Population Influx Expected Through Opening of 3 Gyeongjeoncheol Lines in Gwanak-gu

Published 28 Sep.2020 07:12(KST)

Gwanak-gu Sillim Line, Seobu Line, Nangok Line 3 Routes, Sinbong Tunnel to Open Smoothly... Old Geumcheon Police Station Area in Nangok, Sinbong Tunnel Upper Idle Land to Host Happy Housing and Living SOC Facilities

Light Rail Transit 3 Lines Map

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Park Jun-hee, Mayor of Gwanak-gu, said, “Gwanak-gu is geographically well-located with good access to major downtown areas, but it has long been a transportation-disadvantaged area with inconvenient public transportation compared to other parts of Seoul,” adding, “During the 7th local government term, Gwanak-gu is actively cooperating with Seoul City to focus on solving transportation issues.”

Gwanak-gu has only one subway line, Line 2, running east-west, causing significant inconvenience in public transportation use. However, with the promotion of the Sinlim Line, Seobu Line, and Nangok Line light rail projects, the transportation environment is expected to improve dramatically.

The Sinlim Line will be constructed entirely underground along a 7.8 km route from Yeouido (Saetgang Station) to Boramae Park, Sinlim Station, and in front of Seoul National University, with 11 stations.

Construction began in February 2017, and the current progress rate is 65%. The project is proceeding smoothly with the goal of completing construction by February 2022, followed by test operations and opening by the end of May.

According to Seoul City’s announcement in February last year, the Seobu Line light rail will be extended from Seoul National University Entrance Station to the front gate of Seoul National University, linking the previously disconnected Sinlim and Seobu Lines. The total length is 17.49 km, with 17 stations from Saejeol Station in Eunpyeong-gu, passing through Yeouido, to the front gate of Seoul National University.

Additionally, the Nangok Line light rail project has shifted from a private investment project to a public finance project, enabling early construction before 2022 and gaining momentum. This project covers a 4.08 km section, creating six stations from Nanhyang-dong to Boramae Park in Dongjak-gu.

The Sinbong Tunnel, currently under construction to establish a dense road traffic network, will extend the Nambu Beltway (Nangok) and Gangnam Beltway (Nakseongdae) with four lanes in both directions over a length of 5.58 km, scheduled to open in December 2023. The district expects that the opening of Sinbong Tunnel will help disperse traffic volume on the Nambu Beltway and significantly alleviate traffic congestion.

Mayor Park said, “Once the three light rail lines and Sinbong Tunnel open, the transportation convenience for Gwanak-gu residents will greatly improve,” adding, “In particular, it will not only improve the transportation environment but also greatly contribute to regional economic revitalization through station area development, new population inflow, and improved conditions for venture companies to settle.”

Along with this, the district is focusing on building residential and living SOC facilities suitable for the highest youth population ratio nationwide (40.2%) by utilizing idle land in the Nangok area.

On the site of the former Geumcheon Police Station (around 544 Sinlim-dong), a startup and business library, 276 units of rental public happy housing, a lifelong education center, an open childcare room, and a public parking lot will be constructed in a building ranging from one basement floor to three above-ground floors.

This location is situated in the center of the Nambu Beltway, making it an optimal site capable of serving as a transportation hub in the southwest area of Seoul after the opening of Sinbong Tunnel and completion of the light rail.

Also, on the idle land above Sinbong Tunnel (around 1569-20 Sinlim-dong), plans include 280 units of rental public happy housing and a complex sports facility equipped with a swimming pool, multipurpose gymnasium, and fitness room.

In particular, the district expects the idle land in the Nangok area to create the best synergy effect in the future by linking educational, cultural, and welfare facilities, as it is located within a 2 km radius of 15 schools, the family culture welfare center (tentative name) opening in 2021, and Horim Museum.

Gwanak-gu Mayor Park Jun-hee said, “We will establish Gwanak as a transportation hub with a comprehensive public transportation network centered on light rail and the construction of transportation infrastructure,” adding, “We will also fill the gaps in residential and living SOC facilities to create a happy city where every day is joyful.”