Who this is for

Use this guide when booking KTX or other KORAIL-operated trains with young children. It does not automatically apply to SRT, which has its own booking system and rules.

Children age 6 to under 13

KORAIL's current ticket FAQ says children age 6 or older and under 13 receive a 50% fare discount. Select the child passenger type during booking rather than buying an adult ticket and expecting the discount to be fixed later.

Children under 6: decide whether you need a seat

KORAIL states that a child under 6 can receive a 75% fare discount when booked under the infant rule, with the operator's stated limit applying per guardian. It also states that when no separate seat is assigned, one infant under 6 per guardian can travel free.

The practical question is therefore not only age but whether the child needs a reserved seat. If you want the child to have an assigned seat, include that passenger correctly when booking instead of assuming the free no-seat rule gives a seat.

Booking workflow for families

  1. Count adults, children age 6–12, and children under 6 separately.
  2. Decide which under-6 travelers need their own seats.
  3. Enter the passenger age/seat choices in the official KORAIL booking flow and confirm the discount shown on the payment screen.
  4. For crowded weekends or holiday periods, book early enough to keep the family together; discounted eligibility does not guarantee adjacent seats.
  5. If your itinerary uses SRT, check SRT's own child/family rule rather than copying the KORAIL rule.

If the booking screen and your situation do not match

Use a staffed KORAIL counter or the KORAIL customer service channel before boarding. Do not board without the correct ticket and try to solve the passenger category afterward, especially during busy travel periods.