Travel updates
Changes that affect your trip, checked against official and Korean-language sources. Each one links to the guide we updated.
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October 20, 2026
KTX and SRT Have Merged: What Changes for Seoul–Busan Trains
Since September 1, 2026, KTX and SRT run as one system. Seoul–Busan standard fares dropped to 54,400 won, and one app books trains from both Seoul Station and Suseo.
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October 20, 2026
Panmunjom (JSA) Tours Are Closed to Foreigners in 2026
The Ministry of Unification is not running Panmunjom tours for foreign visitors. You can still see the Third Tunnel and Dora Observatory on Paju City's DMZ tour.
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October 20, 2026
You Can Now Buy Seoul Subway Passes With a Foreign Card (But Not Top Up T-money)
Since March 17, 2026, 440 newer machines in 273 Seoul subway stations take foreign Visa and Mastercard cards for the Climate Card pass and single tickets. Regular T-money top-ups are still cash.
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October 20, 2026
New K-Tour Pass: 40% Off the KTX to Busan for Foreign Visitors
A 15,000 won pass launched on October 1, 2026, gives foreign visitors 40% off a one-way KTX or express bus to Busan, 50% off the AREX Express, and free entry to one Busan attraction.
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October 20, 2026
Jeju's Manjanggul Lava Tube Has Reopened
Closed for more than two years after a rockfall, Manjanggul reopened on May 30, 2026, with a new viewing deck and lighting.
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October 20, 2026
Hallasan Winter Trail Hours Start: Summit Entry Closes at 11:30
From October 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027, Hallasan's trails close earlier. The summit trails stop letting hikers in at 11:30.
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October 20, 2026
Busan's Taejongdae Danubi Train Is Suspended
The Danubi tourist train at Taejongdae has been stopped since an accident in July 2026, and no restart date has been announced.
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October 20, 2026
Korean Restaurants That Hide or Inflate Prices Now Face Suspension
Since August 4, 2026, a restaurant that doesn't post its prices or charges more than posted can be shut for 5 days on a first offense. Jeju has a tourist complaints hotline: 1533-0082.
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October 20, 2026
Everland Raises Prices, and Its Twin Pandas Leave for China in December
Everland's 1-day pass rose to 71,000 won in peak months from October 6, 2026. The twin pandas Lui Bao and Hui Bao move to China in the third week of December.