KTX

It’s been two and a half weeks since I boarded the KTX and moved my life up to Seoul from Busan.  To say that the transition was a bumpy ride would be an understatement, but I’ve had a lot of support from my parents, my friends back home and in Busan, as well as new friends and colleagues (not to mention superiors) who have helped in many ways (most notably cracking the whip on my landlord to fix my water as well as getting me a sweet new armoire).

KORAIL unionists have begun a strike today, December 9th, against rail privatization. The President of the Korean Railway Workers Union (KRWU) held a press conference on December 3rd demanding “1) the Korail Board of Directors meeting to decide on the establishment of a new Suseo KTX operating company be stopped, 2) the government’s unilateral pursuit of rail fragmentation and privatization be stopped, and 3) a framework for national assembly debate and social dialogue on a policy for rail reform aimed at the advancement of public rail be established.” Privatizing KORAIL could mean mass layoffs and fare increases.

For more information about the strike, click here, and to download a PDF of the file, click here.

by Melissa Tait

So, trains are a great way to travel. Just rock up, no security, as much luggage as you want and a gentle swaying motion as you travel. And I have a ‘thing’ for trains. I like to keep an eye on them…make sure they are running to schedule…maybe even ‘spot’ some interesting ones..and my little interest got a severe workout when I lived across from a train station in Busan. As a Busanite I’m sure you’re aware of the KTX Busan to Seoul express, 300 kms/hour, 2 hours 18 minutes. But here are a few insights which might help you use the train for shorter trips or save a few won.

Types of Trains

...or maybe not.  Maybe it's the kind of day that people like me, who only visit Seoul, want to have or do have because just being there is a special occasion.  Or maybe it's just the kind of day I wish was the norm.


 Either way, this past Sunday, I had one of those great, easy, sunny, fun visits to a big city that isn't mine.

My friend Sam and I had only a few days earlier, had decided to sacrifice some money, and also some sleep, to go to see Morrissey play on Sunday, in Seoul. 

For those of you wondering "Who is Morrissey?"-