Ruling and Opposition Parties Hold 2nd Gyeonggi Urban Railway Network Forum: "Rapid Implementation"

Joint Forum Hosted by 25 Lawmakers from Both Parties in Gyeonggi Province

On January 9, lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties representing districts in Gyeonggi Province voiced unified support for the rapid implementation of the “2nd Gyeonggi Province Urban Railway Network Construction Plan (2026-2035),” aiming to address the issues of overpopulation and traffic congestion in the Seoul metropolitan area. This move appears to be mindful of voter sentiment in the capital region ahead of the upcoming June 3 local elections.

Gyeonggi Province and 25 lawmakers from both parties with constituencies in the province held a forum at the National Assembly Members' Office Building that morning to discuss practical measures for the swift promotion of the 2nd Gyeonggi Province Urban Railway Network. According to the plan, which was finally approved and announced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on December 12 of last year, a total of 12 lines spanning 104.48 kilometers-including six lines not implemented in the first phase (2016-2025)-are included, with a total project cost of 7.2725 trillion won.

Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, is delivering a welcoming speech at the 2nd Gyeonggi Province Urban Railway Network Rapid Promotion National Assembly Forum held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 9th. 2026.1.9 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

For the urban railway network construction plan to be successfully implemented, preliminary feasibility studies, funding allocation, and coordination with other metropolitan governments such as Seoul and Incheon are essential. In his welcoming remarks, Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dongyeon stated, “The new railway lines will breathe life into transportation-disadvantaged areas and serve as a turning point for advancing the metropolitan transportation system.” He added, “What matters now is speed. We need to swiftly complete follow-up procedures such as preliminary feasibility studies and cooperate to ensure early commencement of construction.” Lawmakers from both parties echoed this sentiment in their congratulatory speeches, pledging to secure funding at the National Assembly level and work with relevant agencies to facilitate rapid progress.

In addition to Governor Kim, lawmakers from both parties who are considered potential candidates for the Gyeonggi governorship also lent their support at the event. Han Junho (Goyang-eul) and Yeom Taeyoung (Suwon-mu) of the Democratic Party reaffirmed their commitment to rapid implementation on site. Lawmakers from the People Power Party, including Ahn Cheolsoo (Bundang-gap), Kim Eunhye (Bundang-eul), and Kim Sungwon (Dongducheon, Yangju, Yeoncheon), pledged their support for the swift progress of the urban railway network through written congratulatory messages. In particular, Han Junho emphasized in his speech, “The problem with Gyeonggi’s railways is that the transportation network has focused solely on connections to Seoul. To resolve chronic bottlenecks, we must improve intercity connectivity.”

Meanwhile, Baek Hyeryeon (Suwon-eul), a candidate for floor leader of the Democratic Party, appealed to her party colleagues for support, saying, “To quickly connect Gyeonggi’s railways, a floor leader from Gyeonggi should be elected.”

Participants including Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, and members of the National Assembly are performing the national ceremony at the 2nd National Assembly Forum for the Rapid Promotion of the Gyeonggi Province Urban Railway Network held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on January 9, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin