Kim Kyungsoo Announces Transportation Overhaul for "BU-UL-GYEONG Megacity 30-Minute Living Zone"

Kim Kyungsoo, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate for Governor of Gyeongnam, stated, "Restoring the 'Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam (BUULGYEONG) Megacity,' which integrates the entire regions of Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam into a single massive economic zone, is the first task of innovation." On April 27, he announced plans to establish four major metropolitan railway networks to realize a 30-minute living zone across the BUULGYEONG region.

Kim Kyungsoo, Democratic Party of Korea Candidate for Governor of Gyeongnam. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

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On the morning of April 27, at the Gyeongnam Provincial Assembly press room, Kim held a press conference titled "Kim Kyungsoo's Promise for the Great Transformation of Gyeongnam - Part 1." There, he announced his first major pledge, which centers on building a 30-minute living zone in the BUULGYEONG megacity through four major metropolitan railway networks and outlined his vision for an overall transportation transformation in Gyeongnam.

Kim pointed out, "While the South Korean economy recorded positive growth in the 1% range last year, Gyeongnam posted a negative 0.8% during the same period," arguing, "The economic crisis in Gyeongnam cannot be overcome by conventional methods." He further emphasized, "We must completely change the paradigm."

The four major metropolitan railway axes are comprised of: ▲ Axis 1, early completion and extension of the Western Gyeongnam KTX; ▲ Axis 2, upgrading the Eastern Gyeongnam KTX to a high-speed line; ▲ Axis 3, development of a Southern Coastal Metropolitan Express Railway; and ▲ Axis 4, early commencement of the Dalbit Railway. The plan aims to connect the entire BUULGYEONG region into a single living zone through these four major railway networks.

On this day, Kim also presented policies for AI-based transportation innovation and community-centered transportation welfare. He pledged to build ART (AI/All-Demand Responsive Transportation), an AI-powered, user-responsive public transportation platform, stating, "I will create a 'zero blind spot for public transit in Gyeongnam.'" ART is a system that analyzes demand in real time and provides flexible bus, taxi, or ride-hailing services accordingly.

Additionally, to ease residents' transportation costs, Kim announced, "We will introduce the 'Gyeongnam Pass,' a monthly flat-rate fare for unlimited use of all public transportation, and operate a separate ultra-low-cost pass for areas underserved by public transit." He added, "We will also promote step-by-step expansion of fare reimbursement support for workers in opportunity development zones and industrial complexes, assistance for university students commuting long distances, and free ferry fares for island residents."

In conclusion, Kim emphasized, "Through the BUULGYEONG Megacity, I will achieve a complete economic transformation of Gyeongnam," and added, "I am committed to making Gyeongnam a place where people gather, capital stays, and young people who once left choose to return-all thanks to the railway network."

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