Seoul: Unionized railway workers announced plans on Thursday for an indefinite general strike beginning December 5, aimed at securing higher wages and a larger workforce. If realized, this strike by the Korean Railway Workers' Union (KRWU) is anticipated to disrupt high-speed KTX, regular train services nationwide, and subway operations in the capital region.According to Yonhap News Agency, the union has been engaged in a slowdown strike since Monday. KRWU members announced at a news conference held in front of Seoul Station that they would commence a full-scale walkout on December 5 unless there is a shift in stance from the government and their employer, Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL). "The general strike will be an inevitable choice. The struggle of railway workers to ensure the safety of citizens and trains and the recognition of their fair labor is justified," the union declared.The proposed strike is expected to lead to considerable disruptions in rail services across the country, with unionized Seou l subway workers already planning to initiate a full-scale strike on December 6 for similar demands of wage increases and additional staffing.The KRWU's "work-to-rule" protest, which entails strict adherence to work regulations as a form of protest, entered its fourth day on Thursday, causing delays in subway and commuter train services in the capital area. KORAIL reported that out of 470 subway and above-ground trains operating in the greater Seoul area between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., 14 trains were delayed by more than 20 minutes, a decrease from the 23 trains delayed during the same period the previous year. Despite these delays, KTX and regular train services continued to operate normally during the day, with KORAIL warning that any violations of company rules or laws by striking workers would be dealt with strictly.
- October 12, 2026
