Gyeongjeon Line: Connecting South Korea's Southern Provinces
The Gyeongjeon Line serves as a vital east-west artery along the southern coast of South Korea, linking the South Gyeongsang and South Jeolla provinces. Spanning approximately 300.6 km, this railway connects Samnangjin Station in Miryang to Gwangju Songjeong Station in Gwangju, facilitating both passenger travel and freight transport across the region.
As a key component of the national rail network, the line has undergone significant transformations—from its early 20th-century origins to modern high-speed upgrades designed to foster regional economic development.
Key Facts
- Total Length: Approximately 300.6 km (186.8 mi).
- Termini: Samnangjin (South Gyeongsang) and Gwangju Songjeong (South Jeolla).
- Operator: Korail.
- Track Gauge: 1,435 mm (standard gauge).
- Primary Services: Heavy rail, passenger, freight, regional, and intercity rail.
- High-Speed Access: KTX and SRT services operate on upgraded sections.
Historical Development
The history of the Gyeongjeon Line is a story of gradual assembly through various stages of construction. The earliest segment began in May 1905 as the Masan Line, branching from the Gyeongbu Line at Samnangjin. Over the following decades, several lines were established, including the Jinju Line (1923) and the Jinhae Line (1926).
On the western end, construction moved from the Honam Line toward Gwangju, with the Gwangju Line eventually reaching Yeosu by 1930. A major milestone occurred on February 7, 1968, when the final gap between Jinju and Suncheon was closed. This completed the continuous route from Samnangjin to Songjeong-ri, at which point the entire network was officially renamed the Gyeongjeon Line.
Modern Upgrades and High-Speed Rail
To support South Korea's strategic goal of reducing travel times to major cities, the Gyeongjeon Line has been undergoing a multi-stage upgrade program. These improvements focus on electrification (using 25 kV/60 Hz AC catenary) and double-tracking to allow for higher speeds and increased capacity.
Samnangjin to Jinju Section
This 101.4 km section has seen significant re-alignment to improve efficiency. The Samnangjin–Masan section opened in December 2010, followed by the Masan–Jinju section in October 2012. These segments are designed for a speed of 200 km/h and were implemented through a public-private partnership.
Jinju to Suncheon Section
Work on the 56.1 km stretch between Jinju and Gwangyang involved extensive construction of tunnels and bridges. The upgraded section near the Jeolla Line junction opened in September 2015. Following the completion of the second track in 2016, electrification for this section became operational on June 23, 2023, supporting a design speed of 150 km/h.
Suncheon to Gwangju Songjeong
To reduce congestion at urban road crossings, a new alignment was opened in August 2000 that bypasses Gwangju to the south. The former section between Gwangju Songjeong and Gwangju now operates as a 11.9 km spur line known as the Gwangju Line.
Service and Connectivity
The line supports a variety of services, ranging from local Mugunghwa-ho trains to high-speed KTX and SRT services. For example, travelers from Busan can reach Masan in approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes via Mugunghwa-ho trains, while KTX services provide rapid connections from Seoul to Masan in under 3 hours.
Several connected projects continue to expand the line's utility, including a branch to Busan New Port and a planned cutoff branch from Boseong to connect with the Honam Line at Imseong-ri, which is scheduled for completion in December 2024.
Technical Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Owner | Korea Rail Network Authority |
| Total Stations | 45 |
| Track Type | Double track (Nakdonggang-Jinju, Gwangyang-Suncheon); Single track elsewhere |
| Electrification | 25 kV/60 Hz AC catenary (specific sections) |
| Design Speeds | Up to 200 km/h (Samnangjin-Jinju) and 150 km/h (Jinju-Suncheon) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main termini of the Gyeongjeon Line?
The line runs from Samnangjin Station in Miryang to Gwangju Songjeong Station in Gwangju.
Which high-speed services operate on this line?
Both KTX and SRT services operate on the upgraded sections of the line, providing fast connections to major cities like Seoul and Masan.
Is the entire Gyeongjeon Line double-tracked?
No. While sections such as Nakdonggang to Jinju and Gwangyang to Suncheon are double-tracked, other parts of the line remain single-track.
What happened to the Jinhae Line?
The Jinhae Line, which ran through Changwon, is now defunct for regular passenger services. There are plans to repurpose part of the route for the Changwon City Tram network.
When will the Boseong to Imseong-ri branch open?
Construction on this single-track, electrified branch is scheduled to open in December 2024.