East Coast rail line offers speedy service
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The Bujeon-Ilgwang section of the East Coast double-track railway line connecting Busan and Ulsan is now open.
Busan City and the Korea Rail Network Authority opened the section at Sinhaeundae Station late last December, with the first service offered between Bujeon Station and Ilgwang Station.
The double-track line allows trains to run simultaneously in both directions, increasing the frequency and variety of vehicles able to use the track. The line is informally considered Metro Line 5 for its ability to reduce travel time within the city. It takes just 37 minutes from Seomyeon in the city center to Gijang on the outskirts, a travel option appealing to commuters and visitors alike.
The East Coast double-track railway line covers a total of 65.7 kilometers between Bujeon Station in Busan and Taewhagang River Station in Ulsan, with 22 stations along the way. The 28.5-kilometer Bujeon-Ilgwang section links the Busan area with 14 stations. The line runs from Bujeon Station adjacent to Seomyeon through Dongnae, Haeundae, the East Busan Tourism Complex (Osiria) and Gijang to Ilgwang.
Trains depart every 15 minutes during peak rush hours (7 to 9 a.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.) and every 30 minutes at all other times. Tickets run 1,200 won for up to 10 kilometers and 1,400 won for longer rides. Transferring at Busan National University of Education Station (Metro Line 1), Bexco Station (Line 2) and Geoje Station (Line 3) is free, further easing travel between central Busan and Gijang.
"Buses come at 30-to 40-minute intervals, so it basically took more than an hour to get to the downtown area," said Jeong Seong-won, one of many Gijang residents welcoming the service.
The remaining Ilgwang - Taewhagang River section of the line is slated for completion in late 2018, with service to begin in early 2019.
The source of news : Dynamic Busan
