Table of Contents
The Beginning of Busan-type Rapid Transit
A new Busan-type rapid transit project (BuTX) connecting all areas of Busan within 15 minutes is being actively pursued.
On October 1, 2025, the Korea Development Institute (KDI) passed the feasibility study for private investment projects, clearing the way for it to be promoted in the private sector.
BuTX is establishing an environmentally friendly transportation system by introducing hydrogen-powered trains for the first time in South Korea. Additionally, plans to begin operations simultaneously with the opening of the Gadeokdo New Airport enhance its significance.
Related Articles
Overview and Features of BuTX Project
BuTX is a rapid transit line 54km long, connecting the Gadeokdo New Airport to Myeongji, Hadan, North Port, Bujeon, Centum, and Osiria. This project includes a total of 7 stations and a vehicle depot, and it is expected to cost approximately 47.692 trillion won.
The construction method will be Build-Transfer-Operate (BTO), and it is scheduled to operate for 40 years after completion. Hydrogen trains will run on this line at a maximum speed of 150km/h, with expectations of reducing commuting times, alleviating traffic congestion, and achieving carbon reduction effects.
Through private investment, financial pressure will be alleviated, the efficiency of the project will be increased, and a foundation will be established for Busan to develop into a global hub city connected with the new airport.
Schedule and Administrative Procedures
The city of Busan plans to receive city council approval in 2026, complete investment review, and announce a third-party proposal. Then, in 2027, it will sign an implementation agreement and designate an operator to start full-scale construction. The goal is to launch BuTX in the 2030s alongside the opening of the Gadeokdo New Airport.
During this process, follow-up procedures such as strategic environmental impact assessments, disaster impact reviews, and transfer convenience assessments will also be carried out simultaneously. Through this systematic preparation, the Busan-type rapid transit is expected to become a new milestone in urban railways.
Concept of BuTX Station Mixed-use Development
A project is underway to transform stations from mere transfer spaces into pivotal mixed-use development spaces for the city.
Each station will feature distinctive developments. Myeongji Station will consist of a knowledge industry center, commercial facilities, and parking; North Port Station will be developed as a mixed-use space centered around commercial facilities and conference rooms; Bujeon Station will see a harmonious integration of officetels, commercial facilities, and parks; Centum Station will develop into a mixed complex centered on exhibitions and conventions; and Osiria Station will link outlets and various restaurants, warehouses, and parks.
Through this kind of station mixed-use development, a new urban center that organically combines transportation, commerce, work, and living is expected to be formed.
Concept of Expansion of BuTX Regional Line
The city of Busan plans to expand BuTX to Gyeongnam and Ulsan, creating a metropolitan rapid transit network similar to the metropolitan GTX in the capital area.
Line A will start from the New Airport, passing through Hadan, North Port, Centum, and Osiria, continuing to Ulsan Taehwa River. Line B will head from the New Airport through Hadan, Bujeon, and Nopo to Ulsan Sinbok. Line C will connect Changwon, Jangyu, Sasang, Bujeon to Osiria and Ulsan.
These lines aim to create a 30-minute living zone in the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam regions and to develop into a metropolitan economic zone.
Expected Effects
BuTX is not just about building a simple railway network but is establishing itself as a large-scale transportation project that innovates Busan's urban structure.
This project aims to make all regions of Busan a 15-minute living area, significantly reducing commuting times and helping to alleviate traffic congestion. Furthermore, with the introduction of hydrogen rail vehicles, it aims to achieve a transition to an eco-friendly city and stimulate the local economy through the mixed-use development of stations.
The realization of a metropolitan economic zone connecting Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam within 30 minutes will serve as a crucial foundation for Busan to develop into a global hub city along with Gadeokdo New Airport.
Conclusion
The BuTX private investment project is not only aimed at building a new railway. It will become a crucial infrastructure that significantly changes the urban transportation system and living space structure of Busan.
