Hydrogen-Powered Trams to Run Along the Busan Coastline

Busan Announces Construction of "Busan Urban Railway Busan Port Line" Connecting the Old Downtown
Introduction of a 24.21km Hydrogen Tram Along the Coastline... Creating a 15-Minute Living Zone in the Old Downtown
Integration of Three Lines: Yeongdo Line, Uam-Gamman Line, and C-Bay Line

A plan has been announced to build a Busan urban railway network featuring a hydrogen tram running along a 24-kilometer coastal route.

The Busan Metropolitan Government (Mayor Park Hyungjoon) on the 21st unveiled its plan to construct the "Busan Port Line," which will connect the old downtown areas of Yeongdo-gu, Jung-gu, Dong-gu, and Nam-gu into a 15-minute living zone.

The "Busan Port Line" integrates three routes that previously lacked economic feasibility for independent development: the Yeongdo Line, the Uam-Gamman Line, and the C-Bay Line included in the North Port redevelopment section. By combining these lines and improving construction and operational efficiency, the project has secured its viability.

This route will start from Taejongdae in Yeongdo-gu, pass through Korea Maritime & Ocean University, Jungang Station (Line 1), the North Port redevelopment district, Beomil Station (Line 1), Munhyeon Station (Line 2), Uam-dong and Gamman-dong, and the entrance to Yongho-dong, finally connecting to Kyungsungdae-Pukyongdae Station (Line 2).

Busan Port Line Map.

The total length of the line is 24.21 kilometers, with 41 stations planned and a total project cost estimated at 724 billion KRW. Running along the coastlines of Yeongdo and North Port in Busan, the system will introduce an eco-friendly hydrogen fuel cell catenary-free tram.

Through the construction of the Busan Port Line, Busan City expects three major effects: ▲revitalizing the old downtown as the core of the global hub city Busan, ▲developing the Busan Port Line as a platform for Busan to become a 15-minute city, and ▲establishing a new urban model through specialized development centered around tram stations.

First, the plan aims to enhance connectivity between global gateway facilities such as Busan Port, the North Port redevelopment district, the International Passenger Terminal, and Busan Station, transforming the coastline into a tourism asset. By linking Beomil Station on Metro Line 1 with Munhyeon and Kyungsungdae-Pukyongdae Stations on Line 2, the transfer function to the existing urban rail network will be strengthened, reducing travel times and revitalizing the urban functions of the old downtown.

Second, the city plans to establish a new transportation axis in the fragmented old downtown, enabling convenient access to residential, business, shopping, medical, educational, and cultural facilities within 15 minutes. The walking environment around stations will be improved, and connections with bicycles and personal mobility devices will be strengthened to build a people-centered city.

Third, a transit-oriented development (TOD) master plan will be established in connection with Busan Station and the North Port redevelopment, promoting high-density mixed-use development and pedestrian-priority spaces centered around stations. This is expected to revitalize local commercial districts, create jobs, and enhance competitiveness in the old downtown area.

Busan City stated that the final route plan was determined after reflecting the opinions of local residents and district offices. The project will be included in the second phase of Busan's urban rail network plan (2026-2035), after which a preliminary feasibility study will be requested.

Mayor Park Hyungjoon emphasized, "The Busan Port Line is more than just an expansion of transportation infrastructure; it will be a core project driving Busan's future growth. We will build an urban railway that all Busan citizens can conveniently use anywhere, making Busan a true global hub city."

Hydrogen tram bird's-eye view.