Sejong-Daejeon M1 metropolitan express bus first operation on September 10… Signal flare for transportation innovation in Chungcheong region

The M1 metropolitan express bus route connecting Sejong City and Daejeon City will begin full-scale operation on September 10. This new bus route is expected to be an important milestone in strengthening the metropolitan transportation system in the Chungcheong region.

The Sejong-type M1 bus was designed based on the express concept of the existing Daegwangwi M bus, and added Sejong Terminal and Banseok Station to further enhance the convenience of Sejong City and Daejeon citizens. This is expected to disperse the demand for the existing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes, alleviate road congestion, and greatly improve accessibility to major locations.

[Korean Today] Sejong-Daejeon M1 Metropolitan Express Bus © Reporter Lee Yoon-joo

The M1 bus will be operated by a total of 16 vehicles, and will run 67 round trips a day at an average interval of 15 minutes. The route will start from Nuri-dong, Sejong City, and pass through Haemil-dong, Sejong Express Bus Terminal, Banseok Station, and continue to Daejeon City Hall and Daejeon Government Complex. The total distance traveled is approximately 36.2 km, and it will take approximately 100 minutes one way. The fare is 2,000 won for adults, and an additional 300 won will be charged if you cross the administrative district.

[Korean Today] M1 Bus Route Map © Reporter Lee Yoon-joo

Sejong City is making full preparations for the successful opening of the M1 bus, including vehicle preparation and provision of a bus information system (BIS). The city plans to provide citizens with prompt and accurate information through its website and bus stop announcements.

Namgung-ho, the director of the Chungcheong Transportation Bureau, said, “The Daeguangwi Sejong-Daejeon metropolitan express bus project that had been promoted since 2021 fell through, but we have made the M1 bus operation a success through cooperation with Daejeon City,” adding, “Through the opening of this route, we will strengthen the win-win cooperation and public transportation competitiveness between the two cities, and further solidify the metropolitan transportation system in the Chungcheong region.”

The introduction of the M1 bus is expected to significantly improve transportation convenience between Sejong City and Daejeon City, and will have a positive effect on reducing citizens’ commuting times and revitalizing the local economy.