Sales of KR-PASS, a railway pass exclusively for foreigners, increased by 158 percent this year, according to Korail.

The KR-PASS service grants overseas tourists unlimited access to all of its trains ― including the KTX ― for one to 10 days based on the service users’ choice.

Up to 12,617 purchased the pass from January through November.

Korail believes the number of service users has been surging as more budget tourists opt to take their journey via rail. The state-run railway corporation also believes its promotion efforts via youth hostels and guest houses have been paying off.

KR-PASS is sold at 19 train stations nationwide including Seoul, Ulsan, Suncheon, Donghae and Osong.