Foreigners take discount fare

More foreign than Korean passengers have taken advantage of a 25 percent group discount, intended for those who plan to use the Incheon Airport Railroad Express Train more than four times.

Since April 7, the Korail Airport Railroad, which operates the non-stop express train that runs from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station, has offered passengers a discounted fare for a fifth ride at 6,000 won ($5.40). Normal fare costs 8,000 won.

Incheon Airport Railroad found that 53 percent of those who took advantage of the special group discount were foreigners, and attributed the figure to the fact that oversees travelers often research on coupon and discount offers ahead of their departures.

The number of passengers using the express train has also increased since the discount was offered. The line saw a daily average of 2,084 passengers between Jan. 1 and April 6. That increased to 2,266 passengers between April 7 and Oct. 31.

The Incheon Airport Railroad also runs trains that stop at 11 stations along its route. It sees an average of at least 220,000 passengers per day.

BY SARAH KIM [sarahkim@joongang.co.kr]