Table of Contents
- BuTX, which will change the future of Busan, finally unveiled
- What is the next-generation Busan-type express railway (BuTX)?
- What is the optimal route? Results of alternative review for routes and vehicle bases
- Future promotion plans and remaining tasks
- Expecting BuTX to lead the transportation revolution in Busan
- Public disclosure of the decisions on the strategic environmental impact assessment items of the next-generation Busan-type express railway (BuTX) private investment project
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
BuTX, which will change the future of Busan, finally unveiled
The strategic environmental impact assessment items regarding the promotion status of the next-generation Busan-type express railway (BuTX) private investment project, which will innovatively connect the eastern and western regions of Busan, have been disclosed.
The data released this time includes detailed routes and project plans for BuTX, connecting major hubs in Busan from Gadeokdo New Airport to Osi-ri, Gijang-gun, sparking significant interest among citizens. Currently, BuTX is being promoted as the top priority in the Busan metropolitan city's secondary urban rail network construction plan, highlighting its importance.
This project, which is expected to contribute to the expansion of Busan's transportation network, is anticipated to have a positive impact on local development in the future.
Attention is being drawn to the BuTX project, which aims for completion in 2033, to resolve Busan's traffic problems and ensure the successful operation of Gadeokdo New Airport. This project is set to become a major piece of infrastructure in Busan, and let's take a closer look at its key details.
What is the next-generation Busan-type express railway (BuTX)?
Project Overview and Route
The Busan-type express railway (BuTX) private investment project is a large-scale initiative aimed at constructing a 54.043km express railway connecting Gadeokdo in Busan to Osi-ri tourism complex in Gijang-gun.
Excluding the 12.000km common section for the Gadeokdo New Airport access railway, the main section will reach 42.043km. A total of seven major stations, including Gadeokdo New Airport (common), Myeongji, Hadan, Busan North Port, Bujeon, Centum City, and Osi-ri, are planned to be installed.
Details on the specific locations of BuTX's stations can be found through the posting below.
Introduction of eco-friendly hydrogen trains and project duration
BuTX will operate using urban deep-depth underground tunnels, with a maximum speed reaching 150 km/h. The design speed is set at 200 km/h. Notably, it will utilize hydrogen fuel cells as a power source to reduce greenhouse gases and realize an eco-friendly transportation system.
This project aims to not only increase transportation means but also seek new growth drivers for Busan and lead the carbon-neutral era. The project period is set from 2027 to 2033, with a total construction period of 72 months including comprehensive testing operations of the railway. It is hoped that these efforts will brighten the future of Busan.
What is the optimal route? Results of alternative review for routes and vehicle bases
Securing justification for project promotion
This evaluation document includes the results of various alternative analyses for the optimal project plan. The analysis was divided into 'plan comparison' to assess the feasibility of the project and 'site' comparison to determine specific routes and vehicle base locations.
First, comparing project implementation (Action) and non-implementation (No Action), it was concluded that although some environmental impacts may occur during construction, the public value of alleviating urban traffic congestion, improving access to Gadeokdo New Airport, and establishing green transportation infrastructure is far greater. Hence, it was decided that promoting the project is advisable.
This result will serve as crucial foundational data for future project direction and strategy establishment.
Final Route: Selection of 'Alternative 1'
The promising route viability alternatives were analyzed and compared, and 'Alternative 1', connecting Gadeokdo to the southern coast and the Noksan National Industrial Complex, was ultimately selected.
This alternative has the shortest total length, making it advantageous in terms of operational time and project cost. Furthermore, it does not pass through the southern coast, minimizing private land passage such as industrial complexes, which has received positive reviews.
For these reasons, Alternative 1 was finalized.
Vehicle base location: Confirmed near 'Gadeok TG'
The final location for the vehicle base was determined to be 'near Gadeok TG' after closely reviewing three alternatives.
This area has an advantage of short inbound and outbound lines, making operations efficient. Notably, the planned zero-carbon energy receiving station at Busan New Port facilitates easy hydrogen fuel supply.
