On the First Day of the Railroad Union Strike, No Commute Chaos... but "Worries About the Return Trip"

"Due to the strike by the National Railway Workers' Union, some electric train operations are being adjusted, and train delays are expected. We kindly ask our busy customers to use alternative transportation. Korea Railroad Corporation will do its best to normalize train operations."

On the 14th, when the railway union began a four-day temporary strike, information related to train operations was posted on the electronic display board in the waiting room of Seoul Station. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

At around 7:30 a.m. on the 14th at Sindorim Station on Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 1 in Guro-gu, Seoul, announcements about the strike by the National Railway Workers' Union (Railway Union) were continuously broadcast. Although the Railway Union planned to start a general strike from 9 a.m. that day, trains operated at normal levels during the morning rush hour, so there was no major disruption. Commuters using Line 1 or transferring to Line 2 at this station experienced no difference from usual. Office worker Park (34) said, "I left earlier than usual, worried the subway might be late, but fortunately, there were no particular problems," adding, "I hope operations remain normal during the evening commute as well." University student Lee (22) said, "I had no idea there was a railway strike," and added, "I use Line 1 to get to school, and I didn't feel any inconvenience today."

At around 8 a.m. at Seoul Station, there was also no anticipated chaos. Announcements about train operation disruptions due to the strike were repeatedly broadcast, and related notices were posted throughout the station, but there were no delays in operating trains. Housewife Park (46) said, "I came with my 8-year-old daughter to go to Yangsan, Gyeongnam. We booked tickets in advance, and since there were no delays, I think there will be no problem using the train."

However, there were also voices expressing concern about the railway strike. Office worker Shin (33, male) said, "My workplace is near Seoul Station, so I usually take the train from Suwon Station to commute. I knew about the strike from the news," adding, "I'm very worried about the commute home today." Some passengers had to urgently find alternative train tickets after their reserved trains were canceled. Kim (49, female) said, "I have a business trip to the provinces, but the operation of the train I booked was suspended, so I hurriedly found another ticket," adding, "It was fortunate to get a ticket, but many were sold out, which was quite nerve-wracking."

Korea Railroad Corporation announced that during the morning rush hour on that day, metropolitan subway operations ran at 98% of normal levels. They also explained that during the strike period scheduled until the 18th, metropolitan subway operations during rush hours will be maintained at over 90% of normal levels. However, outside of these times, operations are expected to run at 75% of normal for metropolitan subways, 68% for KTX, 58% for Saemaeul trains, and 63% for Mugunghwa trains, so passenger inconvenience is anticipated. The Railway Union will hold a general strike rally with about 5,000 participants in front of Exit 3 of Seoul Station on Line 1 at noon that day.