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What do you do when you absolutely need to get on the next train, but all the tickets are sold out on the Korail or SRT apps? Here are helpful tips!
1. Buy a standing ticket If all seat tickets are sold out, there is no way to buy tickets online or through mobile apps. In that case, you can purchase a standing ticket at the ticket counter before boarding the train.
2. Buy a ticket from a train attendant If you’ve boarded the train without a ticket because there was no time to purchase a standing ticket, don’t panic. Find a train attendant right away and buy a standing ticket. Do not try to get away without paying. Standing tickets are usually 15 percent cheaper than seat tickets, but because you boarded without a ticket, you will have to pay 1.5 times the original standing ticket price as a penalty. This is a better option than paying 10 to 30 times the cost if you’re caught for fare evasion. This is a last-resort option and paying a penalty on an already expensive ticket should not be the first choice. Let’s consider a different option.
3. Extend the journey after booking any ticket available If all seats are sold out on the app, try searching for a different station where the train runs on the way to your destination from your departure point. For instance, if you’re going to Busan from Seoul and all tickets are sold, search for a ticket from Seoul to Daejeon. The probability you’ll nab a ticket is better. Then on the train, show this ticket to a train attendant and inform them you’d like to extend your journey. You can travel on a standing ticket for the extended section without being fined.
4. Tips for traveling on a standing ticket The Mugunghwa trains usually have a café car where you can find an unreserved seat, while KTX or SRT trains may have folding chairs between the entrance and corridors. Some trains may not have any of these options at all, so ask a train attendant.
Speaking Korean
Standing ticket: Ib-seok (입석)
Train attendant: Seung-mu-won (승무원)
Can I have a standing ticket?: Ib-seok juseyo (입석 주세요)
Where is a train attendant?: Seung-mu-won eodie isseo-yo? (승무원 어디에 있어요?)
I’d like to buy a ticket now: Jigeum ticket gumae halgeyo (지금 티켓 구매할게요)
I’d like to extend my journey: Gugan yeon-jang halgeyo (구간 연장할게요)
I’d like to go to Pyeongtaek: Jeoneun Pyeongtaek-e gago sipeo-yo (저는 평택에 가고 싶어요)
