The First Urban Railway Runs in the 'Hydrogen City' Ulsan... Opening in 2028

Metropolitan Area Wide-area Transportation Committee Approves Basic Plan for Ulsan Urban Railway Line 1 (Tram)
Hydrogen-Powered Tram to Begin Operation in Ulsan in 2028
Eco-Friendly Hydrogen Tram to Run Without Overhead Wires, Emitting Only Water

The Metropolitan Area Wide-area Transportation Committee of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 11th that it has approved the basic plan for the construction project of the Ulsan Urban Railway Line 1 (Tram). Starting in 2028, trains powered by hydrogen fuel will run in Ulsan, the only metropolitan local government without an urban railway.

Last August, Ulsan City requested the basic plan, and final approval was granted this time. A total of 15 stations will be built along a 10.9 km section from Taehwagang Station to Sinbok Intersection. Considering that Ulsan is Korea's first hydrogen pilot city, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport explained that it will operate an eco-friendly hydrogen wireless tram.

Ulsan Urban Railway Line 1 Tram. Provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

This method generates electricity using hydrogen fuel cells without overhead wires supplying electricity. The hydrogen tram can run 200 km after just a 20-minute charge. It emits only water as a result of the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. There are no exhaust gases, and greenhouse gas emissions are minimized. After this basic plan approval, Ulsan City will immediately begin basic and detailed design work. Then, after establishing the project plan and obtaining approval from the Metropolitan Area Wide-area Transportation Committee, construction will commence.

Ulsan Line 1 will operate on major city roads such as Samsan-ro, Munsu-ro, and Daehak-ro. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport estimates that it will take about 28 minutes, which is 30% less than the average bus travel time of 40 minutes. It is expected to improve travel convenience by connecting with the Donghae Line metropolitan railway, which is used by 2.5 million people annually, through transfers.

Kang Hee-eop, Chairman of the Metropolitan Area Wide-area Transportation Committee, said, "We will actively support this project to ensure timely opening in 2028 and expand other wide-area transportation means such as roads, railways, and transfer facilities to provide residents with more convenient and safer services."

Ulsan Urban Railway Line 1 Route Map. Provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport