Free Wi-Fi has become available on express buses operating along major domestic routes in South Korea.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, aims to improve passenger convenience, particularly for those traveling long distances.

The ministry announced the service on March 31 after consulting with the transportation industry.

The decision was influenced by the high smartphone ownership rate among South Koreans, reported at 95.3% in 2023, and a notable 54% smartphone usage rate on express buses.

With free Wi-Fi already provided on KTX, SRT, subways, and city buses, many passengers had called for a similar service on express buses.

The rollout includes all 240 routes serviced by eight major express bus companies: Kumho Express, Dongbu Express, Dongyang Express, Samhwa Express, Sokrisan Express, Jungang Express, Cheonil Express, and Hanil Express.

A total of 1,724 general and premium buses will be equipped with the new system, which operates on KT’s network and offers speeds of up to 400 Mbps. Passengers can access the service using designated Wi-Fi signals inside the buses without needing a password.

The ministry plans to explore expanding the free Wi-Fi service to intercity buses in collaboration with local governments and related industry players. Currently, such access is only available on limited intercity routes.