Song Gwang-seok takes helm of newly merged entity
Combined firm unites station services and tourism under one roof
Integrated offering to cover travel from departure to destination
A single customer service point has been established to cover the full journey — from rail travel support to tourism and cabin crew services.
Korail Tourism Networks (tentative name) announced Thursday that Song Gwang-seok, CEO of Korail Networks, has been inaugurated as head of the newly merged entity, marking a fresh start following the integration with Korail Tourism Development.
The merger of Korail Networks and Korail Tourism Development was not simply a matter of combining two organizations and their operations, the company said. The aim is to leverage the accumulated strengths of both companies and transform into a customer service specialist connecting every touchpoint from rail travel to tourism.
In his inaugural address, Song said the integration was "not merely a merging of two organizations, but a starting point for bringing together the experience and capabilities each has built to create new value." He added that by linking Korail Networks' rail support services — including station operations and parking — with Korail Tourism Development's expertise in rail tourism and cabin crew customer service, "we will be able to provide more convenient service from the moment customers board a train to the moment they complete their journey."
Song said what matters most is not the merger itself but the tangible benefits the public will feel afterward and the changes that take place on the ground. He said he intends to visit frontline operations personally to hear employees' views and reflect them in management decisions.
To that end, the company has set three core management priorities: putting safety and customers first, strengthening business competitiveness by pooling the capabilities of both companies, and building an organizational culture grounded in frontline communication and mutual respect.
"The merged company must not simply become a larger organization — it must provide customers with more convenient and safer service and create new business opportunities," Song said. "With safety and customers as our top priorities, we will communicate with the frontline and connect rail and tourism to generate new value."
The merged entity is currently operating under the tentative name Korail Tourism Networks. Its official name is expected to be finalized by year's end following consultations with employees and outside experts.
terry@heraldcorp.com
