Suncheon·Yeosu SRT, First Operation Amid Local Residents' Welcome and Expectations

Improved Accessibility to Seoul Gangnam Area for Eastern Region Residents

Expectations for Accelerated Development and Growth of the Southern Coastal Region

Representative So Byeong-cheol (Democratic Party, Suncheon·Gwangyang·Gokseong·Gurye (Gap)) and Representative Kim Hoe-jae (Yeosu City Eul) hosted a welcoming event for the first operation of the Jeolla Line SRT train departing from Yeosu EXPO Station at 06:46 on the 1st.

Following the commemorative event held at Yeosu EXPO Station, the two representatives arrived in Suncheon by SRT and held a welcoming ceremony at Suncheon Station Plaza with great cheers from local provincial and city council members and citizens.

[Photo by Kim Hoe-jae and So Byung-chul, Office of the Members of Parliament]

In their congratulatory speeches, Representatives So Byeong-cheol and Kim Hoe-jae stated, “The operation of the Jeolla Line SRT is a historic moment realizing a long-cherished project. From now on, Suncheon and Yeosu will develop as the transportation hub of the South Coast,” expressing their determination that the enactment of the ‘Special Act on Development and Advancement of the South Coast Area,’ which they proposed, will also be accelerated.

The first operation of the Jeolla Line SRT on this day marks a significant milestone since the simultaneous opening of the Suncheon-Yeosu and Suncheon-Gwangju railway sections in December 1930, and the opening of the Jeolla Line connecting Iri to Yeosu via Suncheon in December 1936, which ushered in the railway era. However, since SRT had not operated on this line, residents of the eastern Jeollanam-do region have experienced inconvenience, having to transfer at stations like Iksan to reach Seoul Gangnam or use subways or buses after arriving in Seoul.

Starting today, the Jeolla Line SRT will operate four times daily, with two round trips departing from Yeosu EXPO Station, stopping at Suncheon Station and Iksan Station, and arriving at Suseo Station.

In response, Representatives So and Kim said, “The operation of the Jeolla Line SRT will definitely resolve the inconvenience that residents of the eastern Jeollanam-do region have faced in accessing Seoul Gangnam. We will use this as a groundbreaking opportunity for the development and advancement of the South Coast area centered on Suncheon and Yeosu. We will continue to work together to increase the frequency of SRT operations to enhance transportation convenience for citizens and firmly establish the region as an economic hub.”

Additionally, Representative So mentioned that he will closely monitor the progress of another railway issue in the Suncheon area, the “Bypass of the Gyeongjeon Line through the city center.”

Suncheon = Lee Yeon-gyeong, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy hss79@asiae.co.kr

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