Seojeol Station~Seoul National University Entrance 'Western Light Rail Transit' Passes Private Sector Feasibility Study

Improving Urban Accessibility through Resolution of Eunpyeong-gu Residents' Long-standing Requests... 300,000 Eunpyeong Residents Participate in Signature Campaign, Fulfilling Community Aspirations

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] The Western Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, a long-awaited community project in the northwestern region of Seoul connecting Saejeol Station in Eunpyeong-gu to Seoul National University Entrance, has passed the Korea Development Institute (KDI)'s private investment feasibility study. The project is scheduled to be designed and commenced by 2023 and opened by 2028.

The Western LRT, spanning 16.15 km with 16 stations from Saejeol Station in Eunpyeong-gu through Sinchon, Yeouido, to Seoul National University Entrance, will serve as a north-south axis line connecting the western and southwestern areas of Seoul. It is expected to significantly contribute to building a transportation network by resolving public transit blind spots.

For commuters traveling from Saejeol Station to Yeouido, the current trip takes 30 minutes with 13 stations including transfers, whereas using the Western Line reduces the trip to 16 minutes with 8 stations, cutting travel time by 47%. Additionally, transfers to subway lines 1, 2, 6, 7, and 9 will be possible, greatly improving accessibility to downtown areas and enhancing convenience for residents using public transportation.

The Western LRT was initially proposed by the Doosan Consortium in 2008 to run from Saejeol to Jangseungbaegi, but in 2015, the plan was approved to extend the line to Seoul National University Entrance. Since March 2017, KDI has been conducting the private investment feasibility study.

Amid growing dissatisfaction among Eunpyeong-gu residents due to delays in KDI's announcement of the feasibility study results, residents collected signatures last year to urge early construction and strongly requested the government and Seoul City. The passing of the feasibility study has been met with great enthusiasm.

In fact, last year, Eunpyeong-gu (Mayor Kim Mi-kyung) promoted a resident signature campaign for early construction of the Western LRT through public-private cooperation. In August 2019, a committee for early construction was formed centered on representatives from 16 neighborhoods in Eunpyeong-gu. A launch ceremony was held with about 100 participants, followed by a two-month signature campaign.

Eunpyeong-gu staff and residents conducted door-to-door visits and collected signatures on-site from commuters at subway stations and bus stops, alongside an online signature campaign. As a result, over 300,000 residents supported early construction of the Western LRT and the establishment of Sinsagogae Station on the Goyang Line, representing nearly 60% of Eunpyeong-gu's population.

Furthermore, in November 2019, the Eunpyeong-gu Mayor, the Chairperson of the Eunpyeong-gu Council, and resident representatives met directly with Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon to deliver the petition signed by 300,000 residents advocating for early construction of the Sinbundang Line Northwest Extension and the Western LRT, as well as the establishment of Sinsagogae Station on the Goyang Line. They also visited the Government Complex Sejong to submit the petition to the Ministry of Strategy and Finance and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and held meetings with officials.

Additionally, Representative Park Jumin (Eunpyeong-gu Gap) and local governments along the route have urged action through various activities. These public-private efforts and aspirations appear to have helped the government recognize the necessity of accelerating the Western LRT project.

Mayor Kim Mi-kyung stated, “This project is a key line connecting major sub-centers such as Yeouido, Noryangjin, and Seoul National University Entrance in the northwestern region of Seoul, where transportation conditions have been poor. It is expected to greatly improve transportation convenience for local residents, and we will actively cooperate to ensure the project commences promptly. Also, as part of the transportation measures for Changneung New Town, we are pursuing plans to add a provisional Sinsagogae Station when the Goyang Line subway is constructed. We will focus administrative efforts to expedite the Sinbundang Line Northwest Extension, another long-awaited project for Eunpyeong-gu residents.”

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