Table of Contents
- Prologue of the One-Hour Living Zone in the Busan-Ulsan Region: The Busan-Yangsan-Ulsan Metropolitan Railway
- Overview and Expected Effects of the Busan-Yangsan-Ulsan Metropolitan Railway Project
- Detailed Route and Station Information of the Busan-Yangsan-Ulsan Metropolitan Railway
- Analysis of Project Performance and Economic Feasibility Based on Preliminary Feasibility Study
- The Role and Challenges of Metropolitan Railways in Opening the Future of the Southeast Mega City
- Critical Review and Alternatives for the Project Plan (Personal Opinion)
- Conclusion: Beyond Simple Railways, The Cornerstone of Regional Co-Prosperity in Busan-Ulsan
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Prologue of the One-Hour Living Zone in the Busan-Ulsan Region: The Busan-Yangsan-Ulsan Metropolitan Railway
The establishment of the 'Southeast Mega City' is gaining attention as a significant measure to address the concentration issues in the metropolitan area and to promote balanced national development. This project aims to integrate Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do into a large-scale living zone.
For the success of this initiative, building a metropolitan transportation network for close connectivity among these regions is essential.
In this process, a key component is the construction of the metropolitan railway connecting Busan, Yangsan, and Ulsan. The recently published preliminary feasibility study report comprehensively examines the economic feasibility and policy necessity of this project and provides a concrete blueprint for its future direction. If this foundation is established, the possibility of realizing the Southeast Mega City will increase.
This article discusses the Busan-Yangsan-Ulsan metropolitan railway construction project that passed the preliminary feasibility study in July.
Based on the feasibility study report, it will explore the project overview and expected benefits, along with an in-depth analysis of its impact on the future of the Southeast region.
Overview and Expected Effects of the Busan-Yangsan-Ulsan Metropolitan Railway Project
Purpose and Scale of the Project
The Busan-Yangsan-Ulsan metropolitan railway project is a plan to establish a new transportation network connecting major cities in the Southeast region: Busan, Yangsan, and Ulsan. The primary goal is to provide high-quality transportation services and enhance the mobility of residents. The total length is approximately 50.5 km, with 11 stations planned.
The total estimated budget for the project is about 3.424 trillion KRW.
This project is expected to play a significant role in solving road-centered traffic issues by building a railway-centered public transportation system, going beyond mere transportation and contributing to the transition of inter-regional traffic to low-carbon, eco-friendly transportation methods. Such change will provide a better transportation environment for local residents and serve as a crucial opportunity for improvements.
Expected Effects for the Balanced Development of Busan-Ulsan
"Establishing metropolitan transportation infrastructure lays the foundation for realizing the 'Southeast Mega City platform' and is expected to enhance the competitiveness of local large cities and revitalize local economies through the formation of a vast living area outside the metropolitan area."
According to the report, this metropolitan railway is expected to support the formation of living areas in the Busan-Ulsan region and play a significant role in regional development.
It aims to build an economic growth foundation similar to that of the metropolitan areas and lay the groundwork for the establishment of the 'Southeast Mega City platform'. As a result, it is anticipated that the competitiveness of large local cities will increase.
This project is regarded as an essential process to achieve the larger goal of balanced national development, going beyond mere infrastructure expansion.
Detailed Route and Station Information of the Busan-Yangsan-Ulsan Metropolitan Railway
According to the preliminary feasibility study results, the basic plans for the route and stations are set to maximize the connectivity of the Southeast region. This is expected to contribute to regional development.
Main Transit Routes
The route of this project is designed to start from Nopo Station in Geumjeong-gu, Busan Metropolitan City, passing through the eastern (Wungsang) area of Yangsan City, and reaching KTX Ulsan Station in Uljin-gun, Ulsan Metropolitan City. Notably, this route is designed to be predominantly underground to consider urban landscape and noise issues. The average distance between stations is set to approximately 4.9 km to maintain an appropriate operating speed.
Location of 11 Stations and Transfer Plans
A total of 11 stations are planned to be built, of which 2 will be above ground and the remaining 8 will be constructed underground. This is a measure to minimize the impact on urban areas. Station placement is planned around major transfer points.
Busan Nopo Station, numbered 101, is designed for transfer with Busan Urban Railway Line 1 and Yangsan Line, serving as a central starting point for the Southeast transportation network.
Intermediate Stations (Yangsan Wungsang, Ulsan Southern Region)
Names and locations of intermediate stations will be finalized in the basic plan and detailed design phase. New stations are planned to be built in Yangsan Wungsang and the southern area of Ulsan. Notably, station 108 will be designed to facilitate transfer to the future Ulsan Urban Railway Line 1 (tram), enhancing connectivity with the urban center of Ulsan. This is expected to significantly improve transportation convenience for local residents.
Station 111 (KTX Ulsan Station) is the terminal for the Gyeongbu High-Speed Line (KTX), enhancing connectivity with the national transportation network. This significantly improves transportation convenience in the Ulsan area.
