Jeolla Line's "Turtle-Speed Operation" Puts Balanced National Development at Risk

Kim Moonsoo Urges Immediate Inclusion of Double-Tracking in Rail Network Plan
Calls for Improved Transportation in Eastern South Jeolla, a Key Industrial and Tourism Hub

Moonsoo Kim, member of the Democratic Party of Korea.

Moonsoo Kim, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Suncheon, Gwangyang, Gokseong, and Gurye-gap in South Jeolla Province, on August 13 called for a groundbreaking improvement in the poor railway operations of the Jeolla Line.

According to Representative Kim, the Jeolla Line (Seoul~Yeosu) significantly lags behind the Honam Line (Seoul~Mokpo) in both operating speed and frequency. While the Honam Line travels at a speed of 3 km per minute, the Jeolla Line manages only 2 km per minute. Despite the distance difference between the two lines being just 16 km (Honam Line: 353 km, Jeolla Line: 369 km), the Jeolla Line takes 33 minutes longer to complete the journey.

The number of train services is also a problem. While the Honam Line operates 57 times a day, the Jeolla Line only operates 34 times, severely restricting passengers' mobility rights. Especially during holidays and peak seasons, securing train tickets is nearly impossible.

Representative Kim stated, "The eastern region of South Jeolla, which is home to key national industrial facilities such as Yeosu and Gwangyang Ports, Gwangyang Steelworks, and petrochemical complexes, as well as major domestic and international tourist destinations including Suncheonman National Garden, Yeosu Night Sea, and Jirisan, is being held back in both mobility rights and regional development due to railway neglect." He further pointed out, "This is not merely a transportation inconvenience but a serious issue that runs counter to balanced national development."

He continued, "Double-tracking the Jeolla Line is essential for improving speed and increasing the number of train services, and even before the project begins, immediate increases in service frequency are necessary." He emphasized, "The government must prioritize the double-tracking of the Jeolla Line in the 4th National Rail Network Construction Plan and push forward with this project as soon as possible."