Seven Seoul district governments along the Gyeongwon Line — Yongsan, Seongdong, Dongdaemun, Jungnang, Seongbuk, Dobong and Nowon — have called on the central government to swiftly release its comprehensive plan for burying railways underground and to include the Gyeongwon Line in it.
A council promoting the underground conversion of the Gyeongwon Line issued a joint petition at the Dongdaemun District Office on the 21st, formally asking the government to place the line's Yongsan Station-Dobongsan Station section and its branch lines underground, Dongdaemun District said on the 22nd. About 30 officials attended, including the heads and deputy heads of the seven district governments.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport had initially planned to announce the comprehensive plan, including the rail lines targeted for underground conversion, by the end of 2025, but has yet to disclose specifics. The council said the delay has fueled concerns among residents that the Gyeongwon Line could be left off the list.
The council argued that burying the line is needed to reconnect urban areas divided by the tracks and to reduce noise and vibration. It also said the land freed up above the railway could be developed into housing, cultural facilities and workplaces, helping revitalize the surrounding neighborhoods.
"Putting the Gyeongwon Line underground is an urgent task that will shape the future of Dongdaemun and the other districts along the line, and drive balanced regional development," said Choi Dong-min, head of the council. "We will continue to work closely and forcefully with the relevant local governments so that the government makes a decision and the Gyeongwon Line is ultimately selected for the comprehensive plan."