Speeding Up Inter-Korean Railway Connection... Gangneung~Jejin Railway Construction Exempted from Preliminary Feasibility Study

Donghae Bukbu Line Recognized as Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Project
Kim Yeon-cheol on Unification: "A Peace Economy and Regional Economy"

Kim Yeon-chul, Minister of Unification, is speaking at the 313th Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Promotion Council (Gyouchu-hyeop) held at the Government Seoul Office Building on the 23rd.

On the 23rd, the government recognized the 'Donghae Northern Line Gangneung?Jejin Railway Construction Project' as an inter-Korean exchange and cooperation project and finalized the promotion plan. With its recognition as an inter-Korean exchange and cooperation project, conditions for early commencement, such as exemption from preliminary feasibility studies under Article 38 of the National Finance Act, have been established.

The Ministry of Unification announced this during the 313th Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Promotion Council meeting chaired by Minister Kim Yeon-chul.

Based on the Donghae Northern Line, when combined with the Wonju?Gangneung Line (currently in operation) and the Chuncheon?Sokcho Line (scheduled to open in 2027), an east-west transversal railway network connecting the Seoul metropolitan area and Gangwon Province is expected to improve logistics, revitalize industrial complexes, and promote the tourism industry.

Furthermore, when linked with the Donghae Central and Southern Line (Busan?Samcheok), which opened in 2022, it will be possible to establish an integrated railway network for the East Sea region and Gangwon area.

In the future, if the inter-Korean railway connection is realized and further linked with the Trans-Siberian Railway (TSR), human and material movement from Busan to London can be anticipated.

The government is expected to start the southern section of the Donghae Line project first and gradually encourage North Korea's response.

In his opening remarks at the Exchange and Cooperation Promotion Council meeting, Minister Kim Yeon-chul referred to the ongoing lull in inter-Korean relations following the 'Hanoi No Deal' and stated, "It is a time when it is necessary to maintain momentum for inter-Korean exchange and cooperation and create an opportunity to improve inter-Korean relations. In particular, the railway connection project has been agreed upon several times since 2000 in inter-Korean ministerial and working-level talks, and it is desirable to proceed with it promptly."

The Ministry of Unification said, "This project holds significance as a 'Korean Peninsula New Deal Project' because it revitalizes the regional economy and greatly contributes to the balanced development of the nation. Going forward, along with the Donghae Northern Line project, if the inter-Korean railway modernization project is realized and the Korean Peninsula Railway Network (TKR) and TSR are completed, it will serve as a foundation for transportation, logistics, and energy cooperation to form a Northeast Asian economic community, not only within the region but beyond."

Minister of Unification Kim Yeon-chul and Kim Hyun-jong, Deputy Director of the National Security Office at the Blue House (left), are attending the 313th Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Promotion Council (Gyochuhoe) held at the Government Seoul Office on the 23rd, participating in the national ceremony.

The Donghae Northern Line construction project is part of the inter-Korean railway connection efforts that have been underway since 2000. The two Koreas' leaders agreed in the April 27, 2018 Panmunjom Declaration to connect and modernize the Gyeongui Line, Donghae Line railways, and the Kaesong?Pyongyang expressway.

The government plans to closely consult with local communities, including Gangwon Province, to promptly advance the railway connection construction between Gangneung and Jejin on the Donghae Northern Line.

Meanwhile, on the 27th, marking the 2nd anniversary of the Panmunjom Declaration, the Ministry of Unification and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will 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 will include commemorative speeches and congratulatory remarks from key attendees, a performance expressing hopes for inter-Korean railway connection, and a commemorative tree planting.

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

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