Donghae Nambu Line
Encyclopedia
The Donghae Nambu Line is a railway line connecting Busan
to Pohang
in South Korea
.
The line runs along South Korea's east coast.
reached Pohang
. The section from Gyeongju
to Pohang would become the oldest part of the future Donghae Nambu Line. On October 25, 1921, a branch of the Daegu Line from Gyeongju
to Ulsan was opened. On December 16, 1935, Busan and Ulsan were linked up. The new line and the two older sections built as part of the Daegu Line were combined into the new Donghae Nambu Line, with a length of 145.8 km (90.6 mi) from Busanjin
to Pohang.
, Busan
, and Ulsan
city government is undertaking the upgrade. As of 2010, construction progress reached 32% of the total budget of 2,268.9 billion won. The completion of the upgrade is foreseen for 2015.
On September 1, 2010, the South Korean government announced a strategic plan to reduce travel times from Seoul to 95% of the country to under 2 hours by 2020. As part of the plan, the Busan-Ulsan section of the Donghae Nambu Line is to be further upgraded for 230 km/h.
. In 2003, a feasibility study was prepared for the section. Detailed design was started, and in May 2007, the government expected to realise the project from 2008 to 2011 at the earliest. The project was finally approved by the government on April 23, 2009, and a ground-breaking ceremony was held. The altogether 76.56 km line was slated to be opened in December 2014, with a total budget of 2,328.899 billion won. In January 2010, the early completion of the Pohang branch was confirmed by the government. Under the government's 2010 strategic plan for 2020, the Ulsan–Pohang section is to be further upgraded for 230 km/h.
was reopened in 2007, the South Korean government considered the construction of a railway for freight traffic all along the east coast to the North Korean border. As part of the corridor, a new single-track, non-electrified line for 150 km/h would connect Pohang and Samcheok, the end of a branch of the Yeongdong Line
. new line is to connect to the existing railhead at Samcheok. Work started on the Pohang-Yeongdeok section on March 20, 2008, with a foreseen budget of 2,949.5 billion won for the entire line until Samcheok. As of 2009, progress reached 5.9% of a planned budget reduced to 2,831.749 billion won, and completion of the 171.3 km long project was planned for 2016. Under the government's 2010 strategic plan for 2020, the Pohang–Samcheok extension is to be further upgraded for 230 km/h.
trains travel in around 1 hour 25 minutes to Ulsan and in around 2 hours 40 minutes to Pohang. Via the Gyeongbu
, Daegu
and Jungang
Lines, Pohang and Ulsan are connected to Seoul with both intercity Saemaul-ho and cross-country Mugunghwa-ho
services. As of 2010, the shortest travel times from Seoul to Pohang are around 5 hours 15 minutes by direct Saemaul service and around 3 hours 40 minutes with transfer to KTX trains at Dongdaegu
.
After its upgrade is finished, the role of the line as a corridor for freight traffic will be enhanced.
high-speed train service from Seoul to Pohang and Ulsan after the completion of the upgrades. From 2015, direct KTX trains are to reach Pohang from Seoul in 1 hour 50 minutes, cutting 33 minutes from the travel time with transfer at Singyeongju. Under the government's 2010 strategic plan for 2020, the entire line may see KTX service.
Busan
Busan , formerly spelled Pusan is South Korea's second largest metropolis after Seoul, with a population of around 3.6 million. The Metropolitan area population is 4,399,515 as of 2010. It is the largest port city in South Korea and the fifth largest port in the world...
to Pohang
Pohang
Pohang is a city in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, and a main seaport in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region. The built-up area of Pohang is located on the alluvium of the mouth of the Hyeongsan River...
in South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
.
The line runs along South Korea's east coast.
History
On October 31, 1918, an extension of the Daegu LineDaegu Line
The Daegu Line is a railway line in South Korea. The line connects Dongdaegu Station on the Gyeongbu Line in Daegu to Yeongcheon on the Jungang Line...
reached Pohang
Pohang
Pohang is a city in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, and a main seaport in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region. The built-up area of Pohang is located on the alluvium of the mouth of the Hyeongsan River...
