Korail Pass Plus — The All-in-One Transport Pass for Foreign Tourists in Korea
If you’re a foreign tourist looking for the easiest way to get around Korea by train, subway, and bus, Korail has just launched the perfect solution. The Korail Pass Plus is a brand-new integrated transport pass designed exclusively for international visitors — combining unlimited KTX train travel with a prepaid transit card for subways and buses, all in a single card.
If you only plan to stay in Seoul, a standard T-money card might be enough. But for intercity travel across Korea, the Korail Pass Plus is the clear winner.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Korail Pass Plus?
The Korail Pass Plus is a two-in-one transport pass that combines:
- Korail Pass — An unlimited rail travel pass covering all Korail trains including KTX high-speed trains, valid for a set number of days
- Rail Plus Card (레일플러스) — A prepaid transit card for subways, buses, and convenience store purchases nationwide
⚠️ Important: Don’t confuse the Korail Pass (for trains) with the Rail Plus Card (the built-in transit card for subways and buses). While they share a similar name, they are two parts of one integrated “Plus” system — working together seamlessly under a single card.
The card features a traditional Korean Taegeuk (태극) pattern design, making it a beautiful keepsake after your trip.
How Much Does It Cost?
Korail Pass pricing (adult):
| Pass Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 2-Day Pass | ₩131,000 |
| 3-Day Pass | ₩186,000 |
| 4-Day Pass | ₩234,000 |
| 5-Day Pass | ₩275,000 |
Add the Rail Plus Card transit function for just ₩8,000 extra. Top up the prepaid card and use it on subways and buses across the country.
What Does It Cover?
Unlimited Train Travel
Covers all Korail-operated trains within your chosen travel days:
- KTX (high-speed)
- ITX-Saemaeul
- Mugunghwa
- ITX-Cheongchun
- Nuriro
Planning to visit Gyeongju or Busan? Use your Korail Pass Plus to get there comfortably via KTX. Check out our Beyond Seoul: 5 Must-Visit Cities guide to plan the perfect multi-city itinerary.
Nationwide Subway & Bus
The Rail Plus Card works on:
- Subways nationwide
- City buses across Korea
- Storyway convenience stores and other participating retailers
How to Buy the Korail Pass Plus
- Purchase your Korail Pass at www.korail.com or at a major KTX station ticket counter
- Visit the Korail Pass Plus website at korailpassplus.korailnetworks.com, enter your Korail Pass number, and apply for the transit card service
- Pick up your physical Rail Plus Card at dedicated kiosks at these locations:
- Incheon International Airport
- Seoul Station
- Busan Station
- Dongdaegu Station
- Daejeon Station
Buying KTX Tickets Without an App — QR Code Method
Not ready to install the Korail Talk app? No problem. At major stations across Korea, look for Korail’s foreign visitor QR code stands. Scan the code with your phone’s camera and you’ll be directed to an English-language ticket booking page — no app download required. Fast, simple, and designed specifically for short-stay international visitors.
Foreign-Friendly Station Services
Korail has been expanding services for international visitors at 148 stations nationwide:
- Multilingual ticket machines supporting Korean, Chinese, and Japanese
- International credit card payments at most ticket machines and counters
- Mobile payment support at participating locations
- 7-language official website for easy booking from abroad
Is the Korail Pass Plus Worth It?
| Option | Best For | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Korail Pass Plus | Multi-city trips, 2–5 days of rail travel | ✅ High |
| Individual KTX Tickets | 1–2 specific journeys | ⚠️ Moderate |
| T-money Card Only | City travel within one area | ✅ Good for Seoul-only |
Choose Korail Pass Plus if:
- You’re visiting 3 or more cities by train
- You want one card for all transport
- You plan to take KTX 2–3 or more times
Stick to individual tickets if:
- You’re only making one or two specific train journeys
- You’re staying primarily in one city
Practical Tips
- Activate on your first travel day — the day count starts from your first train journey, not purchase date
- Reserve KTX seats in advance even with the pass — especially during Korean national holidays
- Top up your Rail Plus Card at any convenience store or subway machine
- Keep the card safe — it has monetary value and may not be easily replaced if lost
- Check train schedules on the Korail website before heading to the station
FAQ
Can I buy the Korail Pass Plus before arriving in Korea? Yes — the Korail Pass can be purchased online at korail.com. However, the physical Rail Plus Card must be collected at designated kiosks inside Korea.
Does it cover the Airport Railroad (AREX) from Incheon Airport? Some AREX services are covered. Check the latest coverage details on the Korail website as inclusions may change.
Can I use the Rail Plus Card on the Seoul Metro? Yes — it functions as a standard transit card and works on Seoul Metro lines, city buses, and other public transit nationwide.
Is there a children’s discount? Yes — discounted pricing for children is available. Check the Korail website for current pricing tiers.