Construction of Double Track Subway Line Between Gangnam and Yongsan Is Under Consideration

The construction of a 10-kilometer double track line between Gangnam station on the Line Two and Yongsan Station, part of the Korea Railroad, is under consideration.

To conduct a preliminary examination for the construction, the Ministry of Construction and Transportation submitted its budget proposal of 4.7 billion won for the next year to the Ministry of Planning and Budget.

If the construction of a double track line is laid, the new line will be directly connected to the New Bundang Line (between Gangnam Station in Seoul and Jeongja Station in Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do) and Gyeongui Line (between Yongsan in Seoul and Paju/Munsan, Gyeonggi-do). As a result, the northwestern (Paju-si) and southeastern (Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do) parts of Seoul will be more easily accessible.

The Construction and Transportation Ministry estimates that it will cost 400 billion won to complete the new double track line between Gangnam and Yongsan, both in Seoul. But experts say it could cost as much as one trillion won, given the fact that around 100 billion won is needed per one kilometer of a subway line.

The first phase of the construction of the New Bundang Line will link Gangnam Station on the Line Two through Yangjae, Poi, Cheonggye and Pangyo to Jeongja Station. The total length will be 18.5km. The work began in June, this year, and is planned to end in early 2010.

The construction of a double track line for 48.6km between Yongsan and Paju/Munsan on the Gyeongui Line is scheduled to be finished in late 2009 and be opened in 2010.

“Only a preliminary feasibility study has been performed on the construction of another line between Gangnam and Yongsan Station,” an official in the Ministry of Planning and Budget explained.

legman@donga.com