Korean Job Discussion Forums

sallymonster · Joined: 06 Feb 2010 Location: Seattle area

I'm planning a trip for Foundation Day weekend (October 1-3). Unfortunately, when I went online to buy KTX tickets, from their Korean website, for October 1st (exactly one month from now), the ticket-buying screen wouldn't come up. I kept trying and trying, and finally I called Korail customer service, who told me that I couldn't buy tickets for October until September 20th (!). They said it was because of some new KTX line, which I won't be using.

Please tell me they're b.s.-ing me. . . I'm planning this trip for my meetup group, and I'd like it to be finalized more than 10 days before we're due to leave. . . And imagine the mad rush to buy tickets for the 3-day weekend! Of, course, I'll keep trying, check at the stations too, and keep everybody posted.

hogwonguy1979 · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: the racoon den

I'm trying to do the same thing and was just up at Yongsan Station and the machines were giving me error messages, last week I was in there and the guy at the tourist information counter said come back next week since it will be less than a month out, Today I went back to the tourist info desk and I got a "the train schedule is changing in October and we dont know when you can buy tickets" bs.

I love Korail but they are a pain in the behind when it comes to english help or information on getting tickets

Jake_Kim · Joined: 27 Aug 2005 Location: Seoul

sallymonster · Joined: 06 Feb 2010 Location: Seattle area

Well, you'd think that in all the time it took to build this new KTX line, that they'd figure out all the necessary schedule changes in order to implement it properly.

I know, I know. . . Korean last-minute planning. . . Rolling Eyes

broonie30 · Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2011 4:19 am Post subject:

So does that mean that the new KTX line to Yeosu will open on September 20th? Anybody have any idea if it will definitely stop in Suncheon? Been waiting on this line opening forever!!

sallymonster · Joined: 06 Feb 2010 Location: Seattle area

Well, it's now September 20th, and I still can't buy tickets. I called Korail again, and they informed me that now tickets are going on sale on September 24th. This is getting ridiculous. . . next they'll probably be telling me that I'll have to buy tickets the day I travel. . . Rolling Eyes

I think I'll just settle for an express bus.

sallymonster · Joined: 06 Feb 2010 Location: Seattle area

And to top it all off, a popular expat travel group claims to be able to get KTX tickets for October, so it's possible that Korail has set the schedules but ordinary people like me are just not "in the know" enough to get the tickets. . . Rolling Eyes

akcrono · Joined: 11 Mar 2010

Overhauling the system to accommodate a new line is a huge undertaking. Advanced ticketing is hardly a priority when they have so many more important things to do (and regulations to conform to). Besides, ordering your tickets a few days before you leave should be no problem.

I don't mean to be offensive, but you need to calm down. There are more important things to worry about (both for you and KORAIL).

sallymonster · Joined: 06 Feb 2010 Location: Seattle area

Well, I'm not going to calm down if it really does turn out that some people are being allowed to buy tickets now while the rest of us are forced to wait. I'm not going to pay some third party just to secure KTX tickets that I can usually buy directly myself.

akcrono · Joined: 11 Mar 2010

It's unusual for people to be unable to purchase tickets this close to the departure date. This will not be a common occurrence. It's the reality of the situation. You can either be upset with it or be understanding (in the same way you would wish irate customers at your job would be understanding to you).

Its also possible that these groups, who probably rely on steady business during this time, to start lists of tickets which will be purchased once KORAIL makes them available. That way they can still guarantee travel for their client.