The Seoul city government held a groundbreaking ceremony for the "Uisinseol extension urban rail construction project" on the morning of the 24th at Banghak Sage Square in Dobong District (709-1 Banghak-dong).
The Uisinseol extension is a project to connect Solbat Park Station on the Uisinseol Line with Banghak Station on Line 1, adding three new stations, including a transfer station at Banghak, along a 3.9-kilometer section. The total project cost is 469 billion won, with completion targeted for 2032.
As the construction gets into full swing, accessibility to urban rail and transportation convenience in the northeastern area are expected to improve significantly. The living population within walking range (a 500-meter radius) of the three new stations is about 100,000.
Originally, the project was pursued as a private investment project. However, it was converted into a fiscal project in 2020, leading to long delays.
When the extension opens, Banghak Station (Line 1) will be newly added as a transfer station in addition to Sinseol-dong Station (Lines 1 and 2), Bomun Station (Line 6), and Sungshin Women's University Station (Line 4) on the existing Uisinseol Line, establishing it as a core urban rail route in the northeastern area. After Solbat Park Station on the Uisinseol Line, trains will split to operate toward the existing Bukhansan Mountain Ui Station direction and the extension's Banghak Station direction.
Oh Se-hoon, the mayor, said, "The Uisinseol extension is a project that reflects the long-held aspirations of residents in northeastern Seoul, including Ssangmun, Banghak, and Dobong, and it is not just an extension that connects transportation but an important key to unlocking Gangbuk's potential." He added, "We will support the successful progress of the Uisinseol extension and work harder so you can feel the 'prime era of Gangbuk' in everyday life."