How to Book Train Tickets in Korea Without Getting Scammed
- kmj
- Mar 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 19
PSA: Don’t Get Finessed by Third-Party Train Ticket Sellers
If you’re planning to travel in South Korea, taking the train is a solid move. It’s fast, affordable, and honestly, the KTX feels like a cheat code for getting around. But here’s where things get messy. Tons of sketchy websites are out here charging people way too much for train tickets.
You might Google “Korail train tickets” and click the first link you see, thinking you’re booking legit. But next thing you know, you’re paying double what you should be, all because you accidentally booked through some random reseller.
Not today, scammers.
This guide is your ultimate red flag detector for shady ticketing sites. Stick around and learn how to book legit, save cash, and avoid getting played by overpriced third-party websites.
Why You Should NEVER Use Third-Party Sellers
Here’s the deal: some travel booking websites claim to sell Korail train tickets, but they’re just middlemen looking to make a quick buck off you. And trust me, they will overcharge you.
What’s the damage?
Marked-up ticket prices – A ₩50,000 ($40) ticket could magically become ₩80,000 ($65). Congrats, you just paid for their "service fee."
Extra hidden fees – These sites love to sneak in last-minute “processing” or “convenience” fees.
Refund headaches – If your plans change, you’re probably stuck with that ticket. Third-party sites make refunds way harder than they should be.
Scams – Some sites sell fake or already-used tickets. Imagine showing up to the station and realizing you got played.
Examples of Overpriced Third-Party Sellers to AVOID
Not all third-party sites are scams, but a lot of them overcharge for no reason. Here are a few that might look legit but aren’t worth it if you want the best price:
Rail Ninja – Looks official but charges way more than the real Korail website.
Klook – Sometimes adds extra fees that make your ticket more expensive than booking directly.
Trip.com – A well-known site, but their Korail ticket prices are often higher than they should be.
If you’re cool with overpaying, go ahead. But if you’d rather keep your cash, book directly on Korail.
How to Tell If a Ticket Website Is Sketchy
Before you click "Book Now", ask yourself: is this website actually legit? Here are some major red flags to watch for:
The website isn’t Korail.com – The only real site is www.letskorail.com. Anything else? Sketchy.
No real booking system – If the site only sells “travel packages” or “VIP services” instead of actual train tickets, it’s a reseller.
The price is weirdly high – Compare it to the official Korail price. If it costs way more, you’re getting finessed.
“Exclusive deals” or “special discounts” – Korail doesn’t do secret deals with third-party sellers. If they say it’s a “limited-time offer,” it’s probably fake.
No refund policy (or a super confusing one) – If canceling your ticket feels like solving a Rubik’s cube, run.
The RIGHT Way to Book Your Korail Ticket (Without Getting Overcharged)
Booking train tickets should be easy, and it is, if you do it the right way:
Use the official Korail website – The only site you need: www.letskorail.com. It’s in English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese.
Sign up for an account – It’s not required, but it makes it way easier to manage your tickets or get refunds if needed.
Pay with a credit card – This gives you buyer protection, meaning you can dispute the charge if something goes wrong.
Avoid travel package sites (unless you actually want a tour) – Some companies bundle train tickets with hotels or tours, but they’ll charge you extra.
Double-check your ticket info – Always verify your departure time, seat number, and travel date before clicking confirm.
Already Got Scammed? Here’s What to Do Next
If you accidentally booked from an overpriced third-party site, don’t panic. Here’s how to handle it:
Check if they’re an official Korail partner – Some resellers are legit, just overpriced. If your ticket works on Korail, you’re fine (just overpaid).
Compare the price with Korail’s website – If it’s way higher, you paid the “oops, I got scammed” tax.
Call your credit card company – If you suspect fraud, dispute the charge ASAP. Your bank might refund it.
Report the website – If they refuse to help, leave reviews and report them to consumer protection agencies. Help other travelers avoid the same mistake.
Final Thoughts: Book Smart, Travel Cheap
Booking a train in Korea should be fast, easy, and affordable—but only if you do it the right way. Third-party ticket resellers? They’re just there to drain your wallet.
Here’s your game plan:
Always book directly through Korail’s website (www.letskorail.com).
Ignore overpriced third-party sellers—they’re just middlemen adding extra fees.
Always check the URL before buying your ticket. Fake sites are out there.
Use a credit card to protect your purchase.
Now that you know the deal, you’re ready to book your train ticket the smart way. Happy travels, and don’t let these shady sites scam you!
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