South Korean train delays due to heatwaves double previous year's total

Train delays caused by heatwaves in South Korea reached 437 cases through August, more than doubling the total recorded for the previous year. Data provided by the Korea Railroad Corporation to National Assembly member Moon Jung-bok reveals that the vast majority of these delays—432 cases—affected high-speed trains.

Significant increases in delays were noted on specific lines. The Donghae Line saw a 3.4-fold increase compared to last year, while the Gyeongbu Line experienced a 3.3-fold increase. A high concentration of delays occurred within a single nine-day window from July 31 to August 8, accounting for 75% of the year's total heatwave-related delays.

In response to these climate-driven disruptions, Moon Jung-bok urged the implementation of preventative measures, such as expanding automatic water spraying systems and applying heat-reflective paint to concrete track beds. The lawmaker also called for comprehensive disaster response facility plans covering both high-speed and general rail lines to mitigate the impact of increasingly extreme weather.