On the first day of integrated KTX and SRT operations, over 213,000 passengers used the high-speed rail service. The number of seats available from the Suseo line increased by more than 30% compared to last year, improving booking convenience.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Korea Railroad Corporation reported on September 2 that 213,000 passengers utilized the high-speed rail on September 1, marking a 7.9% increase from the same day last year. The total number of available seats was 253,000, a 6.3% rise from the previous year.
For the Suseo line, which previously faced significant seat shortages, passenger numbers reached 64,000, an 11.3% increase from last year. The number of available seats rose to 65,000, a 30.5% increase, indicating improved booking conditions, according to the ministry.
No accidents or disruptions occurred on the first day of integrated operations. The ministry and Korail are focusing on stabilizing initial operations by maintaining a 24-hour emergency response team and deploying safety experts on-site.
To minimize confusion caused by changes in train schedules and types, Korail has increased the number of staff at major stations. They are also enhancing guidance and notifications through the integrated app.
With the integration already showing some benefits in seat supply, the upcoming Chuseok holiday period will be a critical test for booking stability and crowd management.
Kim Tae-byeong, head of the Railway Bureau at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stated, “We will continue to prioritize safety and closely monitor operational conditions to ensure that the benefits of high-speed rail integration translate into tangible advantages for the public.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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