Electrification Opening of Gyeongjeon Line Jinju-Gwangyang from July 1

Eco-Friendly High-Speed Era Opens on the South Coast
Revitalizing Yeong-Honam Exchange

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Rail Network Authority announced that the electrification project of the Gyeongjeon Line from Jinju to Gwangyang has been completed and operations will begin on the 1st.

This project involved installing facilities on the railway tracks to allow electric locomotives and electric trains powered by electricity to operate.

The Gyeongjeon Line Jinju-Gwangyang electrification project electrified the 55.1 km section where non-electrified diesel trains used to run between Gajwa-dong, Jinju-si and Gwangyang-eup, Gwangyang-si. Approximately 168.3 billion KRW was invested over the past four years to carry out this project.

With this opening, the electrified section of the Gyeongjeon Line connecting Bujeon-dong, Jin-gu, Busan to Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do has been extended to Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do, enabling connection between the Yeong and Honam regions. Accordingly, from July 1, eco-friendly, low-noise electric locomotives will operate from Bujeon Station to Suncheon Station.

In 2024, with the opening of the double-track electrified line from Bujeon to Masan, the KTX-Eum high-speed train will operate, reducing the Jinju-Gwangyang section travel time to 25 minutes. This is expected to promote regional exchange and revitalize the tourism industry along the southern coast, thereby fostering balanced regional development.

By 2030, the entire Gyeongjeon Line connecting Bujeon, Masan, Jinju, Gwangyang, Suncheon, Boseong, and Gwangju will be connected by high-speed rail and operated as a single line.

Lee Yoon-sang, Director of the Railway Bureau at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stated, "The Jinju-Gwangyang electrification project will be recorded as a zero-accident railway construction project with no casualties," adding, "Following the Gyeongjeon Line, we will continue to expand eco-friendly high-speed rail services to enhance public convenience and contribute to the nation's carbon reduction."

Meanwhile, on the 22nd, an opening ceremony will be held at Hadong Station Plaza with the participation of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s 2nd Vice Minister, the Korea Rail Network Authority, and local residents.

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