The provided route map includes station locations reviewed during the preliminary feasibility study phase. This plan may change during the future basic planning process.
Operation Plans and Interval Between Trains
The operation of the metropolitan railway will run at 20-minute intervals during peak commuting hours and 40-minute intervals during off-peak hours. Additionally, specific shuttle routes will operate at a frequency of 30 minutes during peak hours and about 112.5 minutes during off-peak hours.
Overall, the interval between trains is longer compared to metropolitan city subways, reflecting the nature of the metropolitan railway designed for inter-city connections. This operational plan focuses on supporting regular and stable movement between Busan, Yangsan, and Ulsan.
Analysis of Project Performance and Economic Feasibility Based on Preliminary Feasibility Study
All major national projects undergo thorough feasibility reviews before they start. The Busan-Yangsan-Ulsan metropolitan railway project is no exception and has undergone an economic feasibility, policy aspect, and regional balanced development comprehensive analysis by the Korea Development Institute (KDI) Public Investment Management Center.
Total Project Cost and Demand Forecast
According to the study, the total project cost is estimated to be approximately 2.5474 trillion KRW, including construction costs of 2.0801 trillion KRW and compensation costs of 25.7 billion KRW.
The daily ridership demand for the initial year of operation in 2031 is expected to be 34,788 people, with particularly high demand anticipated at the transfer station 101 (Nopo Station) and station 111 (KTX Ulsan Station). This data is expected to have a significant impact on future public transportation usage patterns.
Economic Feasibility and Comprehensive Evaluation (B/C, AHP)
The cost-benefit ratio (B/C), an important indicator in economic analysis, stood at 0.49. This figure does not exceed 1.0. However, it should be noted that the value of the project cannot be assessed solely on economic grounds.
Comprehensive AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) analysis showed a project implementation score of 0.502, which is higher than 'project non-implementation (0.498)', providing evidence for the feasibility of the project.
This result indicates that the strategic value of balanced national development and region-centered cultivation has more significance than short-term economic benefits. Consequently, this strategic value will play a crucial role in future project promotion.
The Role and Challenges of Metropolitan Railways in Opening the Future of the Southeast Mega City
Realizing the One-Hour Living Zone and Strengthening Regional Connectivity
The metropolitan railway connecting Busan, Yangsan, and Ulsan is a crucial element in realizing the blueprint for the Southeast Mega City. This route will reduce travel times between the three cities to 1 hour, enhancing human and material exchanges, and fostering mutual development in various sectors such as industry, culture, and tourism.
Especially, this project is expected to play a significant role in improving the accessibility of transportation-excluded areas and addressing connectivity issues, especially since there were previously no railway connections between Ulsan and Yangsan.
Challenges for Successful Project Promotion
Several challenges remain to be addressed. The report suggests that to minimize operational deficits that may arise during the project promotion process, smooth cost-sharing agreements among related local governments and various countermeasures should be established.
Furthermore, adjustments to the project promotion schedule should be made considering surrounding development plans and other railway projects, while the necessity of exploring cost reduction methods through design VE is emphasized. It is crucial for related agencies to work closely together to effectively resolve these issues and ensure the smooth progress of the project.
Critical Review and Alternatives for the Project Plan (Personal Opinion)
Although the project's economic feasibility stands at B/C 0.49, AHP approval at 0.502 reflects the government's commitment to regional balanced development, which is appreciated. However, a few deficiencies are evident when examining the details of the project plan.
Inefficient Cost Reduction and Limitations of Demand Forecasting
The change from a dual track tram to a single track steel-wheeled light rail appears primarily aimed at cost reduction. While total project costs may decrease, this could lead to long-term inefficiencies.
Particularly in the Yangsan Wungsang region, a lack of specific urban development plans raises doubts about whether sufficient intermediate demand can be secured. This raises concerns that it may become a 'pass-through' line rapidly connecting the starting and ending points with delays in the activation of intermediate stations.
Possibility of Extending Busan Line 1, Were There Better Alternatives?
The preliminary feasibility report lacked in-depth alternative analysis for directly extending Busan Subway Line 1. If this line had been extended using an elevated single-track method instead of the light rail, the construction costs may not have differed significantly.
Moreover, linking with the current plans for relocating the Nopo maintenance base for Busan Subway Line 1 could have maximized synergy. If the newly constructed vehicle base was shared with the Buil line, construction and operational costs could have been significantly reduced. If the 30-minute or longer long intervals were maintained, integrating the existing Line 1 vehicles and operating systems to minimize new vehicle orders and consider long-term operational cost reduction would have been a missed opportunity.
While the expertise of KDI researchers excels compared to individual bloggers, observing the expansion of Seoul's subway beyond Gyeonggi Province into Gangwon Province highlights the need for bolder and more integrated planning for the future of the Southeast region.
