Seosomun Overpass Collapse Enters Second Day... Over 120 KTX Services Suspended or Altered

Power Outage on Overhead Lines...
Check 'KORAIL Talk' Before Departure

On May 27, starting from the first train of the day, more than 120 high-speed (KTX) and regular train services were suspended or had their routes changed due to the aftermath of the Seosomun overpass collapse in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. This measure was taken after the elevated demolition structure fell onto the overhead wires between Seoul Station and Sinchon Station, causing a power outage. As the on-site restoration by the Seoul Metropolitan Government is expected to take a considerable amount of time, train delays and service reductions are likely to continue for the time being.

On the 27th, the notice screen of the "KORAIL Talk" application. Information on train operation suspensions and route changes due to the Seoul Seosomun Overpass collapse can be checked by high-speed, semi-high-speed, and regular trains. Screenshot of the "KORAIL Talk" screen

According to KORAIL on this day, all KTX services between Haengsin Station, where the train depot is located, and Seoul Station have been completely suspended. The KTX Gyeongbu Line and Honam Line are operating only between Seoul and Busan, and between Yongsan and Mokpo/Yeosu EXPO, respectively. Notably, these KTX trains are making temporary stops at all stations, including those they usually pass through without stopping, resulting in inevitable overall delays in travel time. The KTX Gangneung Line and Jungang Line are operating only between Cheongnyangni Station and Gangneung or Bujeon, respectively.

For regular trains, many departure stations have been shifted from Seoul and Yongsan Stations to areas further south. This is to prevent track congestion at Seoul Station, where KTX trains that could not return to the Haengsin depot remain stationed. All ITX-Saemaeul and ITX-Ma-eum trains now depart from and arrive at Suwon Station. Mugunghwa-ho trains are operating only on selected sections for each line: Daejeon to Busan on the Gyeongbu Line, Seodaejeon to Mokpo/Yeosu EXPO on the Honam Line, and Iksan to Cheonan on the Janghang Line.

Among the commuter trains used by metropolitan area passengers, service on the Gyeongui Line between Seoul Station and Susaek Station has been suspended, and trains are operating only between Munsan Station and Susaek Station. Line 1 and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line (Munsan-Yongsan-Yongmun) are operating normally.

On the 26th, at the demolition site of the Seosomun overpass in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, the bridge deck collapsed, and firefighters are conducting rescue operations. Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang

KORAIL deployed late-night temporary commuter trains on four lines, including Line 1 and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line, the previous night. As soon as the restoration work is completed, the company plans to inspect the overhead lines, rails, signal equipment, and other facilities to determine whether normal operations can resume.

Depending on the on-site recovery situation, additional changes to departure and arrival stations may occur, so passengers are advised to check individual train operations in advance through the 'KORAIL Talk' application and the official website. A KORAIL official stated, "We have dispatched an emergency recovery team to the site and are carrying out restoration work," adding, "Passengers with urgent schedules are advised to use alternative transportation if possible."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.