAIL PASS: unlimited KTX rides
- Unlimited rides on all Korail trains, including KTX
- 2 to 5 days, from about USD 99
- Free seat reservations in the KORAIL app
Instant voucher · Book online in 2 minutes
Why travellers love the KTX
- Seoul to Busan in about 2.5 hours. Faster than flying once you count airport time.
- City centre to city centre. No airport transfers, no security lines.
- Clean, quiet and on time. Wide seats, power outlets and Wi-Fi.
The only downside? Tickets add up fast. One Seoul–Busan trip is about KRW 53,900 one way. Plan four or five long rides and you are paying more than the pass costs.
What you get with the KORAIL PASS
- Unlimited rides on all Korail trains, including the high-speed KTX, ITX and Mugunghwa.
- Flexible choices: 3 or 5 consecutive days, or 2 or 4 flexible days within a 10-day period.
- Easy booking: buy online, then reserve your seats on the KORAIL website or app.
- Group savings: the Saver Pass gives a discount to 2–5 people travelling together on the same itinerary.
How much does it cost?
| Pass | Adult | Child (6–12) | Per day (adult) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 days | about USD 99 | about USD 50 | USD 49 |
| 3 days | about USD 140 | about USD 70 | USD 47 |
| 4 days | about USD 176 | about USD 88 | USD 44 |
| 5 days | about USD 207 | about USD 104 | USD 41 |
Klook prices in September 2026. Prices change with exchange rates and promotions.
See live prices and pick your days →
A 4-day itinerary that pays for itself
| Day | Route | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seoul → Gyeongju | Bulguksa Temple, Daereungwon tombs, Hwangnidan-gil at night |
| 2 | Gyeongju → Busan | Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi fish market |
| 3 | Busan → Jeonju | Hanok Village, bibimbap in its home town |
| 4 | Jeonju → Seoul | Back to the capital for your flight |
Bought as single tickets, these four long rides can easily cost more than a 4-day pass. Add a side trip or two and the pass wins by a lot.
Is it right for you? Quick check
- Yes, if you will take 4 or more long train rides in a few days.
- Yes, if you want to decide your route on the go without paying each time.
- Maybe not, if you only need one Seoul–Busan round trip. Single tickets are cheaper.
Who can buy it?
- Anyone with a non-Korean passport. One pass per passport.
- Living in Korea with an ARC? The pass is made for visitors, and long-term foreign residents may not be eligible. Read the eligibility terms before you buy.
Studying in Korea? This is the perfect gift idea when your family or friends visit you. They land at Incheon, ride the KTX to Busan to see you, and explore the country without buying ticket after ticket.
How to use it in 4 steps
- Buy the pass on Klook and choose your start date (within 30 days of purchase).
- Get your voucher instantly by email and in the Klook app.
- Reserve your seats on the KORAIL website or app with your passport details. Reservations are included.
- Board and relax. Show your e-ticket and passport if staff ask.
Insider tips
- Book seats early on holidays. Around Chuseok, Lunar New Year and summer weekends, KTX seats sell out and sometimes only standing space is left.
- From the airport: take the AREX train from Incheon to Seoul Station, then the KTX to Busan Station. More in your first 30 days in Busan.
- Pack light. Luggage racks are only at the end of each car.
- Easy day trips from Busan: Gyeongju (about 30 minutes by KTX), Daegu, Ulsan and Jinju.
Ready to see Korea by train?
Unlimited KTX rides, free seat reservations and an instant voucher. Pick 2, 3, 4 or 5 days.
Get your KORAIL PASS on Klook →
