Korail Enters Emergency Transport System Amid Railway Union General Strike... "Minimizing Inconvenience"

Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) is preparing for the nationwide railway union strike by operating a 24-hour emergency response headquarters led by the vice president.

On the 4th, one day before the nationwide strike announced by the National Railroad Workers' Union, a notice about train operation adjustments was posted at Seoul Station. / Photo by Yonhap News

KORAIL announced that it has entered an emergency transportation system to ensure safe train operations amid the indefinite general strike announced by the railway union starting from the 5th. The plan is to minimize inconvenience to passengers by mobilizing all available resources.

In particular, during peak commuting hours when passenger volume is high, KORAIL will deploy available resources including internal staff with driving experience and external personnel to metropolitan subway and KTX trains to maximize the number of train operations.

During the strike notice period, the operation rates compared to normal times by train type are 75% for metropolitan subways (over 90% during commuting hours), 67% for KTX, 58% for Saemaeul trains, and 62% for Mugunghwa trains. Freight trains will focus on transporting urgent cargo such as import/export goods and essential industrial items, maintaining 22% of normal operation levels.

The operational workforce during the strike will total 14,861 personnel, including 10,348 essential maintenance staff and 4,513 substitute workers, which is about 60.2% of the usual workforce. Substitute personnel such as engineers will be experienced professionals with train operation experience and emergency response capabilities. They will receive on-site practical training before deployment and complete mandatory education under the Railroad Safety Act and the Industrial Safety and Health Act.

KORAIL plans to strengthen customer guidance through its mobile app 'KORAIL Talk,' website, station announcements, the Passenger Information Display System (TIDS), and onboard video devices to prevent confusion among train passengers.

Additionally, since 6 p.m. the previous day, KORAIL has been sending individual text messages (SMS) and KORAIL Talk push notifications to customers who booked tickets for trains suspended due to the strike. If further operational adjustments occur, KORAIL will update pop-ups on KORAIL Talk and the website in real time and provide guidance via SMS, according to KORAIL.

During the strike notice period, penalties for ticket cancellations or changes will be waived. Tickets for trains that are suspended will be fully refunded without a separate refund application. However, cash-purchased tickets must be refunded at the nearest station within one year.

Furthermore, KORAIL plans to deploy 187 order maintenance personnel at 43 major stations where congestion on electric trains is expected during commuting hours. A KORAIL official urged, "Please be sure to check train operation status before traveling during the strike period, and busy customers are encouraged to use alternative transportation such as buses or airlines."