South Korea: Rail services resume normal operations on Gyeongbu Line Jan. 6 after train derailment near Yeongdong Tunnel /update 1

Event

Passenger service has normalized on the Korea Train eXpress (KTX) Gyeongbu Line as of the morning of Jan. 6. Officials delayed and suspended over 130 train services following a train derailment at around 12:46 Jan. 5 near a tunnel in Yeongdong, North Chungcheong Province. The incident occurred between Yeongdong and Gimcheon Gumi stations after a steel structure in the tunnel fell and collided with the train. Reports indicate that the incident injured 17 people; there were no fatalities in the derailment.

While service has resumed on the line, which connects Seoul to Busan, officials could slow train speeds near the accident site and slightly longer travel times remain possible.

Advice

Plan accordingly for possible longer travel times. Allow additional time for travel on the Gyeongbu Line.