Ham Jin-gyu, President of Korea Expressway Corporation, "Considering Realistic Toll Fees on Highways Next Year"

Holiday Toll Exemption Continues
Emphasis on the Need for PSO Compensation

Ham Jin-kyu, President of Korea Expressway Corporation, hinted at the possibility of raising highway tolls to reflect reality. However, he believes it will be difficult to do so immediately considering the economic situation.

Ham Jin-gyu, President of Korea Expressway Corporation, is speaking at a meeting with reporters from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on the 25th. / Photo by Yonhap News

At a press briefing with reporters from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on the 25th, President Ham said, "Tolls have not been raised even once since a 4.7% increase in 2015," adding, "I think the increase will become visible around next year once the economy revitalizes."

However, the policy of toll exemption during holidays will continue. President Ham stated, "As far as I know, only South Korea and China exempt tolls during holidays worldwide," and added, "Since this has already spread among the public beyond political regimes, it seems difficult to switch to paid tolls."

Regarding criticism that rest area snacks such as hot bars are sold at prices too high compared to their cost, he said, "As the COVID-19 crisis is ending, there have been complaints about high prices, and we are in discussions with the operators," emphasizing, "However, if the quality drops, prices should not be cheap. The taste must also be good." To provide cost-effective snacks, they plan to reduce the operators' rent, which will be actively pursued starting in June. He also proposed a "Buffet in a Box," allowing customers to enjoy a variety of foods at the same price.

Regarding the undergrounding project of the Gyeongbu Expressway, he mentioned that consultation with Seoul City is necessary concerning the development of idle land above the Yongin?Seoul section. President Ham said, "If the Yongin?Yangjae section is undergrounded, idle land will be created around the Seoul tollgate, which we intend to develop," adding, "Seoul City seems to want to create a park or hotel there. We will coordinate from a public interest perspective."

The ongoing highway undergrounding projects currently promoted by the corporation include the Gyeongin Line (Incheon?Seoul), Gyeongbu Line (Yongin?Seoul), Metropolitan Area 1st Ring Expressway (Guri?Seongnam), and Yeongdong Line (Yongin?Gwacheon).

Additionally, President Ham stated that the government must protect the corporation’s Public Service Obligation (PSO) compensation. PSO is a system where the government compensates for operating losses incurred while providing services for public interest purposes. He said, “When I was in the National Assembly’s Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, I did not realize the PSO issue for the corporation was this serious," pointing out, "The uncompensated PSO amount is 350 billion won annually, not cumulative."

He continued, "Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) receives full compensation, but according to regulations, KORAIL is mandatory while the corporation is voluntary," adding, "Even if the law is amended through consultation with related ministries, wouldn’t it be right to align with KORAIL?"

Meanwhile, regarding whether he will run in next year’s general election, he replied, "I have not been at the corporation for long. Since I have been given the opportunity to work on practical matters, I personally have no plans."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.