Yongin, Seongnam Mayors Demand Southern Gyeonggi Rail Line in National Plan

The mayors of Yongin and Seongnam have formally requested that South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport incorporate a 50.7-kilometer southern Gyeonggi railway into the 5th national rail plan. The joint appeal, made on [date], highlights the growing demand for improved transit links in the densely populated region south of Seoul.

The proposed line would connect key cities in southern Gyeonggi Province, an area that has seen rapid population growth but lags in rail infrastructure. The mayors argue that the project is essential to alleviate chronic traffic congestion and support balanced regional development. The ministry is currently reviewing submissions for the 5th national rail plan, which will guide railway investment for the next decade.

If included, the railway could significantly reduce commute times and stimulate economic activity in the region. However, competition for limited infrastructure funding is intense, and the ministry must weigh the proposal against other national projects. A final decision is expected later this year, with potential construction timelines extending into the 2030s.