Conscripts and their families entering the Nonsan Army Training Center will be able to take the KTX and travel directly to near the training center in one trip.
On the 24th, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said it finalized and announced the master plan for the "Honam Line high-speed (Gasuwon–Nonsan) construction project," which includes straightening the Gasuwon Station–Nonsan Station section on the Honam Line. The plan also includes building a new "Sin Yeonmudae Station" in front of the training center.
The project focuses on straightening parts of the Honam Line, built during the Japanese colonial period, where the alignment is curved. By upgrading the existing line from Daejeon Gasuwon Station to Nonsan Station, it will raise the trains' top speed to 250 kph. The total project cost is about 920 billion won.
Following basic and detailed design, construction will start in 2029. The opening target is 2034.
Once completed, the project is expected to greatly improve travel convenience for conscripts entering the Nonsan Training Center and visitors. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) also expects it to ease some of the traffic congestion caused by cars crowding roads near the training center.
Straightening the route will also shorten train travel times. The trip from Seodaejeon to Iksan will be cut by about 14 minutes. The Seodaejeon–Jeonju, Seodaejeon–Gwangju Songjeong, and Seodaejeon–Mokpo sections are each expected to see travel times reduced by more than 10 minutes.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) plans to enhance rail safety through this project as well. It will improve sharp curve sections and level crossings built in 1914 to reduce accident risk and improve ride comfort.
Yun Jin-hwan of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Railroad Bureau said, "The Honam Line high-speed project will enhance rail travel convenience while also contributing to revitalizing local economies such as Seodaejeon," adding, "We will carry out the project without a hitch."