. The section from Gyeongju
Gyeongju
Gyeongju is a coastal city in the far southeastern corner of North Gyeongsang province in South Korea. It is the second largest city by area in the province after Andong, covering with a population of 269,343 people according to the 2008 census. Gyeongju is southeast of Seoul, and east of the...
to Pohang would become the oldest part of the future Donghae Nambu Line. On October 25, 1921, a branch of the Daegu Line from Gyeongju
Gyeongju
Gyeongju is a coastal city in the far southeastern corner of North Gyeongsang province in South Korea. It is the second largest city by area in the province after Andong, covering with a population of 269,343 people according to the 2008 census. Gyeongju is southeast of Seoul, and east of the...
to Ulsan was opened. On December 16, 1935, Busan and Ulsan were linked up. The new line and the two older sections built as part of the Daegu Line were combined into the new Donghae Nambu Line, with a length of 145.8 km (90.6 mi) from Busanjin
Busanjin Station
Busanjin Station is a railway station in Busanjin ward, Busan, southeast South Korea. It is the terminus of the Donghae Nambu Line to Pohang, and a stop on the Gyeongbu Line to Seoul. The station was closed down in 2005....
to Pohang.
Upgrade
As of 2010, most of the line remains single-track and unelectrified. The entire line is to be upgraded to an electrified-double-tracked railway.Busan-Ulsan
Planning for the upgrading of the line started in 1990 already, with the primary aim to improve commuter traffic; construction started in June 2003. The section gets a new 72.1 km long alignment with several tunnels. Korea Rail Network AuthorityKorea Rail Network Authority
Korea Rail Network Authority is a railroad construction and management company in South Korea formed by the merger of KNR Construction Headquarter and Korean Express Railroad Construction Corporation. Its main clients are Korail and Seoul Metro....
, Busan
Busan
Busan , formerly spelled Pusan is South Korea's second largest metropolis after Seoul, with a population of around 3.6 million. The Metropolitan area population is 4,399,515 as of 2010. It is the largest port city in South Korea and the fifth largest port in the world...
, and Ulsan
Ulsan
Ulsan , officially the Ulsan Metropolitan City, is South Korea's seventh largest metropolis with a population of over 1.1 million. It is located in the south-east of the country, neighboring Busan to the south and facing Gyeongju to the north and the Sea of Japan to the east.Ulsan is the...
city government is undertaking the upgrade. As of 2010, construction progress reached 32% of the total budget of 2,268.9 billion won. The completion of the upgrade is foreseen for 2015.
On September 1, 2010, the South Korean government announced a strategic plan to reduce travel times from Seoul to 95% of the country to under 2 hours by 2020. As part of the plan, the Busan-Ulsan section of the Donghae Nambu Line is to be further upgraded for 230 km/h.
Ulsan–Gyeongju–Pohang
The line is to be replaced by a completely new alignment that circumvents downtown Gyeongju and connects to the Gyeongbu High Speed Railway at Singyeongju StationSingyeongju Station
Singyeongju Station is a new station near the city of Gyeongju. It is on the Gyeongbu KTX Line. Singyeongju Station means "new Gyeongju Station." It should not be confused with Gyeongju Station, which does not serve high speed trains....
. In 2003, a feasibility study was prepared for the section. Detailed design was started, and in May 2007, the government expected to realise the project from 2008 to 2011 at the earliest. The project was finally approved by the government on April 23, 2009, and a ground-breaking ceremony was held. The altogether 76.56 km line was slated to be opened in December 2014, with a total budget of 2,328.899 billion won. In January 2010, the early completion of the Pohang branch was confirmed by the government. Under the government's 2010 strategic plan for 2020, the Ulsan–Pohang section is to be further upgraded for 230 km/h.
Pohang–Samcheok extension
At the time of thawing relations between South and North Korea, when the cross-border section of the Donghae Bukbu LineDonghae Bukbu Line
The Donghae Bukbu Line is a former railway line that connected the present-day city of Anbyon in Kangwon Province, North Korea, with Yangyang, Gangwon Province, South Korea. It has not carried trains since the division of Korea. The line originally connected to the Gyeongwon Line running from...
was reopened in 2007, the South Korean government considered the construction of a railway for freight traffic all along the east coast to the North Korean border. As part of the corridor, a new single-track, non-electrified line for 150 km/h would connect Pohang and Samcheok, the end of a branch of the Yeongdong Line
Yeongdong Line
The Yeongdong Line is a line of Korail. It connects Yeongju in North Gyeongsang Province with Gangneung in Gangwon Province. From Yeongju, it crosses the Taebaek Mountains and reaches the Sea of Japan at Donghae, thence proceeding north to Gangneung.At Yeongju, the line connects with the...
