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 South Coast Area

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

In their congratulatory speeches, Representatives So Byeong-cheol and Kim Hoe-jae said, “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 southern coast,” expressing their determination that the enactment of the ‘Special Act on Development and Advancement of the Southern 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 Suncheon and Yeosu in December 1936, which ushered in the railway era. However, since the 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 move again by subway or bus after arriving in Seoul.

Starting today, the Jeolla Line SRT will operate for the first time departing from Yeosu EXPO Station, stopping at Suncheon Station and Iksan Station, and arriving at Suseo Station, with two round trips per day, totaling four trips.

Representatives So and Kim stated, “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 make this a groundbreaking turning point for the development and advancement of the southern coastal area centered on Suncheon and Yeosu. We will continue to work together to increase the number 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.