These factors demonstrate that BuTX can closely connect with Busan's hydrogen economy ecosystem beyond just being a simple railway system.
Future promotion plans and remaining tasks
Roadmap towards construction in 2027
The BuTX project has been ongoing since the first proposal was submitted in September 2023 as a private investment project.
In future schedules, from October to December 2025, community hearings and public meetings will be held to gather local residents' opinions. Then, in the first half of 2026, a priority negotiation target will be selected through a third-party notification.
If all processes go smoothly, construction is expected to start in 2027, and citizens of Busan should be able to use BuTX by 2033. However, there is a high possibility of delays, leading to an estimated actual opening around 2035. The initially targeted start of construction in 2025 has already been postponed by two years.
Concerns: Lack of connection plan with the Donghae Line
The recently published materials hold significant meaning in presenting detailed plans for the BuTX project. However, personally, I feel there is a lack of discussion on the connection plans after the Osi-ri terminal, which is disappointing.
To fully utilize the potential of BuTX and meet the metropolitan demands of the East Coast areas like Ulsan, Gyeongju, and Pohang, a direct operation with the Donghae Line is absolutely necessary. Moreover, it is required to establish additional connecting tracks to effectively disperse the demand concentrated at the currently saturated Bujeon Station. In the future, in the process of promoting the project, an in-depth review to expand its functions as a metropolitan railroad network must be carried out.
If these points are reflected, it is expected that the BuTX project will significantly contribute to local development.
Expecting BuTX to lead the transportation revolution in Busan
The Busan-type express railway BuTX is a project that will innovatively change Busan's transportation landscape. It is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Gadeokdo New Airport and facilitate movements across the city, significantly improving the quality of life for citizens.
As optimal routes and plans have been established after closely examining various alternatives, it is hoped that the remaining administrative procedures and construction processes will proceed smoothly.
In 2033, a new transportation network in Busan is expected to open vigorously, and BuTX will make Busan's future even more dynamic.
Public disclosure of the decisions on the strategic environmental impact assessment items of the next-generation Busan-type express railway (BuTX) private investment project
Chapter 1 Purpose and Overview of the Plan
1.1 Background and Purpose of the Plan
Busan Metropolitan City needs to greatly improve accessibility by directly connecting major hubs where urban travel demand is concentrated. In particular, the urgent need for expanding transportation networks due to the construction of Gadeokdo New Airport is present.
Additionally, it plans to introduce future innovative transportation means to create an environment conducive to local industry-academia-research cooperation and discover new growth engines for Busan. This focuses on building a low-carbon, eco-friendly railway system to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gases.
This plan aims to create a safe urban transportation means capable of high-speed travel by utilizing next-generation railway vehicle systems, specifically hydrogen fuel cell technology, within the urban rail network framework. This system is intended to operate at a speed of 150 km/h.
1.3 Progress and Future Plans of the Plan
### 1.3.1 Progress
The Busan-type next-generation express railway (BuTX) project is scheduled as follows. On December 12, 2022, Busan Metropolitan City discussed the introduction of BuTX through a public meeting, and the feasibility study was completed on December 20. On March 23, 2023, a meeting was held to establish a promotion plan, and a preliminary briefing on the initial project proposal took place on June 14.
On September 15, 2023, the first proposal of BuTX as a private investment project was submitted to Busan Metropolitan City, followed by an enhancement of the proposal on September 28. On October 31, a preliminary feasibility assessment of the project plan was requested from the Busan Research Institute. Subsequently, on November 28, a review of the private qualification assessment was requested from the Public Investment Management Center of the Korea Development Institute. A series of these processes will conduct strategic environmental impact assessments and environmental impact assessment consultations from April to May 2025 for the BuTX private investment project. Furthermore, environmental quality and flora and fauna investigations will be conducted in August 2025.