Conclusion: Beyond Simple Railways, The Cornerstone of Regional Co-Prosperity in Busan-Ulsan
The Busan-Yangsan-Ulsan metropolitan railway is establishing itself as a vital project aimed at transforming the metropolitan-centered economic structure and discovering new national growth engines, going beyond mere construction of a transportation network. The results of the preliminary feasibility study indicate that this project not only has economic value but also has the potential to contribute to regional balanced development from a policy standpoint, emphasizing the necessity of project promotion.
Once the railway construction is completed, the Busan-Ulsan region will be integrated into a single living and economic community, expected to accelerate the realization of the Southeast Mega City. It is hoped that the remaining challenges will be wisely addressed so that this project can serve as a solid foundation for the co-prosperity of Busan-Ulsan.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the main purpose of the Busan-Yangsan-Ulsan metropolitan railway project?
This project aims to connect the Busan-Ulsan region to provide high-quality transportation services and enhance mobility between regions.
The Busan-Yangsan-Ulsan metropolitan railway project is designed to establish a metropolitan transportation network connecting the three cities of Busan, Yangsan, and Ulsan to enhance the convenience of residents' movement and alleviate road traffic issues. It serves as a low-carbon, eco-friendly transportation method that promotes sustainable regional development. Going beyond mere transportation, it is a major infrastructure project contributing to the formation of the Busan-Ulsan metropolitan living zone and balanced national development.
Q. What is the structure of the metropolitan railway route and stations?
The route starts from Nopo Station to KTX Ulsan Station, with approximately 50.5km and 11 stations, mostly constructed underground.
The route starts from Nopo Station in Geumjeong-gu, Busan, and passes through Yangsan Wungsang to reach KTX Ulsan Station in Uljin-gun, Ulsan, with an average distance between stations approximately 4.9 km. Of the total 11 stations, 2 will be above ground while the remainder will be built underground to minimize urban impact and noise. Key stations are designed to allow transfers with Busan Urban Railway Line 1, Yangsan Line, and the upcoming Ulsan Urban Railway Line 1, maximizing the functionality of the metropolitan railway.
Q. How is the operation plan and train interval set?
During peak hours, trains will run every 20 minutes, and every 40 minutes during off-peak hours, with shuttle routes having their own scheduling plans.
The metropolitan railway will run at 20-minute intervals during peak commuting hours to facilitate smooth movement between urban and nearby cities. During off-peak hours, the interval will be 40 minutes, and specific shuttle routes will operate every 30 minutes during peak hours and approximately every 112.5 minutes during off-peak hours. The intervals are adjusted according to the characteristics of the metropolitan route, which, while longer than city subways, aims to provide stable and regular movement services.
Q. How was the economic feasibility assessed based on the preliminary feasibility study results?
The cost-benefit ratio (B/C) is 0.49, which is low, but the comprehensive AHP score is 0.502, recognizing the feasibility of project implementation.
Although the cost-benefit ratio falls below 1, indicating low economic viability, the AHP analysis, which incorporates strategic elements such as policy and regional balanced development, positively assesses project implementation. This indicates that it is a valuable project in addressing national goals of balanced regional development and realizing the Southeast Mega City. Therefore, it is critical not to judge the project solely based on economic figures.
Q. What impact does the Busan-Yangsan-Ulsan metropolitan railway have on the Southeast Mega City?
It connects the three cities as a one-hour living zone, promoting human and material exchanges, contributing to regional economic and industrial development.
The metropolitan railway for the Southeast Mega City dramatically shortens travel times between Busan, Yangsan, and Ulsan, realizing the integration of living zones. This is expected to create synergistic effects in various fields such as industry, culture, and tourism, playing a crucial role in resolving regional disparities and enhancing competitiveness. It serves as a solution to transportation exclusion issues by connecting areas that previously lacked train services between Ulsan and Yangsan, significantly enhancing transit convenience for residents.
Q. What are the main challenges and improvement plans for project promotion?
Coordination on cost-sharing among local governments and cost-reduction measures are necessary to minimize operational deficits.
The report suggests various measures to resolve potential financial burdens and deficits that may occur during project promotion, proposing smooth cost-sharing agreements among local governments. It is also vital to adjust project promotion timelines considering surrounding development plans and other railway projects. Cost reduction through design VE and operational efficiency improvements should be sought to ensure successful project implementation.
Q. What are the critical views and alternatives regarding the project?
While cost reductions were made with a single-track light rail, long-term inefficiencies and concerns of insufficient demand exist, with a lack of analysis on alternatives for extending Line 1.
The initial double-track tram plan has been switched to a single-track light rail, leading to cost savings, but concerns regarding securing intermediate demand raise fears about it becoming a pass-through line. Moreover, insufficient in-depth analysis on extending Busan Subway Line 1 has been noted, with opinions suggesting that an elevated single-train method could have been more efficient. There were possibilities for cost savings through vehicle and operational integration linked to the maintenance base relocation of Line 1, but this aspect was not considered, leading to missed opportunities.
