SEOUL — In a landmark decision for South Korea’s urban planning and regional connectivity, the Ministry of Planning and Budget announced on Tuesday that three major transportation projects, including the extension of Seoul Metro Line 5 and the Wirye-Sinsa Line, have officially passed the government’s preliminary feasibility studies.

The decision was finalized during the 3rd Financial Project Evaluation Committee meeting, presided over by Lim Ki-keun, Acting Minister of Planning and Budget. This green light allows the respective ministries to move forward with immediate follow-up procedures for construction and implementation.

Enhancing Metropolitan Mobility
The Seoul Line 5 Extension (Gimpo-Geomdan) is perhaps the most anticipated project. The plan connects Banghwa Station to Gimpo via the Incheon Geomdan district. This extension aims to significantly alleviate the extreme congestion of the "Gimpo Gold Line"—notoriously dubbed the "Hell-train" due to overcrowding—and support the transportation demands of the upcoming Gimpo Hangang 2 Compact City.

Simultaneously, the Wirye-Sinsa Line has cleared its final administrative hurdle. This light rail project will link the Wirye New Town directly to major hubs like Samseong and Sinsa Stations. For years, residents of Wirye have faced isolation due to a lack of rail infrastructure; this project is expected to drastically reduce commute times to southeastern Seoul.

The third project to pass is the Gadeokdo New Airport Rail Connection, which will link the Gyeongjeon Line to the Busan New Port Line. This ensures that the upcoming Gadeokdo New Airport becomes a truly accessible regional hub for Busan, Ulsan, and the broader southeastern economic zone.

Future Projects on the Horizon
In addition to the approvals, the committee designated five new projects to undergo feasibility evaluations:

-Seoul Subway Line 8 Extension to Pangyo: A 3.8km stretch from Moran to the Pangyo Techno Valley.
-Jeju Mid-Mountain Road Expansion: A 32.2km 4-lane project to improve access to Jeju’s second airport.
-Korea Coast Guard Academy: A specialized training facility to be established in Dangjin.
-National Marine City Science Museum: A future-oriented exhibition center in Saemangeum.
-National Tax Service AI System: A digital transformation initiative to integrate AI into tax administration for better efficiency.

"These projects are not just about laying tracks or roads; they are about improving the quality of life for citizens and ensuring balanced national development," said Acting Minister Lim during the committee meeting.

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