The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said on the 12th that the Donghae Line Samcheok–Gangneung railroad high-speed project and the Busan Urban Railroad Jeonggwan Line new construction project have passed the preliminary feasibility study.
The Donghae Line Samcheok–Gangneung railroad high-speed project aims to improve the curved alignment of the existing section to enable high-speed train operations. After being included in the fourth national rail network construction plan in 2021, the project underwent a pre-feasibility review and began the preliminary feasibility study in 2023.
When the project is completed, a high-speed transportation network connecting the capital region, Yeongnam region, and Gangwon region is expected to be established. Travel time on the Seoul–Donghae section is expected to be reduced by about 12 minutes, and on the Bujeon–Gangneung section by about 19 minutes. The government also expects this to boost tourism along the East Coast and spur local economic growth.
The Busan Urban Railroad Jeonggwan Line new construction project also passed the preliminary feasibility study. It is an urban railroad construction project that connects a 12.8 km section from Wolpyeong-ri in Jeonggwan-eup, Gijang County, Busan, through Jeonggwan New Town to Jwacheon Station on the Donghae Line. Thirteen stations will be installed.
After being included in the Busan urban rail network construction plan, the Jeonggwan Line underwent a pre-feasibility review and proceeded with the preliminary feasibility process. If promoted, the project is expected to improve accessibility between Jeonggwan New Town and downtown Busan. Travel time from Jeonggwan New Town to Busan City Hall is expected to be shortened by about 9 minutes, and to Busan Station by about 14 minutes. The city of Busan plans to begin a service in the first half of the year to establish the basic plan.