'Suyoongseong' Launches Battle to Attract Line 3 Extension

Originally, the extension of Hanam Gyosan New Town was likely but canceled
Preparation for feasibility study through Su-Yong-Seong joint effort
Closer to Gangnam, positive evaluation of housing prices

Seoul Subway Line 3 [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] The cities of Suwon, Yongin, and Seongnam in Gyeonggi Province (collectively known as Su-Yong-Seong) have rolled up their sleeves to attract the extension of Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 3. This move is interpreted as an effort to promote an alternative route following the government's cancellation of the original plan to connect Line 3 to the 3rd New Town, Hanam Gyosan District. If Line 3 is extended to these areas, it is expected to improve accessibility to Seoul's Gangnam area, which could positively impact housing prices in these regions.

According to the construction industry on the 26th, Suwon, Yongin, and Seongnam are currently reviewing the commissioning of a "Pre-feasibility Study for Responding to the Seoul Line 3 Extension and Establishing Efficient Alternatives." The cost of the study will be equally shared by the three cities. The plan envisions relocating the Suseo Train Depot in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, to these areas and extending Line 3 along the Yongin-Seoul Expressway route from Suseo to Segok, Godeung District, Pangyo, Suji, and Gwanggyo.

The southern extension of Line 3 was initially considered almost finalized with the announcement of Hanam Gyosan District as one of the 3rd New Towns, following the route from Ogeum to Gamil, Gyosan, and Hanam. However, the situation changed when the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced the Hanam Gyosan Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Plan on the 21st. Instead of extending Line 3, the new plan proposes the construction of the Songpa-Hanam urban railway.

Regarding this, Kim Seung-beom, Director of Public Land Planning at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, explained, "There is expert opinion that accessibility to Gangnam should be improved, so we are considering building a subway station toward Gangnam rather than at Ogeum Station," and added that the route will be finalized between June and July. Industry insiders predict that a new line will connect with one of the Jamsil, Seokchon, or Olympic Park stations, which link Lines 2, 5, 8, and 9.

With the extension of Line 3 to Hanam effectively canceled, more momentum is expected for the Su-Yong-Seong extension. Initially, the three local governments had expressed their intention to pursue the extension even as a branch line, regardless of the main Hanam Gyosan line extension. The three cities plan to commission the study next month and complete it by June next year.

The key issue is securing a site for relocating the Suseo Train Depot. Since Seoul City is conducting a "Pre-feasibility Study on the Relocation and Utilization Plan of the Suseo Train Depot" for site development, it will be difficult to proceed with the extension unless the depot is relocated. A Yongin city official said, "This is our biggest concern," adding, "All three cities are struggling because securing the depot site without damaging green spaces is challenging."