by Lee jonggu
Published 20 Mar.2026 10:23(KST)
Jo Seunghyun, the preliminary candidate for mayor of Gimpo from the Democratic Party of Korea, has announced his “Satonpaldaal Gimpo” transportation pledge, which centers on the early commencement of the Seoul Subway Line 5 extension to Gimpo and the establishment of additional stations to maximize convenience for Gimpo residents.
Jo Seunghyun, preliminary candidate for Gimpo Mayor of the Democratic Party of Korea. Provided by preliminary candidate Jo Seunghyun
View original imageOn March 20, through a press release, Jo stated regarding the recently approved preliminary feasibility study for the Line 5 extension, “We will proceed with construction first, and subsequently promote the establishment of tentatively named Pungmu 2 Station, Gimpo Police Station Station, and Masong Station. Additionally, we will work to secure approval for the preliminary feasibility study for the currently pending Incheon Line 2 extension to Goyang.”
The Seoul Subway Line 5 extension project to Gimpo involves constructing 10 stations along a 25.8-kilometer route stretching from Banghwa Station in Seoul, through Geomdan in Incheon, to Gimpo Hangang 2 Compact City. On March 10, the project passed the government’s preliminary feasibility review and has now entered full-scale implementation. However, both Gimpo and Incheon are requesting the addition of more stations.
Regarding the establishment of Pungmu 2 Station, Jo emphasized his strong commitment by stating, “This station is absolutely necessary for Pungmu-dong, which is underserved by public transportation.” He also stressed the need for Gimpo Police Station Station, saying, “It is necessary to improve transportation rights for residents of Janggi-dong, who live far from Janggi Station.” As for Masong Station, he argued that since it is located near the currently planned terminus, Station 510, it should be constructed with reference to the case of Yangchon Station on the Gimpo Gold Line.
He further explained, “At first glance, the Line 5 extension to Gimpo appears to reflect Gimpo’s requests, but in reality, the demands of Incheon were heavily incorporated, resulting in the line extending deep into Geomdan New Town. This has created a distorted route with longer travel times, so the stations needed by Gimpo residents must be included.”
In response to concerns that adding new stations could delay construction and that Incheon’s request for the tentatively named Wondang Station should also be accommodated, he expressed his stance: “The best approach is to begin construction first and then promptly reflect the respective requests of both sides as the project progresses.”
Jo further explained, “The top priority is to begin construction as soon as possible so the project does not face further delays. Afterwards, the profits from development projects in Pungmu-dong and Janggi-dong should be utilized to fund the new stations.” He also mentioned he would consider attracting private investment and adopting public-private partnership models if necessary.
He also announced plans to actively support the passage of the preliminary feasibility study for the pending Incheon Line 2 extension to Goyang.
He stated, “It is urgent for the Incheon Line 2 extension, which would run from Gimpo Geolpo Bukbyeon to Goyang Ilsan, to pass its feasibility review. Since both Gimpo and Goyang are border areas outside the capital region, we will actively seek approval using the criteria for non-capital areas.”
He further stressed, “While the Line 5 extension failed to pass the feasibility review for three years under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, it was approved under the Lee Jae Myung administration. Now, with all members of parliament in the Gimpo area belonging to the Democratic Party, the project must be completed through cooperation between the government and the National Assembly.”
Jo also indicated the possibility of announcing additional pledges, stating, “Besides the extensions of Line 5 and Incheon Line 2, I am studying and reviewing various realistic measures to advance Gimpo’s transportation.”