Donghae Line Extension to Bukulsan Station Targeted to Open: Bujeon–Taehwagang Route, Timetable, Fares, Transfers and KTX

Connecting Busan and Ulsan, the Donghae Line commuter rail is targeting an extension to Bukulsan Station for opening in late December 2026.

This project extends commuter rail service, currently operating from Bujeon Station to Taehwagang Station, to Bukulsan Station. Once opened, it is expected to make rail travel more convenient for northern Ulsan.

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A report dated October 28, 2026 mentioned December 31 as the planned opening date, butthe Korea National Railway said on October 22 that the specific opening date would be announced later.

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Accordingly, as of October 30, the opening target is late December, and December 31 is not yet a confirmed date.

About 418 billion won has been invested in the project to provide the tracks, platforms and other facilities needed for commuter rail service.

Facility inspections and coordination among relevant agencies are ongoing. The final opening date may change depending on the relevant procedures.

The Donghae Line commuter rail is a major regional transportation service connecting Busan and Ulsan.

The current operating section Bujeon Station–Taehwagang Stationis. This project adds approximately 9.7km from Taehwagang Station to Bukulsan Station.

After the extension opens, passengers are expected to be able to travel by commuter rail from Bujeon Station in Busan to Bukulsan Station in Ulsan without transferring.However,

the finalized service plan must be checked to see whether all trains will run to Bukulsan Station or some will terminate at Taehwagang Station.

The Donghae Line currently includes Gyodae, BEXCO, Sinhaeundae, Gijang and Ilgwang stations in Busan, and Namchang, Deokha and Taehwagang stations in Ulsan.

It is advisable to check the final route map and station-by-station service information through official Korail notices before opening.

Bujeon Station is located at 181 Bujeon-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan,and is the Donghae Line commuter rail's departure hub in central Busan.

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A major railway station in Busanjin-gu, it serves KTX-Eum and ITX passenger trains as well as commuter rail.

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Its convenient access from Seomyeon’s commercial district and central Busan makes it a useful transportation hub for travel toward Ulsan.

One point to remember: Bujeon Station on Busan Metro Line 1 and Bujeon Station on the Donghae Line are separate stations.

There is no direct underground transfer passage between the two stations, so you must walk above ground.

After getting off the urban rail, you must walk to Donghae Line Bujeon Station. Allow plenty of time for the transfer so you do not miss your train.

It is safest to check separately before traveling whether transit card transfer discounts apply and what conditions apply.

Taehwagang Station is located at 654 Saneop-ro, Nam-gu, Ulsan,and is one of Ulsan's major railway stations.

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In 2021, commuter rail service on the Donghae Line was extended from Bujeon Station to Taehwagang Station, establishing it as a transportation hub linking Busan and Ulsan.

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As of October 2026, Taehwagang Station is the terminus of the Donghae Line commuter rail toward Ulsan.

At Taehwagang Station, passengers can use Donghae Line commuter rail, KTX-Eum and conventional trains.

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Commuter rail can be used for daily travel between Busan and Ulsan. Reserved conventional trains require separate tickets depending on the destination and service.

Taehwagang Station's role is also expected to change after the extension to Bukulsan Station.

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It may become an intermediate hub for service toward Bukulsan, but the final timetable must be checked to confirm whether some trains will terminate there and what the service intervals will be.

Bukulsan Station is located at 620 Auto Valley-ro, Buk-gu, Ulsan,and is a key facility improving rail access for northern Ulsan.

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Bukulsan Station is an existing conventional railway station that has been in operation since 2021. Therefore, the project planned for late 2026 does not open a new station; it adds commuter rail service.

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KTX-Eum began stopping at Bukulsan Station in late 2025.

If commuter rail is connected, Bukulsan Station could develop into a transportation hub serving both long-distance rail and regional transit between Busan and Ulsan.

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However, commuter rail and KTX-Eum operate under different service systems.When using KTX, ITX or other services, check whether the specific train stops there and what ticket reservation conditions apply.

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Improved rail access may also have a positive effect on development around the station.

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The scale of actual change may vary depending on service intervals, connecting bus routes, passenger numbers and the progress of development around the station.

Those waiting for the extension to open may be curious not only about the opening date but also about the Bujeon–Bukulsan timetable, fares and transfer options.

However, as of October 30, 2026, the confirmed timetable and fares for the extension section still need to be verified through an official announcement.

It is difficult to calculate travel time and fares to Bukulsan Station based only on existing Bujeon–Taehwagang service times or intervals in past project plans.

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Also, fares and boarding procedures differ between commuter rail from Bujeon Station to Bukulsan Station and KTX-Eum.

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The key point of this extensionis that it will directly connect Busan and northern Ulsan by commuter rail.

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However, December 31 is not a confirmed opening date. Before traveling, check the latest timetable, fares, stops and transfer conditions in Korail notices and KorailTalk.

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