Hwaseong Launches Citywide Petition for 7 Major Railway Projects, Uniting the Will of 1.06 Million Citizens

Hwaseong City Steps Up Proposals to Central Government for Railway Network Expansion
"Exclusion of Bundang Line Extension from Feasibility Study Is Unacceptable"
Online and Offline Petition Drive Runs from March 16 to April 20
Aiming to Improve Access to Seoul and Expand the Metropolitan Transport Network

Hwaseong Special City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Jeong Myeonggeun) has officially launched a citywide petition drive starting on March 16 to urge the swift advancement of major railway projects within its jurisdiction and to advocate for their inclusion in the National Railway Network Construction Plan. The city has announced its intention to unite the will of its 1.06 million citizens and make a strong appeal to the government.

A view of Hwaseong Special City Hall. Provided by Hwaseong Special City.

A total of seven railway lines are included in this petition campaign. First, there are the Bundang Line extension and the Sinbundang Line extension to Bongdam, both of which have already been reflected in the 4th National Railway Network Construction Plan.

The Bundang Line extension is a metropolitan railway line that would connect Giheung Station through Dongtan 2 New Town to Osan. If this project proceeds, it is expected to improve Dongtan's metropolitan transportation accessibility and strengthen its connectivity with Seoul's Gangnam area. However, during the review by the 3rd Fiscal Project Evaluation Committee for 2026, chaired by the Ministry of Economy and Finance on March 10, the project was not selected as a candidate for a preliminary feasibility study, thereby putting a hold on its progress.

Jeong Myeonggeun, Mayor of Hwaseong Special City, said, “The exclusion of the Bundang Line extension from the preliminary feasibility study candidate list is an unacceptable result.” He added, “Given the necessity and urgency of this project, we will do our utmost to ensure its prompt advancement through close cooperation with relevant agencies and local governments.” He also stressed, “As the Sinbundang Line extension to Bongdam has already been included in the national plan, it is necessary to expedite subsequent administrative procedures such as the preliminary feasibility study.”

The JTX (Jungbu Wide-area Express Railway), which is being considered for private investment, is also included in the petition. JTX is envisioned as a metropolitan express railway connecting the Seoul metropolitan area with the central region. The Korea Development Institute (KDI) is currently conducting a feasibility study for private investment. If JTX is linked to Dongtan Station, it is expected to reduce metropolitan travel times and improve access to Cheongju International Airport, generating significant transportation and economic ripple effects.

Additionally, four other lines proposed for inclusion in the 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan are part of the petition: the Southern Gyeonggi East-West Line, the Southern Gyeonggi Metropolitan Railway, the Shinansan Line extension to Songsan Green City, and the Sinbundang Line extension to Ujeong. These routes form a comprehensive metropolitan transportation network that connects the eastern and western parts of Hwaseong, linking industrial complexes and new towns. The city asserts that their inclusion in the national plan is essential, as they will enhance access to Seoul’s urban core and key hubs in the metropolitan area, thereby resolving commuting inconveniences and strengthening regional competitiveness.

In particular, for the JTX and Southern Gyeonggi lines, the city plans to coordinate with other local governments along the routes to conduct joint regional petition campaigns. This approach aims to build broad public consensus across the metropolitan area and strengthen the case presented to the central government.

The petition drive will run from March 16 to April 20. Citizens can sign petitions offline at signature stations set up in the civil service offices of district offices and administrative welfare centers in towns and villages. Online participation is also available via the city’s official website and through QR codes. Once collected and organized, the signatures will be compiled into an official proposal and submitted to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and other relevant central ministries.

A Hwaseong Special City official stated, “This petition campaign marks the starting point for building a rail-based foundation for Hwaseong’s sustainable growth together with our citizens. Based on the will of our 1.06 million citizens and solidarity among local governments, we will do our utmost to ensure that major railway projects proceed without setbacks and that the proposed lines are reflected in the 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan.”

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