82% of Jeonnam Intercity Bus Routes Operating at a Loss... 16 Billion Won to Be Injected This Year

Kwangguk Na Calls for Structural Reform of Intercity Bus Operations
Through Securing National Funding

Kwangguk Na, a Jeonnam Provincial Assembly member from the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Muan 2), has strongly called for securing national funding and overhauling the operational system to address the chronic deficit structure of intercity bus operations in Jeonnam Province.

According to Jeonnam Province on April 21, out of a total of 218 intercity bus routes in the province, 179 routes (82%) are currently operating at a loss. To cover these deficits, the provincial government plans to inject a total of 16 billion won in provincial funds this year, an increase of 2 billion won through the latest supplementary budget.

Kwangguk Na, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member.

During the first supplementary budget review for the Construction and Transportation Bureau, Assembly member Na stated, "Despite ongoing financial support, both the number of intercity bus users and the quality of service have declined, resulting in a vicious cycle where only provincial funds are repeatedly injected." He emphasized, "We must actively secure national funding, such as through the government’s support program for remote area routes, and establish a practical and sustainable intercity bus operation system based on the needs of local residents."

He also added, "Given the ongoing population decline, the current approach will inevitably lead to even greater deficits. To realize metropolitan public transportation services that residents can truly feel, an innovative structural overhaul is necessary."

In response, Inki Moon, Director of the Construction and Transportation Bureau, stated, "With Jeonnam Province facing overall financial difficulties, we will make sure to secure national funding for intercity bus routes next year. Based on the results of the bus operation system improvement study, which will be conducted by early next year, we will work to fundamentally transform Jeonnam’s metropolitan public transportation system."

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