A plan to build a new Cheonghak Station on Line B of the Great Train Express (GTX), the Seoul metropolitan area's express rail network, has conditionally passed the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's central investment review. The result brings residents of Yeonsu-gu's old downtown, who have long waited for better transportation, a step closer to seeing a long-held wish come true. On the 16th, Yeonsu-gu District (Mayor Lee Jae-ho) formally welcomed the outcome. Mayor Lee said, "Together with the residents of Yeonsu-gu, I sincerely welcome and celebrate this result."
 [The Korean Today] Yeonsu-gu Mayor Lee Jae-ho © Reporter Kim Mi-hee |
The central investment review is a procedure in which the Ministry of the Interior and Safety examines the feasibility and funding plans of large investment projects pursued by local governments in advance. It is considered a gateway a project must pass before it can move forward in earnest. A "conditional pass" means the project itself has been approved but must meet the conditions attached to it. The result gives the Cheonghak Station project a basis to proceed, while leaving tasks still to be completed.
Lee said the result held special meaning for him. "Since I have been at the forefront of calling for the GTX since 2010, when I was an Incheon city councilor, today's achievement is all the more meaningful and moving," he said. He explained that the result is personally significant because his push to bring the GTX to the area, which began during his time as a city councilor more than 10 years ago, has produced tangible results during his term as mayor.
Lee also said the GTX means much more than just adding a rail line. "The GTX is more than a simple railway project. It is a national land expansion project that effectively broadens the reach of the national territory, and a new growth engine that narrows regional gaps and speeds up balanced development," he stressed. The view is that shorter travel times on the express rail could widen residents' daily living areas and make the region more competitive.
Yeonsu-gu's old downtown is seen as the area that will benefit most directly. Unlike newer districts such as Songdo International City, the old downtown has had relatively poor access to the wider metropolitan transportation network, and inconvenient transportation has been cited as a reason for the area's declining vitality. "In particular, the new Cheonghak Station will bring new hope and serve as a springboard for a fresh leap forward for residents of Yeonsu-gu's old downtown, who have endured transportation inconveniences for a long time," Lee said, expressing hope that the station would help revitalize the old downtown.
 [The Korean Today] Yeonsu-gu Mayor Lee Jae-ho © Reporter Kim Mi-hee |
However, some issues still need to be resolved as the project moves forward. Lee remained cautious on the plan to build a substation in Biryu Village. "There are still tasks that need to be resolved," he said. "In the process, I will listen even to minority voices and carefully address concerns about residents' safety." His remarks are seen as a pledge not to ignore safety concerns raised by nearby residents, even as he highlights the benefits of expanding rail infrastructure.
Lee also made clear his principle of paying attention to both the pace of the project and communication with residents. "The speed of the project is important, but not a single resident should be left behind along the way," he said. "I will make sure, together with residents, that the station opens on time so that the GTX dream I have held since 2010 bears fruit in the form of the new Cheonghak Station."
With its conditional passage of the central investment review, the new Cheonghak Station has cleared an important hurdle. Going forward, meeting the conditions attached in the review and gathering residents' opinions on the Biryu Village substation are expected to be the key factors deciding the project's pace and direction. The local community is watching closely to see whether the push to improve transportation in the old downtown will lead to an actual opening.
[ Reporter Kim Mi-hee: incheonsouth@thekoreantoday.com ]
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