The road and rail networks in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, which is growing into a global semiconductor hub, are expected to become denser. As transportation infrastructure expansion picks up in step with the creation of a large-scale semiconductor cluster, expectations are rising that industrial productivity and logistics efficiency will improve simultaneously. Residents' mobility is also expected to improve.
◇ Expanding the road network around the semiconductor cluster
According to Yongin on the 27th, projects to expand the road network encompassing expressways, national highways, and local roads are being promoted in various ways across the area.
In the expressway sector, projects have passed preliminary feasibility reviews or are undergoing strategic environmental impact assessments, including the "Gyeongbu Underground Expressway," which will put a 26.1-kilometer section from Yangjae IC to Giheung IC underground; ▲ the privately financed Semiconductor Expressway (Hwaseong–Yongin–Anseong, 45.3 kilometers); ▲ and the privately financed Second Yeongdong Connection Expressway (Uiwang–Yongin–Gwangju, 32 kilometers).
Along with these, the ▲ Osan–Yongin Expressway (Osan Yangsan-dong–Yongin Seongbok-dong) and ▲ Second Yongin–Seoul Expressway (Yongin Seongbok-dong–Seongnam Geumto-dong) projects are also proceeding in stages. In particular, negotiations are underway with the preferred bidder for the Osan–Yongin Expressway.
The national highway network will also be expanded. The city is pursuing expansion projects for ▲ National Route 45 (Daechon Intersection–Jangseo Intersection) and ▲ National Route 17 (Yangji IC Intersection–Pyeongchang Intersection), along with the construction of a bypass road as an alternative route for ▲ National Route 42 from Namdong to Yangji.
These road networks are set to serve as key logistics infrastructure for the Yongin semiconductor cluster. In the Wonsam-myeon area, the "Yongin Semiconductor Cluster General Industrial Complex," where SK hynix will move in, is being built on 4.16 million square meters (about 1,258,400 pyeong). In the Idong-eup and Namsa-eup areas, the "Yongin Advanced System Semiconductor Cluster National Industrial Complex," where Samsung Electronics will move in, is being created on 7.77 million square meters (about 2,350,425 pyeong).
The investment is estimated to reach a total of 1,000 trillion won, including about 600 trillion won for the Wonsam semiconductor cluster, 360 trillion won for the Idong–Namsa advanced system semiconductor national industrial complex, and 20 trillion won for the Giheung Campus future research complex.
◇ Building rail lines linking north–south and east–west
Rail network expansion is also gaining speed. Three national rail network projects are underway in Yongin: ▲ the Bundang Line extension ▲ the Gyeonggang Line extension ▲ and the Southern Gyeonggi Metropolitan Railway.
The Bundang Line extension will connect from Giheung Station through Dongtan to Osan University Station. Korea National Railway has completed a preliminary feasibility service, and supplementary reviews are underway to improve economic feasibility. Yongin plans to apply for designation as a preliminary feasibility study target as soon as the review is finished.
The Gyeonggang Line extension will run from Gyeonggangju Station to Everland and the Idong and Namsa public housing districts, connecting to the advanced system semiconductor national industrial complex. It is expected to link with the Metropolitan Inland Line, the Shinbundang Line, and GTX-D, improving access to Seoul and the greater capital area. Yongin views it as a core transport axis that will support the inflow of semiconductor talent.
In addition, the Central Region Metropolitan Express Railway (JTX; Seoul Jamsil–Yongin–Cheongju Airport), which is being discussed as an alternative route to the Gyeonggang Line, is gaining traction as it undergoes a private investment eligibility review by the Korea Development Institute (KDI).
The Southern Gyeonggi Metropolitan Railway will run from Seoul Sports Complex Station to Bongdam in Hwaseong, aiming to improve mobility for 4.2 million residents across the four cities of Yongin, Suwon, Seongnam, and Hwaseong. Observers say it could ease the traffic burden on the Yongin–Seoul Expressway, which is chronically congested during rush hour.
Urban rail network construction will proceed in parallel. Projects reflected in the second Gyeonggi Province urban rail network plan are underway, including ▲ the Yongin Light Rail Gwanggyo extension (Giheung–Heungdeok–Gwanggyo Jungang Station) and ▲ the Dongbaek–Sinbong Line (Dongbaek–Guseong–Sinbong).
The Yongin Light Rail Gwanggyo extension is expected to improve access for Giheung residents to other areas by connecting to the Bundang Line, the Shinbundang Line, and the Dongtan–Indeogwon Line.
The Dongbaek–Sinbong Line project is expected to significantly improve mobility between the east and west of Yongin. It is anticipated to serve as a catalyst for the city's urban development in response to increased traffic expected after the development of Platform City and the former National Police University site.
Meanwhile, Lee Sang-il, mayor of Yongin Special City, met with Minister Kim Yun-duk of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on the 26th and asked that three projects—the Gyeonggang Line extension, the new Southern Gyeonggi Metropolitan Railway, and the SRT quadruple-tracking—be reflected in the Fifth National Rail Network Construction Plan.
Mayor Lee said, "As the semiconductor project pushes ahead and the population continues to grow, transportation infrastructure can no longer be delayed," adding, "We need preemptive expansion of the transport network in line with the pace of urban growth."