Gwangju City Bus Strike: Prolonged Negotiations, Mounting Frustrations, and the City's Struggle to Cope

The Beginning of the Strike: What Triggered the Citywide Disruption?

Did you know? On June 5th, 2025, Gwangju’s city bus system ground to a halt as 1,400 out of 2,400 drivers walked off the job. The union demanded an 8.2% pay raise and an extension of the retirement age to 65, while management cited financial losses and insisted on a wage freeze. This was the first complete shutdown since 2014, and the city’s commuters were caught off guard, many learning of the strike only when buses failed to arrive. The lack of advance notice fueled public outrage, with some residents questioning why the city, known for frequent safety alerts, failed to warn them about such a critical disruption.

Commuters in Crisis: Daily Life Upended

Every morning, bus stops across Gwangju have been crowded with frustrated commuters staring at empty arrival boards. Many have been forced to seek alternative transportation, such as taxis or carpools, while others have simply been late to work or school. The city’s emergency response included deploying non-union drivers to keep about 70% of buses running, expanding subway and taxi services, and even introducing chartered buses on the most affected routes. Still, the reality for many is long waits, overcrowded vehicles, and a sense of helplessness as the strike drags on.

Negotiation Deadlock: Why Can’t Labor and Management Agree?

The core dispute centers on the union’s demand for an 8.2% wage increase and retirement at 65, versus management’s offer of a 2.5% raise, later nudged to 3% by mediators. The union refused to budge from its minimum 5% demand, leading to repeated breakdowns in negotiations. The city, as the operator of the quasi-public bus system, has been criticized for its lack of initiative and for appearing to push responsibility onto workers. Despite multiple rounds of mediation and public appeals from Mayor Kang Ki-jung, neither side has shown willingness to compromise, making a quick resolution unlikely.

City Hall’s Response: Emergency Measures and Public Backlash

Gwangju City has scrambled to minimize disruption by deploying emergency transport, extending subway hours, and focusing taxi dispatch at busy stops. On some routes where service dropped below 50%, chartered buses were introduced, sometimes with public officials acting as guides. However, this move backfired when city employees rebelled against being assigned as bus guides, comparing it to forced labor. After a wave of internal protest, the city quickly canceled the plan, acknowledging poor communication and the need for better planning. This episode highlighted not only the strain on city resources but also growing dissatisfaction with the city’s crisis management.

Community Voices: Online Reactions and Divided Opinions

Korean online communities like Theqoo, Nate Pann, and DC Inside have become battlegrounds for public opinion. Some users sympathize with the drivers, arguing that their demands are justified given the tough working conditions and the city’s mismanagement of the quasi-public system. Others, however, are angry at both the union and city officials, blaming them for prioritizing their own interests over the needs of ordinary citizens. Comments range from calls for the mayor’s resignation to demands for stricter laws against strikes in essential services. A common thread is frustration with the lack of clear communication and the feeling that ordinary people are paying the price for bureaucratic infighting.

Cultural Context: Why This Strike Resonates in Korea

For international readers, it’s important to understand that public transit strikes in Korea are rare but deeply disruptive, especially in cities like Gwangju where buses are a lifeline for workers, students, and the elderly. The quasi-public system, introduced to stabilize service and improve driver welfare, has instead become a source of tension over funding, accountability, and labor rights. The current strike has revived debates about the sustainability of public transport models and the balance between fiscal responsibility and social welfare. The passionate online debate reflects broader anxieties about inequality, job security, and the role of government in everyday life.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Gwangju’s Commuters?

As of June 19th, negotiations remain stalled and no new meetings are scheduled. The city continues to operate at about 70% capacity, but many routes are still severely affected, and commuter frustration is at an all-time high. Mayor Kang has called for a new roundtable involving city officials, the union, management, and experts to discuss long-term reforms, but trust is low on all sides. For now, Gwangju’s residents are bracing for more delays, hoping that pressure from the public and media will finally push both sides toward a compromise. Until then, the city’s daily rhythm remains disrupted, and the bus strike stands as a vivid example of the challenges facing urban Korea in 2025.