Table of Contents
- The Era of Second Urban Rail Network Construction Begins, a Great Leap Forward for Busan
- BuTX Rises as the Top Priority Urban Rail Line
- Busan Port Line, a New Alternative Integrated After the Oryukdo Line
- Jeonggwan Line, Gijang Line, Gangseo Line... Connecting Axes Between the Outskirts and the Urban Center
- Osiria Line, Strengthening Tourism Centers Through Private Promotion
- Routes with Low Realism Are Close to 'Delusional Maps'
- Status and Opening Plans for Priority Routes
- 1. BuTX (Gadeokdo Airport ~ Osiria)
- 2. Busan Port Line (Taejongdae ~ Kyungsung University · Pukyong National University Station)
- 3. Jeonggwan Line (Wolpyeongri ~ Jwachon Station)
- 4. Songdo Line (Jagalchi Station ~ Jangrim Station)
- 5. Gangseo Line (Myeongji International New Town ~ Daejeo Station)
- 6. Gijang Line (Anpyeong Station ~ Ilgwang New Town)
- 7. Yeonsan 2nd Centum Line (Yeonsan Station ~ Seokdae Station)
- 8. Osiria Line (Jangsan Station ~ Osiria Tourist Complex)
- 9. Subway Line 1 (Nopo Station ~ Dadaepo Beach Station), Line 2 Express Service (Yangsan Station ~ Jangsan Station)
The Era of Second Urban Rail Network Construction Begins, a Great Leap Forward for Busan
Busan Metropolitan City has selected 10 priority routes through the second urban rail network construction plan. In conjunction with this, various transport innovation strategies will be actively implemented, including the linking of metropolitan railways, the introduction of hydrogen trains, connections to tourist sites, and express services.
This plan goes beyond just the expansion of the urban railway. It includes BuTX, which directly connects Gadeokdo Airport and downtown Busan, as well as trams circulating from the North Port to Yeongdo (Busan Port Line).
Additionally, the Jeonggwan Line, Gangseo Line, and Gijang Line play significant roles in improving the accessibility of the outer new towns.
However, these routes and their rankings may change until they are finally confirmed. The construction of a core transportation network for Busan's future is anticipated.
BuTX Rises as the Top Priority Urban Rail Line
The first line expected to progress is BuTX (Gadeokdo Airport ~ Osiria). This project is a private investment project, with Hana Financial Group participating as the lead underwriter.
This line, which directly connects downtown Busan with Gadeokdo Airport, is expected to become an essential transportation network alongside the airport's opening.
BuTX is related to the plan for a metropolitan express railway connecting Ulsan, Busan, and Gadeokdo Airport. Currently, this project is included in the 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan and has been proposed jointly.
This line is expected to greatly improve accessibility to Gadeokdo Airport, introduce hydrogen trains, achieve a 60-minute living area in the southeastern region, and serve as a core element in building a mega-city. The project will be progressively implemented starting in 2025.
Busan Port Line, a New Alternative Integrated After the Oryukdo Line
The Busan Port Line (Taejongdae ~ Kyungsung University · Pukyong National University Station) is the second noteworthy route. This line integrates the parts that were halted due to the lack of B/C viability of the Oryukdo Line along with the C-Bay Park Line, Yeongdo Line, and Uam Line.
Detailed information about the Busan Port Line has been covered in a separate post.
Eco-friendly hydrogen fuel cell trams are expected to operate in a contactless manner. This will gradually proceed in connection with the North Port redevelopment along the coastline. Considering both accessibility to the urban center and connections to tourist sites, significant tourist influx effects are also anticipated.
Jeonggwan Line, Gijang Line, Gangseo Line... Connecting Axes Between the Outskirts and the Urban Center
In third place, the Jeonggwan Line, Gijang Line, and Gangseo Line are noted.
The Jeonggwan Line is planned to absorb commuting demand in the eastern Busan area, linked to the Busan-Yangsan-Ulsan rail network.
The Gijang Line is an extension of Busan Line 4, connecting Anpyeong and Ilgwang New Town. This line is expected to be developed using light rail (K-AGT).
The Gangseo Line is currently in the early conceptual stage and is under consultation with the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Development Agency to be included in the 5th Metropolitan Traffic Implementation Plan. Since it passes through the second eco-delta city, the specific progress of this project is expected to be very important.
