Wirye-Gwacheon Line extension to Uiwang sought for 5th national rail network plan
New Wolam, Wanggok stations also proposed
"We will devote all our efforts to expanding the rail network, including the Uiwang extension of the Wirye-Gwacheon Line and the addition of new Wolam and Wanggok stations."
On his SNS account on Tuesday, Uiwang Mayor Kim Seong-je said, "Today, I met with Rep. Yoo Eui-dong, chair of the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, at his office in the National Assembly building, explained Uiwang's key rail issues, and requested active support and cooperation at the Assembly level."
Mayor Kim, Choi Ki-sik, chairman of the People Power Party's Uiwang-Gwacheon constituency committee, Uiwang City Council members Park Hye-suk and Park Jae-young, and an official from the city's public transportation division attended the meeting that day.
Kim raised two key issues with Yoo.
First, he asked for active attention and support to ensure the Uiwang extension of the Wirye-Gwacheon Line is included in the fifth national rail network plan.
Mayor Kim said the Wirye-Gwacheon Line's extension to Uiwang is "the most important project to further expand the city's rail network and improve residents' access to metropolitan transportation," adding that he would continue consulting with relevant agencies without pause to secure its inclusion in the national rail network plan.
Second, he proposed adding new stations — Wolam Station on Korail Line 1 and Wanggok Station on the Dongin Line.
He said the new stations would help Uiwang respond preemptively to urban development and shifting transportation demand while improving residents' access to rail, and urged that the necessary rail infrastructure be expanded.
Kim wrote, "Railways are critical infrastructure that goes beyond residents' daily commutes and convenience — they are directly tied to a city's future competitiveness. I will not stop after this single meeting and proposal, but will keep visiting the National Assembly, the government and relevant agencies to actively explain Uiwang's needs and the rationale behind them."
pjh@heraldcorp.com