### 1.3.2 Future Plans
As future plans, the results of the evaluation preparation document will be made public in September 2025. In October, the draft of the strategic environmental impact assessment will be submitted, and from the same month to December, public information sessions will be held to gather opinions from the public. In January 2026, consultations on the strategic environmental impact assessment will be requested. Finally, in the first half of 2026, procedures for third-party notifications and selecting the priority negotiation target for the private investment project will be proceeded. If these procedures proceed smoothly, the BuTX project is expected to advance further.
1.4 Overview of the Plan
A new private investment project for the next-generation express railway, namely BuTX, is being planned in Busan. This project involves a route connecting Gadeokdo in Gangseo-gu, Busan, to Osi-ri in Gijang-gun, with a total length of 54.043 km. This includes a segment of 12.000 km connected to the Gadeokdo New Airport access railway.
The design speed of this railway is 200 km/hr, while the maximum operational speed of the trains is set at 150 km/hr. The planning and approval of the project are managed by Busan Metropolitan City, and consultations with the Nakdonggang River Basin Environmental Office are also taking place.
Currently, the project proposer is (tentatively named) BuTX Express Railway Co., and the construction period of this project is expected to be from 2027 to 2033, amounting to a total length of 72 months. It is anticipated that such an expansion of the railway network will significantly improve Busan's transportation system.
1.5 Expected Effects
To solve Busan's transportation problems and improve the economic and living environments of the eastern and western regions of Busan, a direct railway line between key hubs is necessary. This will enhance the convenience of railway use.
Moreover, it is crucial to establish an express railway network connecting Gadeokdo New Airport and the Busan city center to enhance the competitiveness and accessibility of the airport. The introduction of a low-carbon and eco-friendly hydrogen fuel vehicle system will stimulate the hydrogen economy and create an eco-friendly railway environment.
Lastly, providing an express railway service that differentiates itself from existing public transport will contribute to increasing citizen satisfaction.
Chapter 5 Land Use Plan
5.1 Route Plan (Draft)
A next-generation express railway project aimed at innovating the transportation network in Busan is underway. This project consists of a route extending from Gadeokdo in Gangseo-gu to Osi-ri in Gijang-gun, reaching a total length of 54.043 km, with a shared segment of 12.000 km for the Gadeokdo New Airport access railway.
The designed speed is set at 200 km/h on the rail, with a maximum operational speed of 150 km/h for the vehicles. Busan Metropolitan City serves as the planning and approving authority, and consultations with the Nakdonggang River Basin Environmental Office will take place. The project proposer is (tentatively named) BuTX Express Railway Co., and the project duration is expected to be from 2027 to 2033. The total construction period is 72 months, including comprehensive railway testing operations.
This plan is expected to greatly enhance transportation convenience in Busan and positively impact the local economy.
Chapter 6 Establishment of Alternatives
6.1 Types and Selection of Alternatives
### 6.1.1 Review of Relevant Regulations
The establishment of alternatives and review items resulting from the implementation of the plan was based on various relevant laws and regulations. Specifically, this complied with the ‘Environmental Impact Assessment Act’, the ‘Regulations on the Preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment Reports’ (Ministry of Environment Notification No. 2025-49), and the ‘Guidelines for Preparing Environmental Impact Assessment Reports’ (2025.4, Ministry of Environment).
### 6.1.2 Types and Selection Process of Alternatives
Here, ‘alternatives’ refer to results modified under various conditions based on maintaining reasonable objectives and standards, including the goals, directions, promotion strategies, methods, supply and demand, locations, timing, and construction methods of the administrative plan.
The head of the relevant administrative agency should select appropriate alternatives, reflecting the opinions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Council according to Article 11 of the ‘Environmental Impact Assessment Act’ when establishing the respective administrative plan. The selection process for this route alternative has been carried out according to the ‘Regulations on the Preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment Reports’ (Ministry of Environment Notification No. 2025-49).
