A reader named H.W. writes in:

You really have a great blog about South Korea. It's nice to learn many things about South Korea from your blog. When I wrote my comment at your blog about Cheongok Cave, I really didn't know that you have this great blog. It's more amazing to realize that you are not Korean.

I think I need your help, and yes, may be I just need your guidance to inform me where I may find the answers in your blog. I also have found Haesindang Park in Gangwon-do in your blog. Do you know how to get there if not from Samcheok? Is there transportation to go there from Singi Station? If possible, I will go to Gangwon-do from Seoul by train. Do you have informations about Naju in Jeollanam-do? About how to get to The Blessed Mother's House and the Holly Mountain? Do you have detail informations about KR Pass?

One more thing. Is it possible for me to use electicity during my journey with trains? I mean, is there electric socket in trains? (KTX and Mugungwha trains?) Do you know the differences between first class and second class in Mugunghwa trains?

Hi H.W., several good questions, so let's get to them individually.

I also have found Haesindang Park in Gangwon-do in your blog. Do you know how to get there if not from Samcheok? Is there transportation to go there from Singi Station?

Samcheok is the closest city of any size, and is the only area to catch a bus from. If you rent a car you can get there from anywhere, of course. There may be a bus from Singi station - I would call +82-033-1330 to ask the government-funded tourism hotline.

I'm afraid I haven't visited those areas yet - Google those names and you might find some more information :)You've probably already seen the KR Pass page if you've used a search engine. For those reading at home, the KR Pass is an unlimited-use pass for a given number of days. You have to buy them before coming to Korea, and they're only for foreigners not taking up residence in Korea. Quite honestly, I wouldn't bother with it. Some of the areas in Korea are better - or ONLY - serviced by bus or subway, which the KR Pass wouldn't cover. Also, you'd have to do quite a bit of traveling via trains - and only trains - to make them worth your while. 75,900 won for three days worth of train traveling sounds good, but you'd have to make 2 long or 4-6 medium-length trips in three days to make it worth that amount.

Every train station has at least one automated ticketing machine with an English option to help you buy tickets, show the schedules, etc. There's also the matter of exchanging your 'pass' for the ticket - from what I've seen it's an uncommon procedure, and would probably be more hassle than its worth. You're better off buying your tickets at the train stations (or bus terminals) as you go.
Some KTX trains have places to plug stuff in. These are obviously Korean plugs, so you'd need to carry an adapter or a rather heavy transformer. You may be unable to use your laptop if it needs to be plugged in, but some trains have computers available while on the train. PC bang, or internet cafes, exist in every part of Korea. While it's been awhile since I've ridden the Saemaeul, or second-class trains, I'd be surprised if there wasn't a plug or two around.

If riding the Mugunghwa train (the slower but surprisingly comfortable third-class train), there are plugs at the four corners of the car at chest height. Alternatively, head to the club car for the computers there.
'First class Mugunghwa' does not exist. You cannot buy a train ticket for it online, and I've yet to see any difference in any of the seats in a Mugunghwa class train. The 'sleeping car' that's mentioned on some of the KR pass pages isn't referenced by anyone else. That's no big deal, because the Mugunghwa trains are actually pretty nice - a club car offering computers, massage chairs, and a small cafe, along with wide, comfortable seats. The only catch is that the Mugunghwa trains make many stops at smaller train stations. You may have to take them if you're getting off the beaten path. Just be aware of your options - KTX trains only stop at major cities along their routes.

So what's the difference between first-class and regular trains? If riding the KTX, you get a slightly wider seat and a movie. Oooooh. On a Seoul-to-Busan KTX ride, you're paying a 40% premium for the privilege.

As a whole, traveling around South Korea via public transportation is easy, safe, reliable, and cheap. With few exceptions involving holidays or when going to major festivals, you don't need to buy tickets well ahead of time. You might want to buy your return tickets at the same time as your ticket out of town, but even that's not generally necessary.

Do you have a question about Korea? I'm happy to answer, but do me a favor and search the blog's archives first - there's a good chance your question has already been answered here. If it hasn't, e-mail me at chrisinsouthkorea AT gmail DOT com.

© Chris Backe - 2010

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