Kim Dong-yeon to Discuss 'Railroad Cooperation' with Chungbuk in His Hometown Eumseong on the 18th

Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon is embarking on a 'railroad cooperation' initiative with his hometown, Chungcheongbuk-do.

Kang Min-seok, spokesperson for Gyeonggi Province, stated, "Governor Kim Dong-yeon is scheduled to adopt a joint proposal for 'mutual growth and coexistence between the metropolitan area and non-metropolitan areas' on the afternoon of the 18th at the Agricultural Technology Center Myeongjak Hall in Eumseong-gun, Chungbuk, together with Kim Young-hwan, Governor of Chungbuk from the People Power Party, among others."

The event will also be attended by Kim Kyung-hee, Mayor of Icheon, Lee Beom-seok, Mayor of Cheongju, Chungbuk, Song Ki-seop, County Governor of Jincheon, and Cho Byung-ok, County Governor of Eumseong.

Spokesperson Kang added, "The joint proposal will request that the Jungbu Inland Line branch be included in the 5th National Railroad Network Construction Plan."

Governor Kim has long believed that to organically connect the metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas and enable balanced national development and mutual growth, it is necessary to reflect this in railroad planning. In particular, the construction of the Jungbu Inland Line branch is expected not only to connect regions but also to link to air routes via Cheongju Airport, creating a new growth engine.

The Jungbu Inland Line is the third railroad line running vertically through the Korean Peninsula, following the Gyeongbu Line (opened in 1905) and the Jungang Line (opened in 1939). Gyeonggi Province anticipates that linking with non-metropolitan areas such as Chungbuk will create various opportunities and improve accessibility from Dongtan to Cheongju Airport.

The Jungbu Inland Line branch will connect Gamgok, Eumseong, Geumwang, and the Chungbuk Innovation City over 31.7 km. Construction is set to begin in 2026 with a completion target of 2035. The total project cost is 1.1203 trillion KRW.

Meanwhile, Eumseong, where the event is held, is Governor Kim’s hometown and his first workplace. After passing the civil service exam, Governor Kim began his public service career as an administrative officer at the Eumseong County Office. This symbolizes his commitment to balanced development by joining hands with Chungbuk. This is Governor Kim’s third visit to Chungcheong this year and his fifth since taking office.