Yeonggwang-gun emphasized that it would accelerate the development of the west coast of the Honam region by building a west coast railway (Gunsan-Mokpo). The heads of five local governments in the Honam west coast region (Yeonggwang, Hampyeong, Gochang, Buan, and Gunsan) urged, “We must accelerate balanced regional development by building a west coast railway network.”
According to Yeonggwang-gun, a ‘press conference on the resolution to urge reflection of the West Coast Railway national plan’ was held in the conference room of Gochang-gun Office at 11 am on the 22nd. In attendance were Yeonggwang County Mayor Jang Se-il, Gochang County Mayor Shim Deok-seop, Buan County Mayor Kwon Ik-hyeon, Gunsan City Vice Mayor Shin Won-sik, and Hampyeong County Vice Mayor Lim Man-gyu.
The heads of five local governments expressed serious concern about the current situation in which the Honam west coast region is suffering one-sided discrimination compared to the Gyeonggi and Chungcheong regions regarding west coast railway infrastructure.
In fact, on the 2nd, three routes – the Seohae Line (Hongseong – Seohwaseong), Janghang Line (Sinchang – Hongseong), and Pyeongtaek Line (Anjung – Oseong) - opened simultaneously, opening a new era in the construction of a railway network in the Gyeonggi-Chungnam region. On the East Coast, the Pohang-Samcheok railway is also scheduled to open at the end of this year.
On the other hand, the west coast of Jeonnam and Jeollabuk-do are the backbone of high-tech industries that will lead the country’s future, including Saemangeum, a national project, as well as shipbuilding, nuclear power, offshore wind power, electric vehicles, and drones, but the construction of a railway network has not made progress for several years.
In a resolution, the heads of five local governments emphasized, “The West Coast Railway will reduce logistics costs, promote the development of the national high-tech industry, and reduce carbon emissions and increase the efficiency of land use by dispersing traffic on the West Coast Expressway, which has reached a saturation point.”
In particular, the need to build a railway network to respond to the exploding tourism demand was also raised. In the western coast of Honam, the currently operating Muan International Airport, Saemangeum International Airport to be built within the next five years, three international passenger terminals (Gunsan Port, Saemangeum New Port, and Mokpo Port), and a cruise terminal (Buan Gyeokpo) are scheduled to be fully operational. Building a railway network is essential to transport Southeast Asian tourists to the inland.
After the press conference, five local governments, including Yeonggwang-gun, plan to form a council and launch a county-wide written campaign by the end of this year. Afterwards, the signatures will be delivered to the National Assembly’s Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and next year, the plan is to engage in joint urging activities targeting Honam political circles.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to hold a public hearing on the national railway network construction plan in April next year and confirm and announce the 5th national railway network construction plan (2026-2035) in the second half of next year.
Yeonggwang-gun said, “The construction of the west coast railway is a hopeful future for the Honam west coast area, including balanced national development in the Honam west coast area, laying the foundation for the economy and tourism industry in the era of the Pan-Yellow Sea area, and improving the quality of life of local residents. “We will do our best to ensure that it is reflected in the national railway network construction plan.”
Yeonggwang-gun urged residents to take special care as demand for eco-friendly energy increased and cases of damage related to the installation of solar power generation facilities continued to occur in some areas of Jeollanam-do.
Representative examples of damage have been reported: ▲cases of inducing installation by lying about the possibility of government subsidy support ▲cases of charging a loan after advertising free initial installation costs ▲cases of false or exaggerated explanations of the effect of reducing electricity bills.
In particular, some business operators have been found to be deceiving consumers by excessively inflating electricity sales profits or claiming free electricity bills and guaranteed pension-type profits.
A county official said, “Solar power generation projects must be carried out through a trustworthy professional company, and sufficient consultation and review must be conducted before contracting to prevent damage.” He added, “Yeonggwang-gun will continue to provide information to prevent damage to residents.” “We plan to provide and support counseling when necessary,” he said.
Detailed information regarding solar power installation can be found through the Korea Energy Agency’s Solar Power Damage Prevention Counseling Center. Yeonggwang-gun plans to do its best to quickly provide information to residents and prevent damage.
Economy Queen Reporter Choi Hana
What are the key benefits of the West Coast Railway for the Honam region?
Time.news Interview: The Future of Honam’s West Coast Railway Network
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving deep into an emerging infrastructure project that is set to shape the future of the Honam region. Joining us is Dr. Kim Oh-soo, a transport and urban development expert. Thank you for being here, Dr. Kim.
Dr. Kim: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this very timely topic.
Interviewer: Let’s start with the recent push for the West Coast Railway. Local government leaders from Yeonggwang, Hampyeong, Gochang, Buan, and Gunsan are calling for its acceleration. What are the main drivers behind this urgency?
Dr. Kim: The urgency stems from multiple factors, especially the need for balanced regional development. The Honam west coast has significant industrial potential—high-tech industries, shipbuilding, and even future projects like Saemangeum. The local leaders recognize that without a robust railway network, they may be left behind compared to regions like Gyeonggi and Chungcheong, which are rapidly expanding their railway infrastructure.
Interviewer: Speaking of competition, you mentioned Gyeonggi and Chungcheong’s recent railway openings. How does this impact the Honam region specifically?
Dr. Kim: It creates a stark contrast. Regions with upgraded transport infrastructure can attract investments, boost local economies, and enhance connectivity. The lack of similar facilities in Honam could lead to further economic stagnation and a drain of talent and resources toward those more developed areas. Local governments are rightly concerned that they’re at risk of being marginalized.
Interviewer: The mayors emphasized the environmental benefits of the railway project as well, such as reduced carbon emissions. How significant is this aspect in the conversation around new infrastructure?
Dr. Kim: It’s incredibly significant. Investing in railways instead of keeping reliance on road transport can drastically lower carbon emissions. Rail transport is inherently more efficient for logistics over long distances. With current global sustainability goals, this kind of development resonates well with both the public and policymakers focused on climate change. It’s a compelling argument to make!
Interviewer: They also highlighted tourism potential. Can you elaborate on how a railway would cater to the growing tourism demand in the region?
Dr. Kim: Absolutely! The proximity of Muan International Airport and upcoming projects like the Saemangeum International Airport alongside various ports means that the area is poised to attract international tourists. A railway would facilitate access to these sites for both domestic and Southeast Asian tourists. It’s vital for maximizing potential tourism revenue. Plus, it would ease pressure on local roads that may struggle with increased traffic from tourism.
Interviewer: What steps are the local governments taking to realize this vision?
Dr. Kim: They’ve initiated a concerted effort to form a coalition and campaign for the project, aiming to gather signatures that will be delivered to the National Assembly. Their hope is to catch the attention of key political figures and advocate for the inclusion of the West Coast Railway in the upcoming national railway network construction plans. This type of grassroots political engagement can be very effective, especially when paired with data showcasing the potential economic benefits.
Interviewer: The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport is preparing for a public hearing on this matter next year—what do you predict will come out of that?
Dr. Kim: A public hearing can serve as an important platform for local governments to voice their needs and for experts to share insights. I anticipate strong support for the railway project, especially if local leaders can present a unified front along with substantial data backing their claims. If they can highlight the sustainable transport goals, economic benefits, and the necessity for balanced development, it could lead to positive outcomes.
Interviewer: if the West Coast Railway is approved and constructed, what do you envision for the future of the Honam region?
Dr. Kim: Ideally, it would be a transformative step. A well-connected Honam region could become a vibrant hub for industries, tourism, and innovation, enhancing the quality of life for residents and ensuring that the region plays a vital role in the national economy. With the right infrastructure, local communities can thrive, and the entire region could fulfill its potential as a key player in South Korea’s growth.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Kim, for this insightful discussion! The development of the West Coast Railway indeed carries significant implications for the Honam region and beyond.
Dr. Kim: Thank you! I look forward to seeing how this vital infrastructure project unfolds.