New Korail Tourism Development CEO pledges to create new value in travel

Korail Tourism Development, the tourism subsidiary of the national railroad operator Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail), appointed Song Kwang-seok as its 15th CEO on Wednesday.

At his inauguration ceremony at the company's headquarters in Yongsan District, central Seoul, Song pledged to build a sustainable railway tourism company that balances its public role with profitability, the company said.

“We will go beyond simply providing train-based travel and become a company that connects people and regions through railways while creating new value in tourism,” Song said in his inaugural speech. “In particular, we will improve the quality of onboard services to provide railway tourism experiences that customers can truly feel.”

To achieve that goal, he outlined six priorities: field-oriented management, stronger railway tourism competitiveness, improved customer service, cooperation with local communities and safety and responsible management.

He also plans to expand tourism products linking rail travel with regional attractions and develop more stay-based travel programs, while improving digital services and onboard customer service.

Song previously worked in the media industry, serving as the editor-in-chief and head of a media company. He also served as a nonexecutive director of the Korea National Railway. 

BY WOO JI-WON [woo.jiwon@joongang.co.kr]