Donghae Nambu Line: Connecting South Korea's East Coast
The Donghae Nambu Line serves as a vital railway artery along the eastern coast of South Korea, providing essential connectivity between the major hubs of Busan and Pohang. Spanning a significant distance through the scenic coastal regions, this line has evolved from its early 20th-century origins into a modern transit corridor. On December 30, 2016, the line was officially merged into the Donghae Line.
Key Facts
- Route: Connects Busanjin to Pohang along the east coast.
- Total Length: Approximately 143.2 km (89.0 mi).
- Status: Integrated into the Donghae Line as of late 2016.
- Operator: Korail.
- Major Hubs: Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongju, and Pohang.
Historical Development
The history of the Donghae Nambu Line is rooted in the early development of the Daegu Line. The section between Gyeongju and Pohang represents the oldest portion of the network, having been established as an extension of the Daegu Line on October 31, 1918. This was followed by the opening of the Gyeongju to Ulsan (Taehwagang) branch on October 25, 1921.
The line reached a major milestone on December 16, 1935, when the Jwacheon–Ulsan section opened, finally linking Busan and Ulsan. These various segments were eventually combined to form the complete Donghae Nambu Line, originally spanning 145.8 km from Busanjin to Pohang.
Modern Upgrades and Infrastructure
To meet the growing demands of commuter traffic and regional development, significant infrastructure upgrades have been implemented across different sections of the line.
Busan–Ulsan Section
Planning for the modernization of the Busan–Ulsan segment began in 1990, with construction commencing in June 2003. This project involves creating a new 72.1 km alignment featuring several tunnels to improve efficiency. As part of a broader South Korean strategic plan to reduce travel times, this section is being upgraded to support speeds of up to 230 km/h.
Ulsan–Gyeongju–Pohang Section
The section connecting Ulsan, Gyeongju, and Pohang is being replaced by a completely new alignment. This new route is designed to circumvent the downtown area of Gyeongju and provide a direct connection to the Gyeongbu high-speed railway at Gyeongju station. This project, approved by the government in 2009, covers a total of 76.56 km.
Service and Connectivity
The line facilitates both passenger and freight traffic. As of 2010, passengers traveling from Bujeon station in Busan could reach Ulsan in approximately 1 hour 25 minutes and Pohang in about 2 hours 40 minutes using Mugunghwa-ho trains. Through connections with the Gyeongbu, Daegu, and Jungang Lines, travelers can access Seoul via Saemaul-ho or Mugunghwa-ho services, or via KTX high-speed trains through Dongdaegu.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 143.2 km (89.0 mi) |
| Track Gauge | 1,435 mm (Standard Gauge) |
| Number of Tracks | Single track |
| Electrification | 25 kV/60 Hz AC Overhead line (Busanjin–Bujeon) |
| Termini | Busanjin and Pohang |
Repurposing Abandoned Rail Lines
As new alignments are completed, portions of the old railroad between Ulsan and Busan have been repurposed to boost the local economy and provide recreational spaces. The Busan Green Rail Way Project has transformed abandoned sections into green corridors for tourists and residents.
Specifically, the area near Haeundae Olympic Junction has been developed into a green railroad running through Haeundae Station and along the coastal areas of Mi-po, Cheongsa-po, and Gudeok-po. This initiative aims to create energetic public spaces near Haeundae Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the Donghae Nambu Line?
As of December 30, 2016, the Donghae Nambu Line has been integrated into the Donghae Line.
Which major cities does the line connect?
The line primarily connects Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongju, and Pohang.
How long does it take to travel from Busan to Pohang?
Using Mugunghwa-ho trains from Bujeon station, the journey takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
What is the Busan Green Rail Way Project?
It is a project designed to reuse abandoned railroad sections between Haeundae Olympic Junction and the East Busan Tourist District to create green spaces and tourist resources.
Is the line electrified?
While parts of the line, such as the Busanjin–Bujeon section, utilize 25 kV/60 Hz AC overhead lines, the line has undergone extensive upgrades to move toward a fully electrified-double-tracked system.