Seoul: Unionized workers of Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL), the national railway operator, announced Wednesday that they will initiate an indefinite general strike this week. The decision comes in the wake of unsuccessful wage negotiations, with demands for higher pay and an expanded workforce going unmet. The protest is slated to commence on Thursday.According to Yonhap News Agency, KORAIL and the union engaged in last-minute negotiations earlier in the day; however, they were unable to reach a consensus. This impending strike marks the first such action by the railway union since September of the previous year. The industrial action is anticipated to disrupt the operations of high-speed KTX trains and regular train services nationwide, as well as subway services in the capital region.In response, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Park Sang-woo, has directed authorities to optimize the utilization of all available transportation resources, including express and inter-city buses, taxis, a nd domestic flights, to reduce public inconvenience. The ministry outlined plans to deploy additional personnel for KTX and metropolitan subway services during peak commuting hours to assist passengers.Furthermore, the government is preparing to operate a 24-hour joint transportation task force in collaboration with related agencies and local governments until the conclusion of the railway strike. Meanwhile, KORAIL has devised its own countermeasures, which include establishing a 24-hour emergency team and deploying officials experienced in operating KTX and subway trains. The company also aims to enhance its customer services by sending mobile notifications and making announcements at train stations.
- September 13, 2026
