Possibility of GTX-D Direct Connection to Yeouido and Yongsan Amid 'Kim Bu-seon' Backlash

Consideration of Sharing Tracks with GTX-B... Seongsa Still Uncertain

On the afternoon of the 15th, the Gimpo-Gimdan Transportation Citizens' Coalition, composed of citizens from Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, and Geomdan, Incheon, held a candlelight rally around Hangang Central Park in Janggi-dong, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, demanding the direct connection of the Seoul Metropolitan Area Express Train (GTX) Line D to Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] The government is considering extending some trains of the so-called 'GimBuSeon (Gimpo?Bucheon)' controversy-ridden Western Metropolitan Area Express Train (GTX) line to Yeouido or Yongsan in Seoul.

On the 16th, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport revealed that it is reviewing a plan to operate some Western Metropolitan Area Express Train trains on the GTX-B line to Yeouido or Yongsan Station.

The Western Metropolitan Area Express Train, also known as the GTX-D line, was included in the 4th National Railroad Network Construction Plan connecting only Janggi to Bucheon Sports Complex. This is a significant reduction compared to the route proposals from Gyeonggi Province and Incheon City, which hoped for a direct connection between Seoul Gangnam and Hanam. Residents of the Western Metropolitan Area refer to this line as 'GimBuSeon' and are opposing it.

Considering this, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is examining a plan to directly connect the GTX-D line to Yeouido or Yongsan Station by sharing tracks with the GTX-B line, which runs from Songdo in Incheon to Maseok in Namyangju. However, the ministry stated, "The direct connection issue is still undecided and requires consultation with the private business operator of the GTX-B line, so it is difficult to say it is finalized at this point," adding, "We are actively reviewing it to improve transportation convenience for residents in the Western Metropolitan Area."

If this plan is realized, residents from Gimpo or Geomdan will be able to take the GTX-D train directly to Yeouido or Yongsan without transfers. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's database, since the commuting areas of Gimpo and Geomdan residents are concentrated in Seoul's Mapo-gu and Yeongdeungpo-gu, this could significantly alleviate commuting issues for residents in the western metropolitan area.

Meanwhile, the ministry is also studying the introduction of 'flat transfers' at points where the GTX-D line intersects with other lines to minimize transfer times. However, there is strong opposition to the original local government demand that the GTX-D line should directly connect Gangnam and Hanam.

Concerns are also being raised about the slow progress and skepticism regarding the GTX-B line project itself. Although the GTX-B line was included in the 2nd National Railroad Network Construction Plan in 2011, even after 10 years, the basic plan has yet to be completed.