Seoul Overpass Collapse Halts 20% of Train Services

Train services are facing significant disruptions after a partial collapse of the Seosomun overpass in Seoul's Seodaemun-gu district on May 26. By May 27, nearly 20% of all train operations were suspended, impacting thousands of commuters.

According to Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL), 131 out of 683 daily train services were canceled, leaving only 80.8% of normal operations running. High-speed KTX trains are particularly affected, with services reduced to 74% of their usual frequency. Routes between Seoul and Haengsin, and Seoul and Cheongnyangni, are suspended. Consequently, KTX trains on the Gyeongbu and Honam lines now operate only between Seoul and Busan, and Yongsan and Mokpo/Yeosu Expo, respectively. The Gangneung line KTX runs only between Cheongnyangni, Gangneung, and Bujeon stations.

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Refunds for canceled tickets will be processed without penalty, and tickets paid by credit card will be automatically refunded.

Other conventional trains, including ITX Saemaeul, ITX-Cheongchun, and Mugunghwa, are running at 87.2% capacity, with 45 cancellations out of 352 services. ITX trains on the Gyeongbu, Honam, and Jeolla lines now depart from or arrive at Suwon Station. Mugunghwa trains on the Gyeongbu line operate between Daejeon and Busan, on the Honam line between Seodaejeon and Mokpo/Yeosu Expo, and on the Janghang line between Iksan and Cheonan. Significant delays are also expected due to debris and power outages affecting access to maintenance depots.

KORAIL has stated that passengers whose tickets are canceled or whose trains are delayed by more than 20 minutes will receive full refunds without penalty. Delay compensation will also be provided based on the duration of the delay. The corporation advises passengers to check the latest train schedules and operational status via the "KORAILTalk" mobile app, website, or customer service center before traveling, as operations may be further adjusted based on the city's recovery efforts.

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Please be sure to check the train times and operating status in advance through the mobile app 'KORAILTalk', website, and the railway customer center (1588-7788) before using the train, as train operations may be further adjusted depending on the progress of the accident recovery work by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.