Governor Kim Dongyeon: "50% Toll Cut on Ilsan Bridge Is Just the Beginning... Full Exemption to Be Pursued"

Governor Kim Dongyeon Inspects Traffic at Ilsan Bridge Site
Gimpo City Already On Board; Paju City Also Shows Active Interest
"12% Increase in Vehicles... Will Work with Goyang City to Achieve 'Zero Toll'"

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dongyeon visited the Ilsan Bridge site, where a 50% toll reduction was implemented starting in the new year, to emphasize that "transportation is directly linked to people's livelihoods" and reiterated his commitment to making the toll permanently free for all.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dongyeon is inspecting the traffic situation after the toll reduction by visiting the Ilsan Bridge tollgate at noon on the 2nd. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

At noon on January 2, Governor Kim visited the Ilsan Bridge tollgate to inspect the traffic situation following the toll reduction. He stated, "The 50% toll reduction is not the end, but a new starting point toward complete toll exemption. Gimpo City has already expressed partial support, and Paju City has also shown active interest. We will closely consult with Goyang City to ensure that the remaining half of the toll is reduced without any setbacks."

Governor Kim also suggested the possibility of cooperation with the central government.

He emphasized, "The government has shown interest and included related research funding in this year's budget. We will create a structure that involves the central government as well, and complete the plan to make the toll permanently free."

On-site, Lee Jaeyoung, CEO of Ilsan Bridge Co., Ltd., presented visible results of the toll reduction. He reported, "Compared to January 1 last year, the number of vehicles crossing the bridge has increased by about 6,300 (12%). It appears that the 50% toll reduction has eased the burden on users and led to an actual increase in traffic volume."

In response, Governor Kim said, "Since we are seeing positive results, please monitor the trend closely and manage the situation well to ensure there is no inconvenience for users."

After consultations with the Gyeonggi Provincial Council, Gyeonggi Province allocated 20 billion won in this year's main budget and reduced the Ilsan Bridge toll from 1,200 won to 600 won (for passenger cars) starting January 1. With this measure, the tolls have been adjusted as follows: 600 won for Class 1 (passenger cars), 900 won for Classes 2 and 3 (freight vehicles, etc.), 1,200 won for Classes 4 and 5 (large freight vehicles), and 300 won for Class 6 (compact cars).

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dongyeon is inspecting the traffic situation after the toll reduction by visiting the Ilsan Bridge tollgate at noon on the 2nd. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

A provincial official explained the background of this measure, stating, "Ilsan Bridge was the only toll road among the bridges crossing the Han River, creating structural inequality. Despite difficult circumstances such as legal disputes, we made a policy decision to guarantee residents' right to mobility."