Ansan City Begins Master Planning for "Ansan Line Underground Integrated Development Project"

5.12 km Section from Choji Station to Jungang Station to Go Underground; Surface Area to Be Developed
Plaza Design Competition for the Surface Area Open Until February 20

On January 22, 2026, the city of Ansan in Gyeonggi Province announced that it will begin the process of undergrounding the Ansan Line, a major project aimed at reorganizing the city's structure, which has been divided by the railway.

On January 22, the Ansan city government stated that it will commence a feasibility study on January 23 to establish the master plan for the "Ansan Line Underground Integrated Development Project."

This large-scale project involves moving the 5.12-kilometer section of the above-ground Ansan Line between Choji Station and Jungang Station underground and developing the surface area above it. The project was selected in February last year by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport as a "priority railway undergrounding project." Approximately 1.7311 trillion won will be invested, with completion targeted for 2034.

In particular, the city plans to create a multi-purpose space on the 712,000 square meters of land made available by the undergrounding of the railway, including plazas, parks, as well as commercial, cultural, and other community facilities for residents' convenience.

Last September, the city established a foundation to participate in the master planning process by signing a business agreement with Gyeonggi Province. With the launch of the feasibility study, the project procedures will now move forward in earnest.

Coinciding with the start of the study, the city will collaborate with the Ansan Future Research Institute to hold a "Plaza Design Competition for the Surface Area of the Underground Ansan Line."

Anyone in the country may participate in the competition, which will run from January 22 to February 20. Detailed information about the competition can be found on the official "Ansan Line Underground" website.

The city will select finalists through a first-round review conducted by an evaluation panel consisting of relevant departments, the Ansan Future Research Institute, and a citizen participation group. Afterwards, an online survey will be held on the official website to select the winning entries from among the finalists.

Lee Minguen, Mayor of Ansan, stated, "This design competition is the first step toward creating a citizen-centered, open landmark plaza on the surface above the underground Ansan Line. We will continue to communicate closely with residents and ensure the smooth progress of the Ansan Line undergrounding project."