Bus drivers in the South Korean capital, Seoul, began a general strike today, Thursday, demanding a wage increase, which led to the suspension of about 98% of buses across the capital and caused delays for passengers during the morning rush hour.

South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported that wage negotiations that lasted until this morning, Thursday, between the Seoul bus drivers' union and employers failed to reach an agreement regarding the union's demand for a 12.7% hourly wage increase.

As a result, the union, which has 18,000 members in 65 companies, began the strike, affecting 7,210 intercity buses, representing 97.2% of bus services in the capital.

The city government has increased subway trips during morning and evening rush hours to alleviate passenger difficulties.