Paju City Delivers Petition Signed by 100,000 Citizens to Minister Kim Yoonduk
Expressing Citizens’ Hopes for Railway Development
Requests Inclusion of Four Projects, Including Metropolitan Express Railway (GTX)-H Line,
in the 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan
Paju City in Gyeonggi Province announced on September 19 that on the previous day, it had delivered a petition signed by 100,000 Paju citizens to Kim Yoonduk, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The petition calls for the inclusion of Paju's ongoing railway projects-such as the extension of Line 3, the establishment of the Tongillo Line, and the extension of the Korea Train Express-in the 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan.
Kim Kyungil, mayor of Paju City, delivered a petition signed by 100,000 Paju citizens to Kim Yoonduk, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, on the 18th, requesting the inclusion of Paju's ongoing railway projects such as the extension of Line 3, the establishment of the Tongillo Line, and the extension of the KTX in the 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan. Provided by Paju City
At the scene of the petition delivery, Kim Kyungil, mayor of Paju City, was joined by National Assembly members Yoon Hooduk and Park Jung, as well as Lee Seungcheol, head of the National Railway Network Citizens’ Promotion Group (hereinafter referred to as the 'Citizens’ Promotion Group'). Together, they delivered the petition signed by 100,000 Paju citizens, reflecting the aspirations of the community for railway development, along with a report on the future of Paju’s railway system.
From July last year to February this year, over approximately seven months, Paju City carried out a signature campaign in collaboration with local National Assembly members, city and provincial council members, and citizens, overcoming both heat and cold. As a result, they collected a total of 101,198 signatures, surpassing their target of 100,000.
The Citizens’ Promotion Group, formed through the voluntary participation of citizens, led the signature campaign at subway stations, public squares, and festival venues, thereby enhancing the significance of citizen involvement. In addition, around 10,000 residents from Deogi-dong in the neighboring city of Goyang also participated in the campaign, expressing support for the extension of Line 3.
Paju City has proposed a total of four railway projects: 'Line 3,' which has been repeatedly included in national plans and recognized as a solution to the transportation challenges of the second-phase new towns; 'Tongillo Line,' considered an alternative to National Road No. 1, which has lost its function as a main road; the 'Metropolitan Express Railway (GTX) H Line,' expected to be a groundbreaking transportation measure for the northwestern region of Gyeonggi Province that has been underserved by rail; and the 'Korea Train Express (KTX) Paju Extension,' aimed at expanding transportation and logistics infrastructure on the Korean Peninsula in preparation for a future era of peace.
Mayor Kim Kyungil stated, "This campaign to collect 100,000 signatures reflects the earnest wishes of Paju citizens in the border region, who have long endured special sacrifices." He added, "Although the border region has borne unique hardships, it is also poised to become a key hub on the Korean Peninsula in a future era of peace, making this a crucial moment for investment in the region’s future."
He went on to say, "Since the government also recognizes both the sacrifices and the future value of the border region, it is essential that these railway projects be included in the 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan."
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