Labor and management sides sat down for last-minute negotiations but were unable to narrow their differences before the pre-noticed deadline the previous day.
But the unionized workers of the Korean Railway Workers' Union said they remain open to further talks to resolve the deadlock over labor negotiations.
The strike has caused disruptions in transportation services nationwide, leading to delays and inconveniencing commuters due to a reduced number of passenger trains including the KTX bullet trains.
Ticket fees for all canceled trains will be fully refunded.