South Korea: Rail workers on strike leaves more than 4 million people in travel chaos

Thursday, September 14, 2023

The National Railway Workers’ Union strike has thrown the South Korean transportation system into turmoil, with over 1,000 trains cancelled and more than 4 million people left in travel chaos. This nationwide strike comes at a particularly inconvenient time, coinciding with Chuseok, a major Korean holiday when many people travel to their hometowns to be with family. It has also disrupted the plans of countless tourists and regular commuters.

The strike has led to a wave of frustration as travelers received terse text messages from KORAIL, the national railway operator, alerting them to the “planned suspension of service” during the four-day strike. With limited options for alternative transportation, many have found themselves struggling to secure seats on already overcrowded buses or flights. For some, this has meant the unfortunate cancellation of long-anticipated plans.

The impact of these cancellations extends to both KTX bullet trains and regular trains, including those serving major tourist destinations. Travelers who had meticulously planned their trips are now faced with the harsh reality of disrupted schedules and uncertain alternatives.

One affected traveler from Seoul had intended to enjoy a leisurely family trip to Gangneung but is now contemplating cancellation. The lack of available train seats has forced him to initiate a cascade of cancellations, starting with the hotel reservation he made a month ago. The frustration and inconvenience caused by the strike are palpable.

This strike marks the first of its kind since November 2019, and it has been triggered by various demands from the railway union. Among these demands are the opposition to running the Suseo-bound Super Rapid Train (SRT) separately from the KTX, which the union views as a step toward privatization. They are also advocating for improved night shift conditions and a pay raise to keep pace with inflation.

The government, however, asserts that there are no plans to privatize any part of the national railways. The standoff between the union and the government has left millions of travelers caught in the crossfire, facing unexpected disruptions and uncertainties during a traditionally festive and family-oriented holiday season.

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