Rail Travel Pass 'Naero', Now Available to Everyone Without Age Restrictions

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chunhee] The 'Naero' rail travel pass operated by Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) is being reborn as a pass available to everyone by significantly removing age and period restrictions.

KORAIL announced on the 20th that it will launch a new free travel pass called 'Naero Second Story' on the 21st, which allows the use of KTX seats and removes age restrictions.

KORAIL currently operates the free travel pass 'Naero,' launched in 2007. It allows those aged 25 and under to freely use standing and non-reserved seats on regular trains for a set period regardless of the section.

The newly introduced 'Naero Second Story' expands the available trains to include KTX, in line with recent travel trends. It also introduces an 'Adult (General)' pass with no age restrictions, available to the entire population and sold year-round. Accordingly, the existing Naero, which operated during the summer (June to August) and winter (December to February) seasons, is divided into a 'Youth (25 and under)' pass. The Youth pass also allows KTX use.

Depending on the usage period, the passes are sold as a 'Consecutive 7-day pass' and a 'Selectable 3-day pass.' The Consecutive 7-day pass can be used freely for one week from the start date of travel. The Selectable 3-day pass allows use on any 3 days within a 7-day validity period. Prices are set at 110,000 KRW for the 7-day pass and 100,000 KRW for the 3-day pass for adults. For those 25 and under, the 7-day pass is 60,000 KRW and the 3-day pass is 50,000 KRW.

KTX seats can be used once per day (twice in total during the period), and regular train seats can be used twice per day. Standing (non-reserved) seats on regular trains can be used freely.

KORAIL will temporarily expand seat reservations on regular trains up to 4 times per day until the end of COVID-19, as the use of standing and non-reserved seats on regular trains is restricted. Also, the Youth pass age limit will be temporarily expanded to 34 years old until February next year, and the Youth pass usage period, previously limited to summer and winter seasons, will be operated year-round only for this year.

The Naero pass can be purchased from 7 days before the desired boarding date. Seat reservations are available via the mobile application 'KORAIL Talk' and at ticket offices nationwide. However, it cannot be used during major holiday transportation periods.

For more details, please check the KORAIL website or the railroad customer center.