## First: KTX and SRT are not the same booking system KTX is operated through KORAIL, while SRT is operated separately. Both can be useful for fast intercity travel, but a ticket, pass or booking rule for one system should not automatically be assumed to apply to the other. ## Booking KTX KORAIL operates an official foreign-language booking website with English, Chinese and Japanese access. KORAIL has also stated that its foreign-language reservation site supports overseas-issued credit cards. For many international visitors, booking directly through the official KORAIL foreigner site is the cleanest way to avoid unnecessary station queues. KORAIL’s official site also explains that KORAIL PASS is for KORAIL-operated trains and does not cover SRT. That distinction matters if you are comparing rail passes with point-to-point tickets. ## Booking SRT SRT has its own app and booking website. As checked on October 3, 2026, the official English SRT page displays a notice saying ticket payment is available with a Korean-issued credit card and that foreign-issued card support is still being worked on. A Korea Tourism Organization visitor-transport guide published in 2026 presents a broader picture and says foreign-issued credit cards are accepted for AREX, KTX and SRT ticket machines/counters and lists SRT online booking in English, Chinese and Japanese. Because this conflicts with SRT’s own current English payment notice, do not assume a foreign card will work online for SRT until the operator confirms it at the moment you book. ## Which train should you choose? Choose by the station and route that fit your itinerary, not simply by the KTX or SRT brand. Seoul Station, Yongsan, Suseo and other departure points serve different patterns. A train that saves ten minutes on board may be less convenient if reaching its departure station adds a difficult cross-city transfer. ## A practical booking routine 1. Search your actual departure and arrival cities on the official operator site. 2. Confirm the departure station, not just the city name. 3. Check the cancellation/refund rule before paying. 4. Keep the digital or printed ticket accessible during the journey. 5. For busy holiday periods, check sales windows and reservation notices early. ## For rail-heavy trips International visitors making several KORAIL journeys can compare ordinary tickets with KORAIL PASS or KORAIL PASS+. KORAIL and VISITKOREA describe KORAIL PASS+ as combining a KORAIL rail pass with a prepaid transit/payment function, but it still does not turn SRT into a KORAIL train. ## The main traveler mistake to avoid Do not search ‘Korea train ticket’ and assume every result sells the same inventory with the same payment rules. First identify whether your journey is KORAIL/KTX or SRT, then use the relevant official booking path.