Jeonnam Province Accelerates 'Jeonnam-style Tram' for Mokpo~Muan Oryong New City

Jeonnam Province announced on the 26th that it has proactively launched a preliminary feasibility study to introduce the eco-friendly transportation system, the ‘Jeonnam-type Tram,’ connecting Mokpo’s old downtown with Hadang, Muan Naman, and Oryong New Town.

This is a core project of the new social overhead capital (SOC) initiative in the southwestern region of Jeonnam. Since announcing the project in May, the province secured an additional budget of 300 million KRW in June for the preliminary feasibility study and officially began the service in July to review detailed plans.

The tram introduction service was awarded to the Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation of Seoul National University of Science and Technology, a specialized institution in the railway sector. Over the course of one year, they will analyze the optimal route, appropriate vehicle system introduction, and economic feasibility (B/C), and then establish detailed plans.

Once the detailed tram plan is completed, Jeonnam Province plans to establish an urban railway network construction plan, swiftly proceed through approval by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the preliminary feasibility study by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, aiming to finalize the project plan.

The Jeonnam-type Tram project will connect 16 km from Mokpo’s old downtown modernization street through Hadang to Muan Naman and Oryong New Town, with a total project cost of 400 billion KRW. It is a large-scale project expected to revitalize the southwestern region by improving accessibility between the old and new downtown areas.

The tram operates using electricity or hydrogen, making it an eco-friendly advanced transportation system with relatively low noise and pollutant emissions. As a light rail system equipped with convenience and tourism functions, it is gaining global attention as an alternative to heavy subways, which require astronomical budgets.

Local governments nationwide, including Busan, Daejeon, Incheon, Ulsan, and Changwon, are considering tram introduction. Jeonnam Province plans to investigate domestic and international cases and, during the service process, receive advice and cooperate organically with specialized institutions such as the Korea Railroad Research Institute to introduce a tram system suited to local conditions.

Yoo Ho-gyu, Director of the Construction and Transportation Bureau, said, “Once the Jeonnam-type Tram is constructed, it will serve as a new public transportation system connecting regional attractions and key points, greatly contributing to the tourism industry and economic revitalization in the southwestern region of Jeonnam.” He added, “We will promptly establish detailed plans to ensure the Jeonnam-type Tram takes root early as the first step toward a new era of local governance.”