[Exclusive] Bu-Ul-Gyeong Subway Network to Be Included in National Plan... A 'Wind' of Balanced Development

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to include the establishment of a metropolitan railway network for Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam (PK) in the national comprehensive land plan as part of promoting the relocation of the administrative capital and regional balanced development. By allocating railway infrastructure budgets, which have been concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area, to the PK region as well, the 'mega-city' concept that links these areas into a single economic zone is expected to gain momentum. Just like the Seoul metropolitan area, a PK metropolitan railway network will be created. This also appears to be part of a blueprint for regaining power by boosting support in the PK region following the Chungcheong area (administrative capital).

Min Hong-chul, the chairman of the Democratic Party's Gyeongnam Provincial Committee, said in a phone interview with Asia Economy on the 24th, "I recently met with senior officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and emphasized that it is discriminatory that only the metropolitan railway network in the Seoul area is included in the comprehensive plan while local areas are excluded, so it should be reflected." He added, "The Ministry of Land also agreed and responded that they would review it positively." Min said, "I expect that government support will be possible starting from the research expenses for establishing the basic plan for the metropolitan railway network," adding, "Considering the poor local finances, if it is included in the comprehensive plan, the state is expected to bear the costs. It cannot be neglected any longer." The national comprehensive land plan is the highest-level national plan covering transportation infrastructure, industry, economy, environment, culture, and more, with the 5th plan up to 2040 established at the end of last year.

Democratic Party leadership candidates are also lending their support. On the 20th, Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Nak-yeon visited the grave of the late former President Roh Moo-hyun in Bongha Village, Gimhae, Gyeongnam, and said, "I will work to ensure that the metropolitan railway network, the starting point of the Southeast mega-city concept, is reflected in next year's initial budget as soon as possible." Former lawmaker Kim Boo-kyum, who is competing for party leadership, posted on Facebook on the 19th about his meeting with Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo, saying, "What I admire is Governor Kim's 'mega-city platform' concept." He praised it, saying, "It is a truly wonderful idea to revitalize local areas. The idea is to link PK into a super-metropolitan economic zone and create growth engines through economies of scale in finance, transportation, safety, logistics, and talent development."

The Southeast mega-city concept has been led by Governor Kim and Kim Young-choon, Secretary-General of the National Assembly, who took the position of chairman of the 'Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Mega-city Vision Committee' before the general election. Secretary-General Kim told Asia Economy in a phone interview, "Since the metropolitan railway network in the Seoul area was already built in the 1970s with national funding, it is a legitimate demand that local areas should now receive national funding as well." He added, "Although the initial attempt to make balanced development one of the three major New Deals along with digital and green was not realized, President Moon Jae-in recently emphasized regional-level New Deals and responded positively. The Southeast metropolitan railway network will be realized."

President Moon Jae-in declared at the Cabinet meeting on the 21st, "The region is at the center of the continued evolution of the Korean New Deal. The government intends to promote region-led New Deals."

The decision on whether to construct the Southeast new airport, currently being verified for feasibility by the Prime Minister's Office verification committee, is also expected soon. Regarding this, lawmaker Lee Nak-yeon said on the 20th, "It seems to be in the final stage," and added, "I will contribute even a small amount of effort to ensure it is realized as the residents of PK provinces and cities desire."

If such a large-scale transportation infrastructure plan for the PK region materializes, it is expected to become a powerful card for the Democratic Party to reverse the stagnant regional support caused by the poor general election results and the sexual harassment scandal involving former Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don.

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