Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail) is offering special discounts on train travel products during April and May to coincide with "Travel Month 2026" (April 1-May 31), hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the Korea Tourism Organization.
Korail announced on the 16th that it has prepared attractive discount benefits for train travel products to welcome the spring travel season. Travelers visiting any of 42 designated depopulating areas nationwide will receive discount coupons worth 100% of their train fare. After selecting a destination for independent travel and verifying their visit via QR code or digital tourism resident ID at designated tourist sites, travelers can receive a discount coupon equal to their train fare within five days of using the product.
For example, a traveler who takes the depopulating area free travel product from Cheongnyangni to Andong (round-trip fare of 55,400 won) and verifies a visit to Andong's Hahoe Village can receive a 55,400 won discount on their next train trip. This promotion enables travelers to visit popular destinations such as Yeongwol, the exile site of King Danjong, or Gurye, famous for its spring sansuyu (cornel) flower festival, at no additional cost.
The 42 designated depopulating areas include: Gangwon Province (Samcheok, Yeongwol, Jeongseon, Taebaek, Hoengseong); North Chungcheong Province (Goesan, Danyang, Yeongdong, Okcheon, Jecheon); North Jeolla Province (Gimje, Namwon, Muju, Iksan, Imsil, Jeongeup); North Gyeongsang Province (Gunwi, Mungyeong, Bonghwa, Andong, Yeongdeok, Yeongju, Yeongcheon, Ulleung, Uljin, Uiseong, Cheongdo); South Chungcheong Province (Gongju, Nonsan, Boryeong, Seocheon, Yesan); South Jeolla Province (Gangjin, Goheung, Gokseong, Gurye, Boseong, Jangseong, Jangheung, Hampyeong, Haenam); and Miryang in South Gyeongsang Province.
Additionally, five theme train routes will be offered at 50% off. The eligible trains are: East Sea Santa Train (Gangneung-Buncheon), Baekdudaegan Canyon Train (Yeongju-Buncheon-Cheoram), West Sea Golden Train (Yongsan-Iksan), Namdo Ocean Train (Seoul-Yeosu Expo, Busan-Mokpo), and Jeongseon Arirang Train (Cheongnyangni-Mindungsan). The Jeongseon Arirang Train is scheduled to resume operations in early May.
Furthermore, the "Naeillo" rail free travel pass will offer double the discount compared to last year, with a 20,000 won discount regardless of pass type. The "Youth Pass" (for those aged 29 and under) is available at 60,000 won for a consecutive 7-day pass and 50,000 won for a selective 3-day pass. The "Adult Pass," which has no age restrictions, is available at 90,000 won for a consecutive 7-day pass and 80,000 won for a selective 3-day pass.
Depopulating area products and theme trains can be booked starting from the 16th, while Naeillo passes can be booked from the 25th through Korail's website and mobile app "Korail Talk." Bookings may close early depending on availability, and detailed information can be found on the website.
"We have prepared generous train travel discounts to welcome the spring travel season," said Lee Min-sung, Head of Korail's Customer Marketing Division. "We hope travelers will take advantage of these benefits to fully enjoy the spring atmosphere across the country."
