[Report] "Double Booking Even for Express Buses"... Confusion Among KTX Passengers on First Day of Railroad Union Strike

Indefinite General Strike Starting at 9 AM on the 5th
Citizens' Complaints Erupt
KORAIL Enters Emergency Transport System

"Please check whether the train is delayed or suspended."

At around 7:30 a.m. on the 5th, the electronic display board at the KTX platform of Seoul Station in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, continuously broadcast announcements informing passengers of train service suspensions due to the nationwide railway labor union (Railway Union) strike. Red letters appeared repeatedly on the display board. As KTX train operations were suspended one after another, citizens' frustrations erupted. Mr. Jo Han-jun (21), who was waiting for the KTX Sancheon train, said, "Before coming to the station, I kept checking the train suspension status frequently through the Korail application (app). Fortunately, the train departed as scheduled, but passengers who missed their trains must have been very confused." Office worker Mr. Park Jin-ho (33) said, "I bought a high-speed bus ticket as a backup, considering the possibility of train suspensions due to the strike, even if it meant losing money. I was relieved to hear that the trains were operating normally, but the train returning from Daegu to Seoul the next day was suspended, so I am looking for other options," showing a worried expression.

Contrary to concerns, there was no chaos on the subway during the morning commute. Trains arrived every five minutes, and passengers waiting in a single line in front of the screen doors were all boarded at once. University student Kim Ji-yoon (20) said, "I left 30 minutes earlier than usual, fearing train delays, but the station was less crowded than expected, so I am not too worried." Ji Ye-rim (25) said, "After hearing about the strike, I was worried the subway might be late, so I left home early. I commute to Doksan Station every morning, and fortunately, the station was not much more crowded than usual." Japanese tourist Mr. Michishige (34) said, "Among Japanese people, information was shared on YouTube and TikTok advising travelers to prepare for the railway strike in Korea. I hurriedly left the hotel fearing I might be late for the airport, but it seems there was no need to worry much."

The Railway Union began an indefinite general strike starting at 9 a.m. on the 5th. This is the first Railway Union strike in one year and three months since September last year. The Railway Union demanded ▲ a 2.5% wage increase ▲ resolution of unpaid performance bonuses ▲ full implementation of the 4-team 2-shift system, but after last-minute negotiations broke down the day before, they proceeded with the general strike. Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail) operates metropolitan rail lines including Lines 1, 3, and 4, the Suin-Bundang Line, the Gyeongui-Jungang Line, and the Seohae Line. Korail has entered an emergency transport system to ensure safe train operations and plans to mobilize all available resources to minimize passenger inconvenience.

During the strike, the operation rates compared to normal times by train type are 75% for metropolitan subways (over 90% during rush hours), 67% for KTX (75% including SRT), 58% for Saemaeul trains, and 62% for Mugunghwa trains. Freight trains will transport mainly urgent cargo such as import/export goods and essential industrial supplies, maintaining 22% of normal operation rates. The operating personnel total 14,861, including 10,348 essential maintenance staff and 4,513 substitute workers, which is 60.2% of normal staffing levels. Substitute personnel such as engineers are experienced and capable of handling emergencies.

During the strike, penalties are waived for ticket refunds or changes. Tickets for trains that have been suspended will be fully refunded without a separate refund application. A Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport official said, "We will concentrate safety personnel at major KTX transfer stations during peak hours and deploy police and other control personnel as needed to maintain safety within railway stations more thoroughly than usual. We repeatedly urge the Railway Union to withdraw the strike plan and resume dialogue between labor and management."