Double Penalty for 'Freeloader' Cancelling Seats Right Before Departure

Starting from the 28th of next month, cancellation fees (penalties) for train tickets such as KTX and SRT on weekends (Friday to Sunday) and public holidays will increase to double the current rates.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL), and SR on the 27th, the penalty system for weekend and public holiday train cancellations will be revised to increase the penalties.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport stated that the goal of this revision is to prevent last-minute refunds, improve seat turnover, and enhance the public service and efficiency of rail operations.

Currently, according to refund regulations, passengers who book train tickets for Friday to Sunday and public holidays and then cancel face penalties of: 400 won one day before departure, up to 10% before departure, and up to 70% after departure.

Despite these cancellation penalties, the number of 'freeloaders' who cancel tickets right before departure has not decreased. According to KORAIL, around 45.2% (approximately 2.25 million seats) of the tickets sold during the Chuseok period (September 13 – September 18) were canceled.

Among these, the seats that could not be resold and went vacant amounted to 10.66% (approximately 240,000 seats).

As a result of the 'freeloaders', passengers who actually want to use the trains are unable to secure seats, leading to wasted seating.

The root cause of this issue has been identified as 'cheap penalties'.

Increased Additional Fares for Fare Evasion… Restrictions on Passengers Causing Noise and Odors

In response, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has decided to strengthen the penalty system based on the train departure time: 400 won for 2 days prior, 5% of the fare for 1 day prior, 10% for 3 hours before departure on the same day, 20% from 3 hours after departure up to the departure time, and 30% until 20 minutes after departure. The existing penalty rates during weekdays will remain in effect.

Starting in October, the amount to be paid (additional fare) when caught boarding without a ticket will also increase.

At one time, if passengers could not secure a ticket, they shared a method among internet users where they would board the train and then confess to the station staff and pay the additional fare.

For instance, if someone were caught fare evading a KTX from Seoul to Busan, they would previously pay 89,700 won, which is 1.5 times the fare (59,800 won), but going forward, they will have to pay 119,600 won, which is twice the fare.

Additionally, new regulations will be established to maintain order on trains and protect customers. From now on, passengers causing disturbances such as noise or odors that interfere with others' enjoyment of the train may face restrictions on their train use.

Yoon Jin-hwan, head of the Railway Bureau at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, explained, "We have adjusted cancellation fees and additional fares upward to ensure fair access to train services for everyone and to create a pleasant usage environment."

Image source: Photo = Insight, reference photo for the understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank