(Geoje-si, South Korea, February 6, 2026) — South Korean President Lee Jae-myung attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Southern Inland Railway in Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, signaling his administration’s commitment to balanced regional development.
The ceremony marks the start of construction on a key infrastructure project intended to spur economic growth outside of the Seoul metropolitan area.
- President Lee Jae-myung attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Southern Inland Railway.
- The project includes plans for Korea’s first undersea tunnel between Tongyeong and Geoje.
- Officials say the railway is a key component of the government’s plan for “five poles and three special forces” ultra-metropolitan areas.
- Approximately 400 people attended the event, including government ministers and local residents.
President Lee is expected to sign a ceremonial sleeper at the event and reiterate that the Southern Inland Railway represents a national promise to promote more equitable growth across the country, according to reports from Newsis.
Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yun-deok is scheduled to present an update on the project’s progress, emphasizing its importance as a key infrastructure component supporting the government’s broader strategy for developing ultra-metropolitan areas, often referred to as the “five poles and three special forces” initiative. A key element of the project will be the construction of Korea’s first undersea tunnel connecting Tongyeong and Geoje, designed to minimize disruption to local fisheries and the marine environment, officials said.
In a planned commemorative speech, President Lee is expected to frame the Southern Inland Railway as the beginning of a “great national transformation,” shifting away from a growth model heavily concentrated in the Seoul area and fostering new economic engines in the regions. He is also expected to call for rigorous safety protocols throughout the construction process.
The groundbreaking ceremony included participation from local seniors, children, and workers in the shipbuilding industry, a sector vital to the Geoje region, according to the Blue House. Officials stated this was intended to symbolize a connection between generations, industries, and regions.
“We expect this groundbreaking ceremony to be an opportunity to clarify our will for balanced national growth,” the Blue House said in a statement. “We plan to manage the Southern Inland Railway so that it can be completed as a successful national infrastructure model that leads to the growth of the ultra-metropolitan region.”
Why It Matters
The Southern Inland Railway project represents a significant attempt by the Lee administration to address long-standing concerns about economic disparities between the Seoul metropolitan area and the rest of South Korea. For decades, the capital region has absorbed the vast majority of investment and economic activity, leading to population decline and limited opportunities in many rural areas. This project, and the broader “five poles and three special forces” strategy, aims to redistribute growth and create more balanced regional economies. The inclusion of an undersea tunnel also highlights a commitment to minimizing environmental impact during infrastructure development, a growing priority in South Korea.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by Newsis and added independent analysis and context.
