How to Use Korail Website & App (Step-by-Step Guide)

I still remember the first time I tried to book a train ticket in Korea. It was 1 a.m. I was jet-lagged in my tiny Seoul guesthouse, and all I wanted was to get to Busan the next day.

The Korail site looked confusing, the app was all in Korean, and I honestly almost gave up.

So if you’re here feeling a little overwhelmed, I see you. Don’t worry, I’ve been there. That’s why I made this step-by-step guide, friendly, real, and 100% beginner-safe. You got this!

Table of Contents

Option 1: Booking Through the Korail Website

Honestly, the Korail website is your best friend if you want to book in English and feel more in control. Here’s how:

Step 1: Head to the website

Go to letskorail.com and click the English option in the top right (if it’s not already in English).

Step 2: Hit “Book Ticket”

On the homepage, click “Book Ticket” or go directly to the reservation page.

Step 3: Fill in your trip details

Where you’re leaving from and going to (e.g. Seoul → Busan)
Your travel date and time
Number of passengers Click Search.

Step 4: Choose your train

You’ll see multiple options with times and prices. Pick what fits your vibe (fastest, cheapest, or somewhere in between).

Tip: KTX is fastest. Also check if it says “Available” — some trains sell out fast!

Step 5: Seat type & passenger info

Do you want First Class or Economy? Add your name and passport number.

Step 6: Pay and get your e-ticket

Yes, they accept foreign credit cards (yay!). You’ll get a confirmation email and your e-ticket — no need to print, just show it on your phone.

Option 2: Booking Through the KorailTalk App

This one’s trickier — the KorailTalk app is in Korean only. But hey, if you’re adventurous or stuck with no laptop, here’s how to make it work.

Bonus tip: Use the Papago app or Google Translate camera to help read the Korean text live.

Step 1: Open the app

Give it the permissions it asks for (location, etc).

Step 2: Tap the train icon (예매)

This is your booking area.

Step 3: Enter your route and date

Use the dropdown menus to set your departure, arrival, and travel time.

Step 4: Browse the trains

Pick your ride — time, class, and price.

Step 5: Enter info & pay

Input your details (you can still use your passport number!), then pay with a card.

Step 6: Check your ticket

You’ll find it under 메뉴 > 승차권. Take a screenshot just in case.

Need to Change or Cancel a Ticket?

Totally normal. Maybe your plans change, maybe your K-pop concert gets rescheduled 😭

On the website, go to My Reservation
In the app, tap 메뉴 > 예약확인
You can change the date/time, or cancel

Refunds usually go back to your card. Just keep in mind, if you cancel too close to departure time, there may be a small fee.

➡️ Want a complete overview? Check out my full train travel guide here.

Final Words?

I know navigating new systems in another country can be scary. But once you book your first Korail ride and hear the train pulling in, something clicks. You’ll feel proud, more independent, and honestly… kinda powerful.

So take a deep breath. Bookmark this guide. You’ve got this.

And don’t forget to make a playlist for your ride — there’s something magical about watching Korea’s countryside fly by while your favorite song plays in your ears 🎶

Related reads to help you plan better:

FAQ

Can I book SRT trains here? Nope! Korail and SRT are separate systems. For SRT, go to etk.srail.kr.
Can I use my KR Pass on the site or app? Yes — after you activate it in person at a Korail station. Once that’s done, you can use it to reserve trains for free online.
No internet during travel? Take a screenshot of your ticket or print it. I always save a backup in case my phone battery betrays me.