The basic fare for the metropolitan area's subway system, applicable to Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, and Incheon, is expected to increase by 150 won, from 1,400 won to 1,550 won, as reported on the 20th.
On the same day, the Gyeonggi Provincial Council announced that it has passed a proposal to gather opinions regarding the adjustment of urban railway fares that includes increasing the railway fare by 150 won. The proposal reportedly contains content to raise the current basic fare of 1,400 won for the metropolitan area's subway by 150 won.
Earlier, starting from Aug. 12, 2023, the Seoul city bus fares were increased by 300 won (1,200 won to 1,500 won) for the main and branch lines (based on card fare). From Oct. 7 of the same year, the basic subway fare was raised by 150 won (1,250 won to 1,400 won). At that time, Seoul had aimed to increase the subway fare by 300 won; however, it only raised it by 150 won initially and postponed the additional 150 won increase to 2024. However, with the government's policy to stabilize prices, the actual increase did not occur.
Gyeonggi Province plans to finalize the basic fare for railways after consulting the Consumer Policy Committee. To this end, discussions among Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, Incheon, and Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) are also scheduled for the end of this month. Considering the administrative procedures and system preparation period, it is anticipated that the fare increase will take place within June, after the early presidential election on June 3.