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Traveling in Korea requires preparation. The KTX is the fastest way to travel from Seoul to Busan, but many travelers get stuck at the "Mobile Phone Verification" stage on the app. This guide reveals the professional workaround to book tickets via "Guest Mode" and "Station QR Codes" without needing a Korean phone number.

1. Accessing the Official Website & App

The most important step is to distinguish the official site from agencies. The official KORAIL website (LetsKorail) does not charge commission fees and supports English, Chinese, and Japanese.

  • Official Site Verification Ensure the URL contains 'letskorail.com'. Avoid sites that require a membership fee.
  • Prefer Mobile Booking? Using the app is often easier than the mobile web. Check our guide on How to Download & Use Korail Talk App.

2. Selecting Your Train (KTX vs SRT)

Once you access the schedule, you can choose between KTX (High-speed) and ITX/Mugunghwa (Standard). However, depending on your location in Seoul, KTX might not be the best option.

Staying in Gangnam or Suseo?
If your hotel is in southern Seoul (Gangnam/Jamsil), the SRT train is faster and cheaper.

👉 How to Book SRT Tickets (Website Guide) 👉 How to Download SRT App (Mobile Guide)

3. No Korean Number? Use Guest Mode & QR

Many foreigners abandon the Korail Talk App because it asks for Korean phone verification. However, you can bypass this completely using the "Non-Member" feature or the new Station QR system.

  • Method 1: App "Non-Member" Booking Do not try to log in. Simply select "Ticket Reservation" on the main screen. Enter your Name (as on Passport) and Date of Birth, then create a 5-digit password. After paying with an international card, your mobile ticket is issued. You can check or cancel it later via the "Non-member Check" menu using the same password.
  • Method 2: Station QR Scan (No App Needed) At 50 major stations (including Seoul and Busan), look for QR codes near ticket windows or vending machines. Scanning these opens a multi-language mobile web page (English/Chinese/Japanese) where you can book instantly with a passport number and credit card, without installing any app.

4. Payment & Sold Out Alternatives

You do not need to sign up for a membership to pay. Prepare your passport information and a valid international credit card (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, Amex).

  • Important Note on Membership Korail Membership requires strict phone verification. Foreigners are advised to use the "Non-Member" (Guest) mode described above. Korail Pass holders can also reserve seats via the app without a Korean number.
  • What if trains are sold out? If all KTX/SRT tickets are gone, the Express Bus is the best alternative. It is comfortable and covers more cities. 👉 How to Book Express Bus (Kobus Guide)

You can check the train schedule and book your tickets directly at the link below.