Korail launches rail-and-rural pass for a unique summer 'village vacation'

A special travel package designed for a "village vacation" — a trendy getaway to rural Korea — is back on sale this summer.

Korea Railroad Corporation, known as Korail, launched its "Local Love Rail Travel x Rural Tour Pass" on Wednesday to help boost the economies of regions experiencing population decline.

The combined pass bundles two benefits: a 50 percent discount on train fares under the "Local Love Rail Travel" program and access to rural experiences, dining and tourist attractions in the destination region through the "Rural Tour Pass."

First introduced last year, the product has expanded its coverage from 10 regions to 20 this year, giving travelers a wider range of destinations.

The 20 destinations span seven provincial zones — Gangwon Province, North Chungcheong Province, South Chungcheong Province, North Jeolla Province, South Jeolla Province, North Gyeongsang Province and South Gyeongsang Province — all designated as population-decline areas. The pass will remain available through December.

The pass comes in two versions: a same-day option and a one-night, two-day option. The total price is the half-price round-trip train fare plus the cost of the Rural Tour Pass.

For example, the "Jecheon–North Chungcheong Rural Tour Pass 24-hour" package combines a 50 percent discount on a round-trip KTX fare between Seoul and Jecheon (17,000 won) with the 24-hour North Chungcheong Rural Tour Pass (24,000 won), bringing the total to 41,000 won ($26).

The pass is valid at designated partner venues within each zone, including rural activity centers offering horseback riding, gardening and traditional liquor making, as well as tourist sites and local restaurants. Usage is subject to a set time period or a fixed number of visits.

Tickets can be purchased through the Korail mobile app "Korail Talk" or the Korail website, from one month to five days before the intended travel date.

"This product lets you enjoy train travel, local sightseeing and rural experiences all in one affordable package," said Lee Min-seong, head of Korail's passenger business division. "We hope travelers will step away from familiar tourist spots and discover the unique charm of local Korea."