{"id":119447,"date":"2026-08-14T12:40:11","date_gmt":"2026-08-14T12:40:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/korea\/119447\/"},"modified":"2026-08-14T12:40:11","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T12:40:11","slug":"south-korea-is-spraying-water-on-the-tracks-and-slowing-down-trains-due-to-the-heatwave","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/korea\/119447\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korea is spraying water on the tracks and slowing down trains due to the heatwave"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"South Korean rail operator KORAIL is using nearly 600 automatic track-spraying systems to prevent the tracks from warping during the heatwave. With temperatures exceeding 40\u00b0C, the company has also introduced precautionary speed restrictions for trains.<\/p>\n

The extreme heatwave in South Korea is forcing KORAIL, the national rail operator<\/a>, to take special measures to ensure trains can continue to run safely.<\/p>\n

The company has commissioned 599 automatic track-sprinkling systems, similar to fire sprinkler systems, located at various points across the rail network.<\/p>\n

Their role is to reduce the temperature of the infrastructure and limit the risk of the rails warping under the effect of very high temperatures.<\/p>\n

The entire Gwangmyeong\u2013Daegu high-speed section is covered<\/p>\n

The misting systems cover the entire ballasted section of the high-speed line between Gwangmyeong and Daegu.<\/p>\n

The systems are concentrated particularly in areas considered vulnerable to heat, such as poorly ventilated sections and tight curves.<\/p>\n

High temperatures can cause the rails to expand, and in extreme situations, track deformation may occur, necessitating speed restrictions or even a temporary suspension of services.<\/p>\n

Trains are being slowed down as a precaution<\/p>\n

Amid a heatwave in which temperatures have exceeded 40\u00b0C, KORAIL has also ordered a precautionary reduction in train speeds on certain sections.<\/p>\n

The operator has also prepared stocks of bottled water, fans and other emergency supplies at the main stations and on board trains.<\/p>\n

At the same time, announcements are broadcast periodically at stations and on trains to keep passengers informed in the event that high temperatures cause delays.<\/p>\n

24-hour emergency response centre<\/p>\n

Since May, KORAIL has been operating a 24-hour emergency response centre, in response to increasingly severe weather events and the rising frequency of incidents linked to climate change.<\/p>\n

The centre monitors train movements nationwide and coordinates activities relating to passenger transport, metropolitan and freight traffic, infrastructure, power supply, rolling stock and traffic control.<\/p>\n

The measures also aim to protect employees working outdoors.<\/p>\n

Special measures for railway staff<\/p>\n

Field workers have been provided with protective equipment, and managers regularly monitor the perceived temperature in work areas<\/a> so that schedules can be adjusted when conditions become hazardous.<\/p>\n

Staff are advised to take sufficient breaks, drink water regularly and seek shade to reduce the risk of heatstroke and heat exhaustion.<\/p>\n

Through these measures, KORAIL is endeavouring to maintain safe rail operations at a time when extreme temperatures are placing strain on both the infrastructure and rolling stock, as well as on staff working in the field.<\/p>\n

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