In Korea tunnel project tenders go slow. Tenders take long time to complete. Last example is underground power transmission tunnels tender of KEPCO Korea Electric Power Corporation. There are several biddings and bidded prices are higher than usual.

Dnews reports government requirement to use Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) to use tunnel construction is to blame. There are only 5 construction companies in Korea who can do such construction. But TBM tunnel construction is more expensive than other methods. Companies' construction costs increase due to procurement of expensive TBMs and their operation. In many cases companies can not increase prices. This hits their profitability. They have to absorb higher costs. Not all companies want that.

https://m.dnews.co.kr/m_home/view.jsp?idxno=202408240944457440674