. new line is to connect to the existing railhead at Samcheok. Work started on the Pohang-Yeongdeok section on March 20, 2008, with a foreseen budget of 2,949.5 billion won for the entire line until Samcheok. As of 2009, progress reached 5.9% of a planned budget reduced to 2,831.749 billion won, and completion of the 171.3 km long project was planned for 2016. Under the government's 2010 strategic plan for 2020, the Pohang–Samcheok extension is to be further upgraded for 230 km/h.
Stations
Major stations and junctions along the line include (in order):- Busan StationBusan Station- External links :* * *...
, terminus of the Gyeongbu LineGyeongbu LineThe Gyeongbu Line is the most important railway line in South Korea and one of the oldest. It was constructed by Japan in 1905, connecting Seoul to Suwon, Daejeon, Daegu, and Busan. The Gyeongbu Line is by far the most heavily travelled rail line in South Korea...
; - BusanjinBusanjin StationBusanjin Station is a railway station in Busanjin ward, Busan, southeast South Korea. It is the terminus of the Donghae Nambu Line to Pohang, and a stop on the Gyeongbu Line to Seoul. The station was closed down in 2005....
, also on the Gyeongbu LineGyeongbu LineThe Gyeongbu Line is the most important railway line in South Korea and one of the oldest. It was constructed by Japan in 1905, connecting Seoul to Suwon, Daejeon, Daegu, and Busan. The Gyeongbu Line is by far the most heavily travelled rail line in South Korea...
, just north of Busan Station; - Beomil, terminus of the Gaya LineGaya LineThe Gaya Line is a short railway line serving Busan, South Korea. The line connects Sasang on the Gyeongbu Line to Gaya and Beomil on the Donghae Nambu Line....
; - Bujeon, terminus of the Bujeon LineBujeon LineThe Bujeon Line is a short railway line serving Busan, South Korea. The line connects Gaya on the Gaya Line to Bujeon on the Donghae Nambu Line, without intermediary stops. It is roughly 2.2 kilometers in length....
; - Haeundae, a popular resort beach in eastern Busan;
- Namchang, terminus of the Onsan Line;
- UlsanUlsanUlsan , officially the Ulsan Metropolitan City, is South Korea's seventh largest metropolis with a population of over 1.1 million. It is located in the south-east of the country, neighboring Busan to the south and facing Gyeongju to the north and the Sea of Japan to the east.Ulsan is the...
, major industrial city and terminus of the Jangsaengpo and Ulsanhang Lines; - GyeongjuGyeongjuGyeongju is a coastal city in the far southeastern corner of North Gyeongsang province in South Korea. It is the second largest city by area in the province after Andong, covering with a population of 269,343 people according to the 2008 census. Gyeongju is southeast of Seoul, and east of the...
, historic city and terminus of the Jungang LineJungang LineThe Jungang Line is a railway line connecting Cheongnyangni in Seoul to Gyeongju in South Korea, traversing central South Korea from the northwest to the southeast.-History:...
; - Hyoja, terminus of the Goedong Line; and
- PohangPohangPohang is a city in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, and a main seaport in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region. The built-up area of Pohang is located on the alluvium of the mouth of the Hyeongsan River...
, seaport and industrial city.
Services
The line sees passenger and freight traffic. As of October 2010, from Bujeon Station in Busan, cross-country Mugunghwa-hoMugunghwa-ho
The Mugunghwa-ho or Mugunghwa is a class of train operated by Korail, the national railroad of South Korea. Mugunghwa trains are the cheapest class of trains to operate cross-country. Prior to the introduction of the KTX in 2004, they were the most common passenger train along most railroad lines...
trains travel in around 1 hour 25 minutes to Ulsan and in around 2 hours 40 minutes to Pohang. Via the Gyeongbu
Gyeongbu Line
The Gyeongbu Line is the most important railway line in South Korea and one of the oldest. It was constructed by Japan in 1905, connecting Seoul to Suwon, Daejeon, Daegu, and Busan. The Gyeongbu Line is by far the most heavily travelled rail line in South Korea...
