Expectations for Resolving Transportation Imbalance in Western Chungnam and Preventing Youth Outflow to the Seoul Metropolitan Area
Chungnam Provincial Council adopted a resolution urging the extension of Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 1 to Yesan and Hongseong stations. / Provided by Chungnam Provincial Council
On July 17, the Chungnam Provincial Council adopted an official resolution urging the extension of Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 1 to Yesan and Hongseong stations.
During the 1st plenary session of its 360th extraordinary meeting held on the same day, the council passed the "Resolution Calling for the Extension of Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 1 to Yesan and Hongseong Stations."
The resolution calls on the government and the National Assembly to immediately extend Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 1 from its current terminus at Sinchang Station in Asan City to Yesan and Hongseong stations.
Bang Hanil, the council member who proposed the resolution (Yesan 1, People Power Party), pointed out, "Yesan and Hongseong are growing as core areas of Naepo New Town, where the Chungnam Provincial Government is located. However, due to poor subway accessibility, residents are experiencing significant inconvenience in connecting to the Seoul metropolitan area."
He especially emphasized, "The first phase of the double-tracking electrification of the Janghang Line (Sinchang to Hongseong, 36.35 km), which will open in November 2024, already has completed infrastructure. Therefore, subway operation is possible with only partial upgrades to the signaling system and electrification facilities, without the need for additional civil engineering work." He added, "The project cost is also about 30% of that required for conventional extensions, making it highly efficient."
In a 2023 survey conducted by Chungnam Province, 68% of Naepo New Town residents cited "lack of accessibility to the Seoul metropolitan area" as a factor causing inconvenience in their daily lives. The survey also showed that the outflow of young people in their 20s and 30s to the metropolitan area continues.
The council explained that extending the subway to Yesan and Hongseong would have various ripple effects, including improving settlement conditions in western Chungnam, preventing the outflow of young people, enhancing accessibility to the provincial government and public institutions, revitalizing the local economy, and promoting balanced national development.
Bang stated, "Now is the time to connect the already completed section to actual subway operation," and added, "Together with all council members, I will do my utmost to ensure the extension of the subway is realized for the transportation welfare of residents and balanced regional development."
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