With full-scale construction approaching in 2026, if mixed-use station development and regional line expansion plans are solidified thereafter, it is expected to be a turning point that brings substantial changes to Busan's transportation, industry, and way of life.
#BuTX, #BusanRapidTransit, #BusanTransportation, #BusanUrbanPlanning, #GadeokdoNewAirport, #BusanRealEstate, #BusanRedevelopment, #BusanDevelopmentNews, #BusanRail, #HydrogenRail, #BusanMetropolitanCity, #BusanSubway, #BusanNewTown, #MyeongjiDevelopment, #NorthPortRedevelopment, #CentumCity, #OsiriaTourismComplex, #BujeonStationDevelopment, #BusanStationArea, #BusanTransportationInnovation, #BusanPrivateProject, #BusanEconomicZone, #BusanUlsanGyeongnamMetropolitanRailway, #BusanLivingZone, #BusanInvestment, #BusanRealEstateInvestment, #BusanHotIssues, #2030Busan, #BusanGlobalCity, #Busan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What kind of railway line is the BuTX project?
BuTX is a Busan-type rapid transit line connecting Gadeokdo New Airport to Osiria over a distance of 54 km.
BuTX is a rapid transit line with a total length of 54 km, including 7 stations from the Gadeokdo New Airport to Myeongji, Hadan, North Port, Bujeon, Centum, and Osiria. It will operate hydrogen trains at a maximum speed of 150 km/h to reduce commuting times and alleviate traffic congestion while achieving carbon reduction effects.
Q. What is the schedule and administrative procedure for the BuTX project?
Starting with city council approval in 2026, the implementation agreement will be signed in 2027, aiming for service in the 2030s.
The city of Busan will seek city council approval in 2026 and complete the investment review before announcing a third-party proposal. In 2027, it will sign an implementation agreement and designate an operator to start construction. Subsequent procedures, such as strategic environmental impact assessments and disaster impact reviews, will also take place simultaneously, targeting opening in the 2030s alongside the Gadeokdo New Airport.
Q. Are there any special technologies or vehicles introduced in BuTX?
The first hydrogen-powered trains in South Korea will be introduced in BuTX.
BuTX will create an eco-friendly transportation system with the introduction of hydrogen trains, which use hydrogen as a power source and are expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions, contributing to the conversion of Busan into an eco-friendly city.
Q. What are the plans for the mixed-use development of BuTX stations?
Each station will be developed as a space that incorporates commercial, office, residential, and exhibition functions.
Myeongji Station will consist of a knowledge industry center, commercial facilities, and parking. North Port Station will be designed as a mixed-use space centered around commercial facilities and conference rooms. Bujeon Station will feature a harmonious connection of officetels, commercial facilities, and parks, while Centum Station will develop into an exhibition and convention complex. Osiria Station will link an outlet, restaurants, warehouses, and parks. This will lead to the formation of a new urban center that integrates transportation, commerce, and living.
Q. What are the expansion plans for the BuTX metropolitan area?
The plan is to build a metropolitan rapid transit system connecting Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam, aiming for a 30-minute living zone.
The city of Busan is planning to expand the BuTX line with Line A (from New Airport to Ulsan Taehwa River), Line B (from New Airport to Ulsan Sinbok), and Line C (from Changwon to Ulsan). This metropolitan rapid transit network aims to connect the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam region into one living zone and promote the development of a metropolitan economic zone similar to the GTX in the capital area.
Q. What are the expected benefits of the BuTX project?
It is expected to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce carbon emissions, stimulate the local economy, and contribute to global city development.
BuTX aims to create a 15-minute living area across Busan, significantly reducing commuting times and alleviating traffic congestion. The introduction of hydrogen trains will contribute to eco-friendly growth while the mixed-use development of stations is expected to activate the local economy. Additionally, the integration of Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam into a metropolitan economic zone along with Gadeokdo New Airport will lay the foundation for Busan to become a global hub city.