Mayor Kim Seong-je emphasized on July 31 that the construction of the Uiwang railway network is essential for the success of the national housing policy.
During a meeting at the National Land Development Exhibition Center with Hong Ji-seon, the Second Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Mayor Kim requested active government support for key railway projects in Uiwang, including the extension of the Wirye-Gwacheon Line, the addition of a new station at Wolam Station on National Route 1, and the establishment of Wangok Station on the Dongtan-Indeokwon Line.
Mayor Kim is actively advocating for the inclusion of Uiwang's key railway projects in the national plan, focusing on the construction of a southern metropolitan railway network.
He specifically noted that the extension of the Wirye-Gwacheon Line is a crucial route directly linked to the government's housing supply policy, which includes the three new cities of Uiwang, Gunpo, and Ansan, and stressed the need for its inclusion in the fifth national railway network construction plan.
He added, "The Dongtan-Indeokwon Line and GTX-C will serve as a central axis in completing the southern metropolitan railway network."
Furthermore, he explained that the addition of a new station at Wolam Station is necessary to meet the transportation demand arising from the development of the Wolam Public Housing District and to enhance residents' transportation convenience. The establishment of Wangok Station is also essential to address the regional transport demand resulting from large-scale developments such as the Ojeon Wangok Public Housing District.
Additionally, the undergroundization of Uiwang Station and the mixed-use development project aim to connect the city center, which is currently cut off by railways, and to transform the railway site into a future-oriented urban space. He requested government support for the comprehensive plan to integrate the underground development of surface railways.
Mayor Kim Seong-je stated, "To successfully implement the national housing supply projects, including the Uiwang-Gunpo-Ansang three new cities, a dense railway transport network must be established. The railway projects in Uiwang are not just local issues; they are essential infrastructure for the future competitiveness of the southern metropolitan area and the success of the national housing policy."
In response, Hong Ji-seon stated, "We are in discussions with relevant agencies to expand the railway network in connection with national development projects and will closely examine the proposed projects from Uiwang, including the extension of the Wirye-Gwacheon Line."
There is growing anticipation in the local community regarding this proposal. Residents believe that as large-scale development projects such as the Uiwang-Gunpo-Ansang three new cities and the Cheonggye 2, Gocheon, Chopyeong, Wolam, and Ojeon Wangok districts gain momentum, the expansion of railway infrastructure is not an option but a necessity.
Some residents expressed, "The transport network must be developed alongside the new city to ensure that citizens can feel the benefits of the development," and added, "If the extension of the Wirye-Gwacheon Line and the establishment of Wangok and Wolam stations proceed, we expect significant improvements in commuting conditions and regional accessibility."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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