Osiria Line, Strengthening Tourism Centers Through Private Promotion
The Osiria Line (Jangsan ~ Osiria Tourist Complex), an extension of Busan Subway Line 2, is being promoted through private capital.
An important feature of this line is that Osiria Station can function as a complex transfer station that is compatible with BuTX.
This is expected to create a critical link in the metropolitan railway network connecting Ulsan Taehwa River Station, the Donghae Line, Osiria, BuTX, and Gadeokdo Airport.
Therefore, this area is highly likely to establish itself as a transportation hub in the future.
Routes with Low Realism Are Close to 'Delusional Maps'
This draft plan does not include routes that lack realistic feasibility. Among these, the connections between Jurye and Busan Station, and Deokcheon-Choeup-Seomyeon lines stand out. These routes must pass through a large mountain and include areas with no intermediate demand at all.
Personally, I think it would be more effective to extend the Gimhae Light Rail for the Jurye to Busan Station connection or to put the Gyeongbu Line underground and split off. Linking it with the existing traffic system can enhance economic feasibility and practicality. I believe this approach could be a better alternative.
Status and Opening Plans for Priority Routes
The second urban rail network construction plan is a crucial transportation strategy that determines Busan's future competitiveness.
This plan will be carried out in an organically linked manner focusing on three main pillars: the successful operation of Gadeokdo Airport, revitalization of the North Port redevelopment, and improved connectivity for urban tourism.
Thus, reflecting it in future national land planning and securing national funding will be the most important tasks expected.
Below, we will take a closer look at the current status and plans for each route.
| Priority | Route Name | Starting/Ending Point | Length (km) | Vehicle System | Total Project Cost (hundred million won) |
| 1 | BuTX | Gadeokdo Airport ~ Osiria | 54.04 | Hydrogen train | 47692 |
| 2 | Busan Port Line | Taejongdae ~ Kyungsung University · Pukyong National University Station | 24.21 | Tram | 7240 |
| 3 | Jeonggwan Line | Gijang Wolpyeongri ~ Jwachon | 12.80 | Tram | 4330 |
| 4 | Songdo Line | Jagalchi Station ~ Jangrim Station | 7.05 | Tram | 4024 |
| 5 | Gangseo Line | Myeongji International New Town ~ Daejeo Station | 21.10 | Tram | 7252 |
| 6 | Gijang Line | Anpyeong Station ~ Ilgwang New Town | 7.10 | K-AGT (Light Rail) | 4697 |
| 7 | Yeonsan 2nd Centum Line | Yeonsan Station ~ Seokdae Station | 8.03 | K-AGT (Light Rail) | 7148 |
| 8 | Osiria Line | Jangsan Station ~ Dongbusan Tourist Complex | 4.13 | Medium-sized Electric Train | 4825 |
| 9 | Line 2 Express Service | Yangsan Station ~ Jangsan Station | 2.9 | Medium-sized Electric Train | 4991 |
| 10 | Line 1 Express Service | Nopo Station ~ Dadaepo Beach Station | 4.3 | Medium-sized Electric Train | 6659 |
1. BuTX (Gadeokdo Airport ~ Osiria)
Regarding the current status, BuTX has established itself as a core line that significantly impacts the future of Busan. It is expected to operate alongside the opening of Gadeokdo Airport and is being actively promoted through private investment (PPP). Currently, in 2023, private proposals have been submitted, and feasibility studies have begun. Alongside this, practical discussions among the Korea Railroad Corporation and various related agencies are being actively conducted.
According to the results of the feasibility study, there was an evaluation of insufficient economic feasibility in the initial preliminary feasibility study, but economic feasibility has improved based on private proposals. As a result, a private investment eligibility investigation is currently underway.
The plan is to complete the eligibility investigation by 2024, and after signing the business agreement in 2025, commence construction with a final goal for opening by 2030. It is expected that the transportation system in Busan will be significantly improved according to this schedule.
2. Busan Port Line (Taejongdae ~ Kyungsung University · Pukyong National University Station)
Looking at the current status of the Busan Port Line, this line is being newly designed as an urban coastal circular tram line by integrating the Oryukdo Line, C-Bay Park Line, Uam Line, Yeongdo Line, etc. This project is being envisioned as a low-floor tram that harmonizes with the urban landscape in relation to the North Port redevelopment.
The feasibility study conducted to secure economic viability received positive evaluations for the route integration. Accordingly, applications for preliminary feasibility studies are planned to be submitted in 2025.
