Unionized intracity bus workers in Seoul have launched a full‑scale strike after overnight wage negotiations with management collapsed.

The Seoul Bus Workers’ Union and the Seoul Bus Transportation Business Association declared the breakdown of talks at around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday after more than ten hours of negotiations. With no agreement reached, the union proceeded with its planned strike starting at 4 a.m.

The union has been seeking a three‑percent wage increase and an extension of the retirement age, while management has reportedly rejected the demands, citing excessive financial burdens.

Bus service in Seoul was suspended on 394 routes involving roughly seven‑thousand‑400 vehicles from the first runs of the day.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government activated emergency transportation measures, adding 172 subway trips to minimize inconvenience to commuters.

The city also plans to deploy additional trains during peak commuting hours, extend last train services until 2 a.m. and operate free shuttle buses across all 25 districts.