With the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) set to launch an indefinite general strike starting at 9 a.m. on the 23rd, KORAIL has shifted to an emergency transport posture.
On the 22nd, KORAIL said, "In preparation for the strike becoming a reality, we will operate a 24-hour emergency response headquarters starting today," and added, "We will mobilize all available personnel to ensure safe train operations and minimize inconvenience to passengers."
During the strike, train operations will be maintained at 75.4% of normal levels for metropolitan subway lines. During the morning commute, more than 90% will run. KTX operations will be reduced to 66.9%, and conventional trains will run at 59% for Saemaeul and 62% for Mugunghwa. Freight trains will prioritize urgent shipments such as import-export cargo and essential industrial goods.
To ease congestion during commuting hours, KORAIL plans to deploy internal staff and outside personnel with driving experience to secure as many train runs as possible. In the event of a strike, 15,317 people will be deployed, including 10,440 essential maintenance staff and 4,877 replacement personnel, which is 62.4% of normal levels.
KORAIL will provide real-time operation information through the mobile app "KORAIL Talk," its website, station announcements, and onboard video systems. Trains suspended due to the strike will automatically be marked as "service suspended," and text messages and app notifications will be sent to ticket holders.
During the strike, penalty fees will be waived if tickets are refunded or changed due to service suspensions. Tickets for trains with suspended service will be fully refunded without a separate request. However, tickets purchased with cash must be returned at station windows within one year.
KORAIL will deploy 212 crowd-control staff at 34 major stations where congestion is expected during commuting hours. A KORAIL official said, "During the strike, please make sure to check whether your train is operating before traveling," and requested, "If unavoidable, please consider using other transportation such as buses."