[New Year's Address] Mayor Kim Byungsoo: "2026 Will Be the Fruit of Gimpo's Leap... Completing a Seamlessly Connected Future City"

Gold Line Interval Reduced to 2 Minutes 10 Seconds, Acceleration of Line 5 Extension
Opening of Han River Barbed-Wire Section and Baengmado Island, Creation of Nighttime Landmark
Leap Toward a "Future City of 700,000 Where Everyday Life Becomes a Source of Pride"
"We Will Turn Citizens' Imaginations Into Reality in 2026"

Kim Byungsoo, Mayor of Gimpo, has unveiled his bold vision for 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse, aiming to create a "city where citizens' imaginations become reality."

Kim Byungsoo, Mayor of Gimpo. Photo by Gimpo City

In his New Year's address on December 30, Mayor Kim emphasized, "If last year was a time to lay the foundation for Gimpo's leap as a city of 700,000, 2026 will be the year when the dreams of our citizens are realized as tangible changes in daily life."

Mayor Kim identified "visible achievements in transportation infrastructure" as the top priority for this year. The city plans to steadily pursue the expansion of metropolitan rail networks, including the Seoul Subway Line 5 extension, GTX-D, Incheon Subway Line 2, and the Seoul Subway Line 2 and 9 extensions. In particular, to alleviate the commuting burden of citizens, the city aims to reduce the interval between trains on the Gimpo Gold Line to as little as 2 minutes and 10 seconds. He also expressed a strong commitment to restoring citizens' basic transportation rights by providing a 50% subsidy for the Ilsan Bridge toll.

Mayor Kim stated, "In 2026, we will devote all our efforts to making transformative transportation infrastructure in Gimpo a reality," and added, "We will continue to push forward the expansion of metropolitan rail networks, such as the Seoul Subway Line 5 extension, GTX-D, Incheon Subway Line 2, and the Seoul Subway Line 2 and 9 extensions, without wavering."

He continued, "By aiming to reduce the Gimpo Gold Line's train interval to 2 minutes and 10 seconds, we will reshape both the present and future of Gimpo's transportation. Through the 50% subsidy for the Ilsan Bridge toll, we will restore citizens' basic transportation rights, and by steadily expanding the road network connecting every corner of Gimpo, we will complete a city with seamless connectivity."

The plan also includes strengthening the city's brand by leveraging Gimpo's geographical advantages.

The city will open the long-closed barbed-wire section along the Han River and Baengmado Island, returning them to citizens as spaces for relaxation. It also aims to develop a world-class tourist destination by establishing a marine tourism infrastructure that connects the waterway from the Han River to the West Sea and Daemyeong Port. Additionally, there are plans to create a "Gimpo Nighttime Landmark," making the city beautiful at night.

The city will also enhance its role as an educational hub. Gimpo will complete a high-quality public education system linking schools, local communities, and universities, and support children's dreams by constructing a new youth center in the new town and providing customized online learning content. Furthermore, the city will continue to implement welfare policies for the elderly in response to an aging society, as well as pet-friendly policies that introduce Korea's first family concept for companion animals.

Mayor Kim Byungsoo stated, "In 2026, citizens will directly experience the process of their imaginations becoming policies, and those policies leading to changes in daily life. As we welcome the Year of the Red Horse, I will tirelessly work every day as mayor to lay the foundation for Gimpo's future, enabling the city to soar even higher."