How the Gwangju-Hwasun Subway Extension Could Transform Local Transportation in 2026

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[iNews24 reporter Kim Sang-jin] On April 24, Democratic Party candidate for Hwasun County mayor Im Ji-rak visited the campaign office of Min Hyung-bae, the Democratic Party’s candidate for the integrated Jeonnam–Gwangju mayorship, to discuss development strategies for Hwasun and coordinate policy.

At an afternoon meeting at Min’s campaign office, Im said he would make the Gwangju–Hwasun metropolitan rail (subway) extension his top priority.

Im said roughly 70% of respondents chose the subway extension in a civic participation survey and emphasized that the project would be central to dramatically improving Hwasun’s transportation access.

He added that he has met personally with Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yun-duk to explain the project’s necessity and is in ongoing consultations. He described the extension as a core infrastructure project the Jeonnam–Gwangju integrated special city must pursue.

Im also proposed developing the bio and vaccine industries as Hwasun’s future growth strategy. He called for establishing a bio‑vaccine special zone centered on Green Cross and Chonnam National University Hospital and cultivating it as a future economic engine for the integrated special city.

Min responded that Hwasun is a key hub for the integrated special city’s bio industry and that he fully supports major initiatives, including the metropolitan rail extension.

Min pledged that, once the integrated special city is launched and Hwasun residents become citizens of the special city, his administration will support measures to ensure they experience tangible improvements in transportation, industry and everyday life.