The schedule for this project begins with the application for the preliminary feasibility analysis in 2025, followed by basic and execution designs, with construction expected to commence between 2027 and 2028. Ultimately, the goal is to open by 2030.
3. Jeonggwan Line (Wolpyeongri ~ Jwachon Station)
The project is being promoted at the strong request of the residents of the Jeonggwan New Town in Gijang-gun. Currently, the review is focused on stage 1, the section from Wolpyeongri to Jwachon Station. In 2022, a preliminary feasibility study was applied for, and as a result, it was selected as a project in 2023.
Currently, the Korea Development Institute (KDI) is conducting a preliminary feasibility study, meticulously analyzing demand forecasts, environmental impacts, and regional development effects in this process.
The schedule aims to begin construction in 2027 after passing the preliminary feasibility study in 2025 and establishing a basic plan from 2025 to 2026, targeting an opening in 2029.
4. Songdo Line (Jagalchi Station ~ Jangrim Station)
Progress status:
The western Busan tram line connecting Seo-gu and Saha-gu is being planned. This line is expected to serve as a link between the original city center and the area near the new port. Currently, detailed reviews of the demand and environmental factors for the route are underway.
Feasibility study:
The preliminary feasibility study has not yet been applied, but this line is included in the second urban railway system, suggesting a possibility of early commencement.
5. Gangseo Line (Myeongji International New Town ~ Daejeo Station)
Status of Promotion:
The new line reflecting the demand of Eco Delta City and Myeongji International New Town is focused on alleviating transportation inconveniences in the Gangseo area. This line was mentioned in the first urban railway plan and was recently selected as a priority route in the second plan.
Feasibility Study:
The preliminary feasibility study has not yet been applied, but soon pre-feasibility studies and consulting for optimal route planning are expected to begin.
Promotion Schedule:
After completing the preliminary feasibility study in 2026, construction will start in 2027, with a target opening in 2032.
6. Gijang Line (Anpyeong Station ~ Ilgwang New Town)
A line is being promoted for new land development and tourist influx in the eastern Busan area. Initially, its economic feasibility was evaluated as low, but with the recent active development in eastern Busan, the need for early commencement is growing.
Accordingly, a re-application for pre-feasibility is planned for 2024, and a review focusing on connectivity with the Donghae Line and the extensibility and accessibility of Line 4 is underway.
7. Yeonsan 2nd Centum Line (Yeonsan Station ~ Seokdae Station)
To explain the progress, a line connecting Yeonsan Station and Centum 2 District is being developed. This line is closely related to the development of the Centum 2 district and is also included in political pledges.
Regarding the feasibility study, it is currently in the conceptual phase, and preparations are underway for applications for preliminary feasibility studies and pre-feasibility investigations.
8. Osiria Line (Jangsan Station ~ Osiria Tourist Complex)
Currently, the extension of Line 2 for the development of the Osiria Tourist Complex is being promoted through private investment. In this process, the role of a transfer hub at BuTX is also anticipated.
The feasibility study for this project is being conducted through private investment eligibility assessments instead of traditional preliminary feasibility procedures, meticulously reviewing its business viability.
The promotion schedule aims to commence construction in 2025, targeting an opening by 2029, and due to the nature of private investment projects, the procedures are being streamlined.
9. Subway Line 1 (Nopo Station ~ Dadaepo Beach Station), Line 2 Express Service (Yangsan Station ~ Jangsan Station)
Examining the current promotion situation, in 2022, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport received approval for changing Busan's urban railway network, laying the foundation for 'the introduction of express trains for Lines 1 and 2'. However, Busan City has not taken any concrete follow-up actions such as submitting preliminary feasibility studies, starting execution designs, or securing budget allocations thereafter.
The introduction of express trains is classified as a national financial project, thus the preliminary feasibility study is essential. Yet, so far, there is no plan for application or relevant administrative procedures implemented, leaving it stuck at the 'plan completion' stage in reality.
Regarding the promotion schedule, a plan was established in 2019 targeting an opening by 2026; however, the timing of preliminary feasibility study applications, the initiation of execution designs, and schedules for track and signal improvements remain undecided. Busan City has not made any official announcements regarding the promotion schedule or target opening dates, which appear to be considerably challenging following the terms of former Mayor Oh Geodon's administration.
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