South Korea to shut down Incheon Airport high-speed rail

Four years into operation, KTX loses to buses in convenience and price

20180815N KTX train

A KTX bullet train connecting Seoul to Gangneung undergoes a test run in November 2017, shortly before beginning service ahead of the Winter Olympics. (Photo by Kenichi Yamada)

KENICHI YAMADA, Nikkei staff writer

SEOUL -- A high-speed rail line connecting Seoul to Incheon International Airport will cease operation next month after just four years of service, as the expensive, politically motivated project loses the ridership race to buses.

Korea Railroad, the public body also known as Korail that operates the rail system, submitted a proposal in June for shutting down the connection. South Korea's transport ministry approved the plan in July.

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