Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) will implement an emergency transportation system in preparation for a railway strike. The Korean Railway Workers’ Union has announced an indefinite general strike starting at 9 a.m. on December 23.
On December 22, KORAIL announced that it would establish and operate a comprehensive response plan against the railway union strike, including running a 24-hour emergency response headquarters led by the acting president.
During the strike warning period, train operation rates compared to normal are expected to be maintained at 66.9% for KTX, 59% for Saemaeul-ho, and 62% for Mugunghwa-ho. Freight trains will mainly transport urgent cargo such as export-import goods and essential industrial supplies, operating at 21.5% of normal levels.
If the strike proceeds, a total of 15,317 personnel-including 10,440 essential maintenance staff and 4,877 substitute workers-will be assigned to on-site work. This represents 62.4% of the usual on-site workforce.
Substitute workers, including train operators, will mainly consist of experienced personnel with prior train operation experience and the ability to respond to emergencies. Before being assigned to work, they received hands-on field training and completed all necessary certifications and legal training required by the Railway Safety Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
To prevent confusion among train passengers, KORAIL will provide updates on the strike situation through its mobile app “KORAIL Talk,” the official website, station announcements, the passenger information system (TIDS), and onboard video displays.
Additionally, passengers with tickets for trains scheduled to be suspended due to the strike will receive individual text messages and push notifications via KORAIL Talk. If tickets are refunded or changed due to train suspensions, cancellation fees will be waived, and tickets for suspended trains will be fully refunded automatically without the need for a separate application.
A KORAIL representative stated, “During the strike period, please make sure to check train operation status before using train services.”
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