Extension of Shinbundang Line Cuts Commute by 20 Minutes, Surprised by 3,150 Won Fare

Single Section Fare from Gangnam to Sinsa 1,750 KRW
Citizens Leave 'Shinbundang Line Extension' Proof Photos

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] On Sunday, the 29th, around 10:20 AM, about 30 citizens were waiting for the train at Sinsa Station on Line 3 in Gangnam-gu. They were citizens intending to use the newly opened extension section of the Shinbundang Line from the previous day. The Shinbundang Line extension covers 2.5 km of the total 7.8 km extension in the first phase. Three transfer stations (Sinsa, Nonhyeon, Sinnonhyeon) were newly established.

Mr. Moon Byungwook (73) said, "To come to my workplace in Sinsa-dong from Gyeonggi-do, I always had to transfer at Yangjae Station on Line 3," adding, "With this Shinbundang Line extension, my commute time has been reduced by at least 20 minutes. The unmanned medium-capacity train Shinbundang Line (DX-LINE) was very comfortable and clean." Mr. Kim Jaegang (49) said, "It's great to come to the Gangnam area from Gyeonggi-do in one go," but also expressed concern, "There are already many people on weekends, so I worry it will be even more crowded during rush hours." Lee Dohyun (11) said, "I came from Sanghyeon Station to Sinsa Station to ride the extended Shinbundang Line," and added, "I hope it gets extended to Yongsan by 2026 soon."

A couple in their 60s said they came to experience the Shinbundang Line extension while holding hands tightly. They said, "You should ride at the front to see the tunnel," and added, "Coming to Seoul from Gyeonggi-do used to require a big decision, but with improved transportation, we think we will come to Seoul more often." Passengers also approached the ‘Sinsa’ sign marked with Shinbundang Line and took commemorative photos.

Youth Complain About Monthly Transportation Cost of '100,000 Won' Being a Heavy Burden... Need for Transfer Route Guides

There were many opinions expressing regret about the fare. The fare for the single section between Gangnam and Sinsa on the Bundang Line is 1,750 won (based on transportation card), which is more expensive than the Seoul subway fare of 1,250 won. Citizens traveling from Gwanggyo Station to Sinsa Station have to pay up to 3,150 won. Choi Seonwoo (14) said, "Using the sections from Sinsa to Gangnam (1,750 won) and Gangnam to Sanghyeon (3,150 won) cost me nearly 5,000 won," adding, "It's great that transportation has become convenient, but it's a heavy burden to use regularly."

Lee Seungyeon (27) said, "After riding the Shinbundang Line extension, if I take a bus even once more, the basic cost is around 5,000 won," and added, "Although it's convenient to have a subway going directly from Sinsa to Gangnam, I will try to use cheaper buses if possible." Even youths without stable income have to spend about 100,000 won monthly on transportation.

Since it is still early in the extension, there were also opinions that transfer route guides are needed for transportation-vulnerable groups such as the disabled and elderly. Jo Ara (34) said, "When I first used the extension line and tried to find the transfer route, I kept wondering if I was on the right path," adding, "If there were guides besides the signboards, transportation-vulnerable people like those with severe disabilities and the elderly could use it more easily." The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to finalize the route for the total 5.3 km section from Sinsa Station to Yongsan Station within this year after consultations with related agencies.