Light Rail Sillim Line Opening: Gwanak-gu Seoul National University Venture Town Station Ridership Up 104%

From May to July this year, Gwanaksan Station saw an average of about 204,000 passengers (35.7% increase), Sillim Station about 121,000 passengers (53.7% increase), showing a clear upward trend... especially, Seoul National University Venture Town Station recorded about 512,000 passengers, a 103.9% increase.

Starlit Naericheon Area Flea Market

Since the opening of the Sillim Line light rail last May, the number of residents visiting Gwanak-gu has been increasing.

The "Sillim Line" is a light rail connecting a total length of 7.8 km with 11 stations from Gwanaksan (Seoul National University) Station to Yeouido Saetgang Station. It offers transfers to Subway Line 1 (Daebang Station), Line 2 (Sillim Station), Line 7 (Boramae Station), and Line 9 (Saetgang Station), significantly contributing to the improvement of the transportation environment in Gwanak-gu, which was relatively underserved in terms of transit.

According to data from the Seoul Open Data Plaza, the number of passengers boarding and alighting at major Sillim Line stations in Gwanak-gu has also increased significantly compared to the same period last year. From May to July this year, the average number of passengers at Gwanaksan Station was about 204,000 (a 35.7% increase), and at Sillim Station about 121,000 (a 53.7% increase), showing a clear upward trend. In particular, Seoul National University Venture Town Station saw a rise of 103.9%, reaching approximately 512,000 passengers.

The Sillim Line light rail has had a positive impact not only on improving transportation but also on local commercial districts and specialized spaces representing the district.

According to the Seoul Our Neighborhood Store Commercial Area Analysis Report, the commercial area within approximately 300 meters around Sillim Station on the Sillim Line saw the average monthly sales per store increase from 13.97 million KRW in the first quarter of last year to 18.39 million KRW in the first quarter of this year, a 31.6% increase.

Notably, sales by people in their 20s and 30s accounted for 66.5% in the food service industry, 56.3% in the service industry, and 56.7% in retail, confirming that many young people are visiting Gwanak-gu.

The number of visitors to "Gwancheon-ro Cultural Platform S1472," a cultural space for youth and local residents located near Sillim Station, has also increased significantly. As of July this year, the number of visitors was about 14,000, nearly matching the approximately 15,000 visitors over the entire previous year, attracting local residents from children to adults.

Getting off at Sillim Station or Seowon Station on the Sillim Line allows visitors to enjoy rest in nature at Byeolbitnaerincheon, one of Gwanak-gu’s representative attractions. Byeolbitnaerincheon is a nighttime attraction where light, water, and culture harmonize through various water features and LED lighting.

The bridge features Media Glass that projects artistic three-dimensional images, and the wall fountain combines lighting and mist fountains, making it a popular leisure space for residents. The district plans to hold the "Gwanak Starlight Festival" in November and December this year along the Byeolbitnaerincheon walking trail, decorated with splendid and beautiful lights, providing an interesting spectacle.

Visiting Gwanaksan has also become more convenient since the opening of the Sillim Line. Previously, visitors faced parking difficulties or the hassle of transferring between Subway Line 2 and buses, but now they can easily enjoy the beautiful seasonal scenery of Gwanaksan, such as valleys, autumn foliage, and snow flowers, on foot from Gwanaksan Station on the Sillim Line.

Near the Gwanaksan hiking trail plaza is the "Gwanak Art Hall," which offers high-quality performances and exhibitions. Gwanak Art Hall provides concerts, musicals, and other performances that allow audiences to feel closer and more vibrant. This year alone, it has attracted over 6,000 visitors, gaining popularity.

The district is accelerating efforts to attract venture companies by leveraging the improved accessibility brought by the light rail. Near Seoul National University Venture Town Station on the Sillim Line, the Gwanak S Valley startup ecosystem is being developed with facilities such as Startup HERE-RO 3, 4, and 5, and Sillim Venture Startup Centers 1, 2, and 3, contributing to regional economic revitalization.

To transform Gwanak, once a barren land for startups, into a mecca for venture entrepreneurship, the district plans to create a youth venture startup space by 2025 by receiving a public contribution of 1,283.5㎡ building area in the "Station Area Revitalization Project" zone around Seoul National University Venture Town Station. Additionally, the district is making every effort to attract the "Seoul Startup Hub (Gwanak)" to the former 289 terminal site, which will serve as the hub of Gwanak S Valley.

Park Jun-hee, Mayor of Gwanak-gu, said, "We will thoroughly prepare to ensure that the opening of the Sillim Line light rail improves residents' transportation convenience and creates synergy with local resources." He added, "We will continue to focus on creating specialized spaces for regional development, such as station area development, commercial district revitalization, and improving conditions for venture company settlement."

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