Gyeongnam Province will raise city and rural bus fares for the first time in over five years, starting August 1.
City bus fares will increase by 200 won, and rural bus fares by 150 won, according to a provincial announcement made on July 2.
The fare adjustment was approved on April 4 by the Gyeongnam Consumer Policy Deliberation Committee, which includes economic experts and representatives from consumer groups.
The decision is based on rising operational costs, including labor and fuel, and follows national fare adjustment guidelines issued by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
The last fare hike occurred in January 2020, when the same increase was implemented: 200 won for city buses and 150 won for rural routes. Although another hike was considered in 2023, it was postponed due to fare freezes in other regions.
With this change, the adult cash fare for city buses will rise from 1,500 won to 1,700 won.
Despite the increase, Gyeongnam Province will continue its “Gyeongnam Pass” program, which reimburses public transportation costs for residents aged 75 and older.
