- Preliminary feasibility investigation passed, set to dramatically improve commutes to Seoul -

The anticipated Seoul Subway Line 5 extension project to Gimpo and Geomdan, a long-standing goal for residents in the northwestern part of the Seoul Metropolitan Area, is finally moving ahead in earnest.

Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced on March 10 that the Seoul Subway Line 5 extension to Gimpo and Geomdan had passed the preliminary feasibility investigation after review by the third Fiscal Project Evaluation Committee, fulfilling one of the eighth municipal administration’s campaign pledges.

The project will create a new 25.8 km line from Banghwa (Seoul) through Geomdan (Incheon) to Gimpo, with a total project budget of KRW 3.5587 trillion. To help secure approval in the preliminary feasibility investigation, Incheon has maintained close cooperation with Gimpo City and the Metropolitan Transport Commission while continuing strategic collaboration and network building.

Last year, the two local governments thoroughly revised the policy analysis data and refined the measures to improve economic feasibility, thereby reinforcing the plausibility for the project. More recently, they appeared before a subcommittee of the Fiscal Project Evaluation Committee, delivered a video message from Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, and then strongly argued for the project, emphasizing its urgency and justification.

Following the wide-ranging efforts and a full review of policy considerations, the project was recognized as justified on the grounds that it would ease traffic congestion in the northwestern part of the Seoul Metropolitan Area and improve public safety, ultimately clearing the preliminary feasibility investigation.

Incheon emphasized that the passage of the preliminary feasibility study will mark a turning point in accelerating transportation transformation in the northwest. Once the Seoul Subway Line 5 extension to Gimpo and Geomdan is completed, chronic congestion in the northwestern capital area is expected to ease. Overcrowding of the Gimpo Goldline and other routes is expected to improve, commuter convenience and public safety are expected to increase, and commuting between Geomdan in Incheon and Seoul is expected to improve dramatically.

Going forward, Incheon will work closely with relevant agencies, including the Metropolitan Transport Commission, throughout the basic planning process, putting its full capacity behind the project for speedy progression.

Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok stated, “The Seoul Subway Line 5 extension project to Gimpo and Geomdan is a metropolitan railway project that connects the main hubs across the northwestern Seoul Metropolitan Area. The passage of the preliminary feasibility investigation is a meaningful achievement made possible by the long-held hopes of Incheon residents, along with the city’s steady efforts and responses. We will continue focusing our efforts on securing preliminary feasibility investigation approval for the Incheon Subway Line 2 extension to Goyang that is now underway. Together with the West Regional Express Railway and the recently approved Seoul Subway Line 5 extension project, Geomdan will grow into a central city in the metropolitan transportation network.”