Transforming Travel: How ‘Hanbando KTX’ Will Cut Seoul to Yeosu Travel Time to Under 2 Hours!

A policy discussion on the ‘Korean Peninsula KTX’ will be held on the 12th at the National Assembly Library Auditorium, proposing to reduce travel time from Seoul to Yeosu to just over two hours.

[The Fact | Yeosu = Ko Byeong-chae] On February 10, Representative Jo Gye-won (Democratic Party, Yeosu City) announced plans to host a policy forum on developing the ‘Korean Peninsula KTX’ rail network and promoting balanced national growth.

The forum, scheduled for 1 PM on the 12th at the National Assembly Library Auditorium, aims to propose new high-speed rail routes to enhance regional development and national competitiveness, and to advocate for their inclusion in the ‘5th National Railway Network Plan (2026-2035).’

The event will be co-hosted by Representative Jo Gye-won and 51 other lawmakers, with the Democratic Party’s Special Committee on National Balanced Growth organizing the proceedings. The National Assembly Broadcasting network will record and air the discussion.

The key proposed route would connect Namseoul (Yangjae) to Seongnam (Gwangju), Yongin, Anseong, Cheongju, Sejong, Dongjeonju, Namwon, Gurye, Suncheon, and Yeosu. This plan aims to create synergies by linking the semiconductor industry hub with cultural, tourism, and industrial centers in the southern coastal and central regions, potentially reducing travel time from Seoul to Yeosu from about three hours to just over two hours.

The presentations will feature Dr. Lee Jae-hoon, former researcher at the Korea Transport Institute, discussing ‘The Korean Peninsula KTX Initiative and National Balanced Growth,’ and Professor Lee Soon-hyung of Dongshin University presenting on ‘The Korean Peninsula KTX Initiative and Energy Highways.’ A panel discussion will follow, moderated by Ko Young-gu, director of the Regional Transition Research Institute, with participation from Professor Kwon Il of Korea National University of Transportation, Senior Research Fellow Lee Jae-young of the Daejeon Research Institute, Division Head Lee Ho of the Korea Transport Institute, Professor Choi Chang-ho of Chonnam National University, Director Kim Tae-byeong of the Railway Bureau at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Planning Director Kim Gong-soo of the Korea National Railway, and Director Moon In-gi of the Jeollanam-do Construction and Transportation Bureau.

Representative Jo Gye-won stated, “The ‘Korean Peninsula KTX’ will be a catalyst for balanced national development by creating a new economic lifeline connecting advanced industrial complexes with the southern coastal and central regions’ industrial and tourism hubs.” He emphasized that the innovative plan linking railways with energy corridors represents a core strategy for mutual growth between the capital region and other areas.

He added, “Based on the insights from experts and local governments gathered during the forum, I will collaborate closely with relevant ministries to ensure the ‘Korean Peninsula KTX’ route is incorporated into the national railway network plan.”

kde3200@tf.co.kr