Korea Today, Oct 11: Airport rail work-to-rule starts Monday
Today in 30 seconds: The union at AREX, the airport train between Seoul Station and Incheon Airport, begins a work-to-rule campaign on Monday, Oct 12. Showers arrive Monday afternoon and rain spreads Tuesday, followed by noticeably cooler mornings. Next weekend, Seoul’s silver grass festival and the autumn Han River festival both open on Oct 17.
1. Airport railroad work-to-rule begins Monday
The union at the Airport Railroad (공항철도, AREX) plans to start a work-to-rule campaign (준법투쟁) on Monday, Oct 12, after eight rounds of talks with management failed. Under work-to-rule, staff run trains strictly by the rules and decline substitute shifts. About 81% of voting members approved industrial action, and the union wants more train crew and maintenance staff plus better conditions for junior grades. The line, which opened in 2007, has never had a strike; the union says one could follow if its demands are not met. As of Sunday we found no report of a deal.
What it means for you: Trains should keep running, but if you are flying out this week, leave extra time and check AREX announcements before heading to the airport. If you want a fallback, consider an airport limousine bus — our Incheon Airport to Seoul guide compares AREX, bus and taxi fares and times.
Source: Labor Today (Korean) · Seoul Shinmun (Korean) · Kyeongin Ilbo (Korean)
2. Showers Monday, rain Tuesday, cooler from Wednesday
On Monday, Oct 12, showers of 5–10 mm are forecast from the afternoon into the evening in central inland areas including Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi, plus eastern North Jeolla, central and northern inland Gyeongbuk, and parts of Jeju. Lows are 13–20°C and highs 22–28°C. In its weekly outlook, the weather agency (KMA) said rain would reach most of the country on Tuesday and clear by midday. On Wednesday, skies clear but mornings turn chilly, with lows of 4–16°C nationwide on Wednesday and Thursday; Seoul’s lows in the week’s outlook range from 8–17°C.
What it means for you: Pack an umbrella for Monday evening and Tuesday morning, and bring a light jacket for early starts later in the week. Officials also warn that air is dry in central inland areas, so take care with fire on hikes.
Source: Herald Business (Korean) · Segye Ilbo (Korean)
3. Seoul Silver Grass Festival opens Oct 17
The 25th Seoul Silver Grass Festival (서울억새축제) runs Oct 17–23 at Haneul Park (하늘공원) in World Cup Park (월드컵공원). It is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with silver grass walks, photo zones and a busking stage; a lighting show is part of the opening ceremony on Oct 17. Seoul City says the nearest stops are World Cup Stadium and Mapo-gu Office stations on Line 6, about a 40-minute walk away, and an electric shuttle runs from the Nanjicheon Park parking area.
What it means for you: Weekdays are likely to be quieter than the weekend, and the long opening hours let you stay for sunset. The city expects heavy traffic, so take the subway rather than a taxi.
Source: Seoul City (Korean) · Seoul Festivals (Korean)
4. Autumn Han River Festival, Oct 17–25
The autumn edition of the Hangang Festival (한강페스티벌) runs Oct 17–25 across seven Han River parks, including Yeouido, Banpo, Jamsil and Jamwon. Highlights include a free open-air musical gala at Jamwon Hangang Park on Oct 17–18 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., silent yoga sessions, and nature classes along the river.
What it means for you: It is an easy free evening out if you are in Seoul next weekend. Some programs need advance sign-up or a fee, so check the festival listings before you go.
Source: Seoul Mediahub (Korean)
5. Planning Busan? Fireworks festival is Nov 7
The 21st Busan Fireworks Festival (부산불꽃축제) takes place on Saturday, Nov 7, centered on Gwangalli Beach, with viewing areas at Igidae and Dongbaekseom. Paid seats are on sale through NOL Ticket until 5 p.m. on Nov 6.
What it means for you: If your trip overlaps with Nov 7, book Busan accommodation now — rooms near Gwangalli fill early — and expect very crowded subways that evening.
Source: Busan Fireworks Festival (Korean)
Sources
- Labor Today — Airport railroad union at strike crossroads, work-to-rule from 12th (Korean)
- Seoul Shinmun — Airport railroad faces first strike, work-to-rule from 12th (Korean)
- Kyeongin Ilbo — Airport railroad union announces first strike (Korean)
- Herald Business — Showers up to 10 mm tomorrow, lows of 13°C (Korean)
- Segye Ilbo — Rain Monday–Tuesday, clear but chilly mornings from Wednesday (Korean)
- Seoul Metropolitan Government — 25th Seoul Silver Grass Festival notice (Korean)
- Seoul Festivals — Seoul Silver Grass Festival (Korean)
- Seoul Mediahub — Han River festivals in October (Korean)
- Busan Fireworks Festival — official site (Korean)