Considering the characteristics of establishing a basic plan for urban railways, alternatives regarding the ‘plan comparison’ (including No Action) based on deciding on whether to proceed with the plan and the ‘location’ considering selected routes and vehicle base positions were presented. This facilitates a more efficient planning process.
6.2.2 Location Comparison
a. Comparison and analysis by route alternatives
○ As a result of assessing alternatives considering various locational factors, Alternative 1 was decided as the final selection. The review content is outlined below.
An analysis was conducted for the proposed vehicle base locations for this planned route.
Based on the comparison of various alternatives, Alternative 1 was ultimately determined to be the most suitable option.
Detailed review content is organized below.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the BuTX project and what role does it play in Busan?
BuTX is a next-generation express railway connecting the eastern and western regions of Busan, aiming for transportation innovation and local development.
BuTX is an express railway project connecting approximately 54km from Gadeokdo in Busan to Osi-ri in Gijang-gun. It is expected to significantly improve accessibility to Gadeokdo New Airport and ease movement across eastern and western Busan, positively affecting the lives and economy of Busan citizens. Another important goal is to create a low-carbon transportation environment through the introduction of eco-friendly hydrogen trains.
Q. How is the BuTX route and stop configuration set up?
BuTX is planned as a 54.043km route including 7 stops ranging from Gadeokdo New Airport to Osi-ri.
The BuTX route is planned to include a total of seven major stations: Gadeokdo New Airport, Myeongji, Hadan, Busan North Port, Bujeon, Centum City, and Osi-ri. Among these, the main section is approximately 42 km, including the 12 km segment of the Gadeokdo New Airport access railway. It will utilize deep-depth underground tunnels and operate at a maximum speed of 150 km/h.
Q. What is the timeline and future plans for the BuTX project?
It aims to start construction in 2027 and be completed by 2033, currently undergoing private investment qualification review and community opinion-gathering procedures.
The BuTX project is currently undergoing a private investment qualification review by the Korea Development Institute after submitting a proposal in 2023. Public meetings and discussions will take place in the second half of 2025 to gather opinions, and the intent is to select priority negotiation partners in the first half of 2026. Construction is targeted for 2027, and completion for 2033, though delays may occur.
Q. What eco-friendly technology will BuTX introduce?
BuTX will adopt eco-friendly hydrogen trains powered by hydrogen fuel cells to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
BuTX plans to utilize hydrogen fuel cells as the power source for vehicles, minimizing carbon emissions and implementing an eco-friendly transportation system. With a maximum operational speed of 150 km/h, the introduction of these technologies will also contribute to revitalizing Busan's hydrogen economy ecosystem.
Q. How were the BuTX route and vehicle base locations determined?
The final route was selected as 'Alternative 1', and the vehicle base was confirmed to be near Gadeok TG.
Among various route alternatives, Alternative 1 was selected for its short length and advantageous aspects in operational efficiency and cost. The vehicle base location was decided to be near Gadeok TG, where inbound and outbound tracks are short and hydrogen fuel supply is easily accessible. This strengthens the project's effectiveness and its connection with the eco-friendly hydrogen economy.
Q. What is the social and environmental justification of the BuTX project?
BuTX enhances public value by alleviating traffic congestion, improving access to Gadeokdo New Airport, and establishing an eco-friendly transportation network.
The environmental impact assessment indicated that while some impacts may occur during construction, the benefits of alleviating traffic congestion, improving airport access, and establishing carbon-neutral transportation infrastructure led to the decision to proceed. This contributes to improving the living environment of local residents and discovering new growth engines for Busan.
Q. What are the limitations or remaining tasks of the BuTX project?
The lack of direct connection with the Donghae Line and the unconfirmed demand dispersal plans for Bujeon Station are major remaining issues.
While it is necessary for BuTX to operate directly with the Donghae Line to meet the metropolitan demand along the east coast, there are currently insufficient connection plans. Additionally, a connection track to mitigate congestion at the heavily trafficked Bujeon Station is also required. Further reviews to expand its role as a metropolitan railroad network are essential.