, Daegu
Daegu Line
The Daegu Line is a railway line in South Korea. The line connects Dongdaegu Station on the Gyeongbu Line in Daegu to Yeongcheon on the Jungang Line...
and Jungang
Jungang Line
The Jungang Line is a railway line connecting Cheongnyangni in Seoul to Gyeongju in South Korea, traversing central South Korea from the northwest to the southeast.-History:...
Lines, Pohang and Ulsan are connected to Seoul with both intercity Saemaul-ho and cross-country Mugunghwa-ho
Mugunghwa-ho
The Mugunghwa-ho or Mugunghwa is a class of train operated by Korail, the national railroad of South Korea. Mugunghwa trains are the cheapest class of trains to operate cross-country. Prior to the introduction of the KTX in 2004, they were the most common passenger train along most railroad lines...
services. As of 2010, the shortest travel times from Seoul to Pohang are around 5 hours 15 minutes by direct Saemaul service and around 3 hours 40 minutes with transfer to KTX trains at Dongdaegu
Dongdaegu Station
Dongdaegu Station, meaning "East Daegu Station", is a railway station in Daegu, South Korea. It is on the national high-speed KTX railway network, 282 km south of Seoul Station.-History:...
.
After its upgrade is finished, the role of the line as a corridor for freight traffic will be enhanced.
KTX
Plans foresee direct KTXKorea Train Express
Korea Train eXpress is South Korea's high-speed rail system, operated by Korail. Construction began on the first section of the high-speed line from Seoul to Busan in 1992. The project was later split into two phases and combined with conventional line upgrades, adding a second route from Seoul to...
high-speed train service from Seoul to Pohang and Ulsan after the completion of the upgrades. From 2015, direct KTX trains are to reach Pohang from Seoul in 1 hour 50 minutes, cutting 33 minutes from the travel time with transfer at Singyeongju. Under the government's 2010 strategic plan for 2020, the entire line may see KTX service.
Busan–Ulsan commuter trains
In the Busan–Ulsan section, plans foresee frequent commuter service after the completion of the upgrade. Planned stops:| Station # | Station name | Transferrable lines | Station type | Doors open |
| Bujeon | Korail Korail Korea Railroad Corporation , promoted as Korail , is the national railroad operator in South Korea.Korail operates passenger and freight trains throughout South Korea... passenger train |
Aboveground | ||
| Geoje | Aboveground | |||
| Nammungu | Line 3(Geoje Station) | Aboveground | ||
| Busan Nat'l Univ. of Education (under construction) |
Line 1 | Aboveground | ||
| Dongnae | Aboveground | |||
| Allak | Aboveground | |||
| Jaesong | Aboveground | |||
| Udong (under construction) | Line 2 | Aboveground | ||
| Haeundae | Aboveground | |||
| Songjeong Songjeong Station -Vicinity:*Exit 1 : Songjeong Elementary School*Exit 2 : Gonghang Elementary & Middle Schools*Exit 3 : Doksuri Gonghang APT*Exit 4 : Gimpo Airport... |
Aboveground | |||
| Gijang | Aboveground | |||
| Gyori (under construction) | Aboveground | |||
| Ilgwang | Aboveground | |||
| Jwacheon | Aboveground | |||
| Wolnae | Aboveground | |||
| Seosaeng | Aboveground | |||
| Namchang | Aboveground | |||
| Mangyang (under construction) | Aboveground | |||
| Deokha | Aboveground | |||
| Seonam | Aboveground | |||
| Taehwagang (formerly Ulsan) Ulsan station Taehwagang Station is a train station in Ulsan, southeast South Korea, and it is the terminus of the Donghae Nambu Line. The station is located in samsan-dong of Nam-gu.- History :*October 25, 1921 : Sales ulsanyeok start... |
Aboveground |
See also
- KorailKorailKorea Railroad Corporation , promoted as Korail , is the national railroad operator in South Korea.Korail operates passenger and freight trains throughout South Korea...
; South Korea's national railroad operator - List of Korea-related topics
- Transportation in South KoreaTransportation in South KoreaTransportation in South Korea is provided by extensive networks of railways, highways, bus routes, ferry services and air routes that criss-cross the country.-History:...