Incheon KTX Route Opening: Direct Connections from Songdo to Busan and Mokpo Reduce Travel Time

The impending opening of the Incheon KTX route is poised to bring significant changes to Incheon's transportation landscape. Previously, Incheon was the only major metropolitan city without a direct KTX line, requiring residents to travel to Seoul Station or Gwangmyeong Station for KTX services. This new direct connection will allow KTX trains departing from Songdo Station to pass through Choji and Eocheon stations, joining the Gyeongbu High-Speed Line for direct travel to major cities like Busan and Mokpo without transfers.

The Incheon KTX route will begin at Songdo Station on the Suin-Bundang Line, proceeding through Choji Station and Eocheon Station before connecting to the Gyeongbu High-Speed Railway network. A crucial 3.19km section will be newly constructed to link the existing Suin Line with the Gyeongbu High-Speed Line near Eocheon, while the three existing stations (Songdo, Choji, Eocheon) will also undergo improvements. Upon opening, travel from Songdo Station to Busan is expected to take approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, and to Mokpo about 2 hours 10 minutes. The total project cost is estimated at 576.2 billion won, allocated for new connection line construction and existing line upgrades.

Bloggers emphasize that the Incheon KTX opening will greatly enhance travel convenience for Incheon citizens. They anticipate a significant perceived change as residents gain the option to travel to regional cities directly without passing through Seoul. Furthermore, access to KTX Songdo Station from Songdo International City will be facilitated by buses and urban railway, and a substantial increase in Songdo Station users is projected following the KTX launch.