KORAIL, South Korea’s national railroad operator, recorded ticket cancellation penalty revenue of 52.6 billion won last year, marking more than double the amount from four years prior.
Sharp Revenue Surge for KORAIL
Recent transport ministry data shows KORAIL’s cancellation fees reached 52.637 billion won in 2025, a 214.3% increase from 16.75 billion won in 2021. The figures climbed steadily: 24.12 billion won in 2022, 30.976 billion won in 2023, 34.765 billion won in 2024, and 52.637 billion won in 2025.
This growth reflects a strong rebound in train travel as passengers resume normal patterns post-pandemic.
SRT Matches the Trend
The Suseo High-Speed Railway (SR), operator of SRT services, also saw its cancellation penalty revenue double over five years. Last year’s total hit 13.523 billion won, up from 4.826 billion won in 2021.
SR’s revenue progressed as follows: 6.036 billion won in 2022, 6.884 billion won in 2023, 7.266 billion won in 2024, and 13.523 billion won in 2025.
Revenue Allocation Details
KORAIL primarily directs these funds toward public services, such as onboard announcements, generating 94.463 billion won overall last year.
In contrast, SR allocates proceeds to half-price student fares, accurate sales tracking, comprehensive maintenance, and crew operation costs.
