Kim Yeon-cheol: "Train Departing from Busan Can Go Beyond North Korea to Europe"

Minister of Unification: "20th Anniversary of Inter-Korean Railway Connection Agreement This Year"
"Connecting Railways on the Korean Peninsula Will Become a New Silk Road"

Minister of Unification Kim Yeon-cheol is listening to the remarks of participants at a meeting of religious and social organization representatives held on the 14th at Dalgaebi in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul emphasized the necessity of connecting the railroads between South and North Korea on the 15th, stating, "A train departing from Busan can cross North Korea, traverse Siberia, and extend all the way to Europe."

Minister Kim made these remarks during a congratulatory speech at the 'Hope Rail Foundation 10th Anniversary Policy Seminar' held at the Press Center that afternoon, saying, "This year marks exactly 20 years since the South and North agreed to connect the severed railroads and roads."

At the event, Minister Kim noted that the Donghae Northern Line, one of the key routes for establishing the 'East Asian Railway Community,' still has a "final task" remaining and said, "Now is the time to truly bear fruit."

The inter-Korean railway connection project has mainly progressed along two axes: the Gyeongui Line and the Donghae Line. The Gyeongui Line railway has been connected between Seoul and Sinuiju since 2004, but modernization projects such as facility upgrades are needed due to maintenance and repair issues.

In particular, the Donghae Line, which starts from Busan, passes through North Korea, and connects to Russia and Europe, has a disconnected section between Gangneung and Jejin (104 km) on the South Korean side.

Minister Kim said, "The Donghae Northern Line will lead the development of Gangwon Province and become a new Silk Road connecting the Eurasian continent and the Pacific Ocean," adding that the government, along with related ministries and local governments, "will do its utmost to advance the connection of the Donghae Northern Line as soon as possible."

He also emphasized the importance of 'tourism cooperation' for restoring inter-Korean relations.

Minister Kim stated, "Among various fields, the government is focusing on the potential for tourism cooperation between the South and North," and explained, "The Donghae Northern Line can create a synergy effect with the abundant tourist resources along the East Coast, including Seoraksan and Kumgangsan, revitalizing the stagnant border region economy and supporting and promoting the resumption and activation of inter-Korean tourism."

He continued, "We will continue to consult with North Korea and explore ways to realize the future-oriented development of Kumgangsan tourism and the establishment of a joint inter-Korean tourism zone along the East Coast."

The creation of a 'joint inter-Korean tourism zone' was included in the 2018 Pyongyang Joint Declaration.

Minister Kim acknowledged, "The situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula is not easy recently. However, even in the harshest winter, spring inevitably comes," and added, "To sow seeds well when spring arrives, it is especially important to steadily prepare for change during such times."

At a luncheon meeting with representatives of religious and civic groups related to North Korea held the previous day, he also expressed the government's position, saying, "With the new year, the government plans to take measures to improve inter-Korean relations rather than waiting for the resolution of North Korea-US relations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.