From Busan to London... Restarting the North-South Railroad Connection (Comprehensive)

Early Construction Preparation for Donghae Bukbu Line Gangneung~Jejin Railway
Expected to Serve as a Key Transportation Network in the Northern Economic Era
Ministry of Unification "2nd Anniversary of Panmunjom Declaration... Promise of Inter-Korean Leaders"

President Moon Jae-in and Chairman Kim Jong-un raised their clasped hands high after signing the "Panmunjom Declaration" at Panmunjom on the afternoon of April 27, 2018.

The government, which won a landslide victory in the April 15 general election, has restarted the inter-Korean railway connection project.

On the 20th, the Ministry of Unification announced, "Around the 23rd, the 313th Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Promotion Council (E&C Council) will be held to discuss recognizing the 'Donghae Northern Line Gangneung?Jejin Railway Construction Project' as an inter-Korean exchange and cooperation project," adding, "Through this, we plan to create conditions for early commencement, including exemption from the preliminary feasibility study." The E&C Council has recently been held in a written meeting format, but this time Minister Kim will preside directly and conduct face-to-face consultations.

The Donghae Northern Line is a project connecting 110.9 km between Gangneung and Jejin in Goseong, and through the inter-Korean railway connection, the Donghae Line can extend from Busan to London, UK, via North Korea, China, and the Trans-Siberian Railway (TSR) in Russia.

The Donghae Northern Line is expected to function as a key transportation network in the northern economic era, but economic feasibility issues have been raised as demand could not be estimated until now.

The preliminary feasibility study requires meeting various evaluation criteria such as economic feasibility, but if the Ministry of Unification designates it as an inter-Korean cooperation project, it is known that exemption is possible under the National Finance Act.

Yeo Sang-gi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification, explained at the regular briefing that "if recognized as an inter-Korean cooperation project, the preliminary feasibility study can be exempted, which can shorten the period accordingly."

Promotional Materials Related to the Inter-Korean Railway Connection Project by the Ministry of Unification

Once the Donghae Line is connected, customs and immigration procedures must be completed in Goseong, a border area, making Gangwon Province the center of northern logistics and tourism.

Spokesperson Yeo said, "The Donghae Northern Line project is not only about implementing the railway and road connection projects agreed upon between the two Koreas but also reflects many requests from local communities," adding, "We believe it will greatly help stimulate the local economy."

The Ministry of Unification explained, "Through this event, the government intends to reflect on the significance of the 'Donghae Northern Line Gangneung?Jejin Railway Construction Project' for revitalizing the domestic economy and connecting inter-Korean railways."

The inter-Korean railway connection is the foundation of the 'New Economic Map of the Korean Peninsula' envisioned by the Moon Jae-in administration. The two Koreas agreed in the April 27, 2018 Panmunjom Declaration to connect and modernize the Gyeongui Line, Donghae Line railways, and the Kaesong?Pyongyang expressway.

Although a groundbreaking ceremony for the inter-Korean railway and road connection was held at the North's Kaesong Panmun Station on December 26, 2018, the process was stalled as inter-Korean relations froze after the no-deal outcome of the second North Korea?U.S. summit in February the following year.

Although North Korea announced a 'frontline breakthrough' policy this year, signaling a break in inter-Korean relations, the government plans to use the general election victory as momentum to find a breakthrough in inter-Korean relations.

In his New Year's address on January 7, President Moon Jae-in emphasized that South and North Korea should strive for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's visit to Seoul, stating, "While working for the success of North Korea?U.S. dialogue, we must also further promote inter-Korean cooperation."

The government is interpreted to start the project from the South Korean section of the Donghae Line first and gradually induce North Korea's response.

On the morning of December 26, 2018, North and South Korean officials unveiled the Seoul-Pyongyang signboard at the groundbreaking ceremony for the inter-Korean East-West Sea railway and road connection and modernization held at Panmun Station in Kaesong City, North Korea.

On the 27th, marking the second anniversary of the Panmunjom Declaration, the Ministry of Unification and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plan to hold a 'Donghae Northern Line Promotion Ceremony' at Jejin Station in Goseong County, Gangwon Province.

About 150 people, including the Minister of Unification, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Governor of Gangwon Province, and heads of government, local governments, and related organizations, are expected to attend the ceremony. Along with keynote and congratulatory speeches by major attendees, performances wishing for the inter-Korean railway connection and commemorative tree planting will take place.

The Ministry of Unification explained, "Considering the current COVID-19 situation, thorough quarantine measures such as social distancing between seats, temperature checks, mask-wearing, and provision of hand sanitizers will be implemented."

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