The photo is unrelated to the article's content. [AI image generated with Gemini]
The photo is unrelated to the article's content. [AI image generated with Gemini]

A debate over eating meals inside KTX trains is heating up among passengers.

It is a common sight: passengers eating simple meals on board KTX trains to get through long trips. But the practice has recently sparked a back-and-forth on online communities, with opinions split for and against.

Eating inside KTX trains is not banned under Korail regulations, but the debate has grown online over strong-smelling food causing discomfort to fellow passengers.

"The rules do not ban eating on the train, so what is the problem?" argue some, while others counter that "strong-smelling food like hamburgers or fried chicken bothers other passengers in an enclosed space."

Passengers say they are particularly concerned that, given the KTX's cramped quarters where many people travel together for extended periods, food odors can spread to nearby seats.

That is why some argue the type of food and the intensity of its smell should matter more than the simple act of eating.

In practice, Korail's own rules contain no clause banning eating on board.

While there is no restriction on eating simple foods or drinks, calls are growing for passengers to be considerate given that the train is a shared space.


husn7@heraldcorp.com