Visited Rep. Seo Cheon-ho’s office… Urged inclusion of the “Daesong Industrial Line,” KTX‑Eum stops at Hadong Station and other local rail priorities
Hadong County has appealed to South Korea’s National Assembly for support to build rail infrastructure, a key foundation for revitalizing its industrial complex.
On April 8, Lim Jong‑mun, director of the Safety and Transportation Division, visited Rep. Seo Cheon‑ho’s office to request that the Daesong Industrial Line be included in the government’s 5th National Rail Network Plan and to raise other local rail priorities, including securing a KTX‑Eum stop at Hadong Station.
The visit was part of a focused effort to prepare for the expected surge in logistics demand after the Daesong Industrial Complex was designated an Opportunity Development Zone. Officials said the move aims to position Hadong County as an economic center for the southern coastal region.
During the meeting, county officials explained the need for the Daesong Industrial Line in detail (Gwangyang Taegum Station–Galsaman–Daesong Industrial Complex, 13.8 km, about 8.6 miles). They emphasized that with roughly ₩884.2 billion (approximately 663.15 million USD) in planned corporate investment for the Daesong complex, a freight-capable rail link is essential to preserve the site’s competitiveness.
The county also pressed for strong support for a KTX‑Eum stop at Hadong Station, a proposal currently under feasibility review by the Korea Rail Network Authority. Officials highlighted residents’ strong demand for the stop and the anticipated boost to tourism and the local economy.
The issue was raised again on April 9 during a public event when Hadong Mayor Ha Seung‑cheol appealed directly to National Integration Committee Chair Lee Seok‑yeon for the KTX‑Eum stop. Lee reportedly expressed sympathy for the request and said he would personally follow up with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
A county official said, “The 5th National Rail Network Plan will determine rail investment for the next decade. We made clear to the National Assembly that a rail logistics artery is essential to complete a cluster here focused on secondary batteries and mobility materials.”
Rep. Seo Cheon‑ho’s office said it will coordinate closely with relevant ministries and actively work to ensure Hadong’s rail projects are included in the final national plan.
Going forward, the county plans to continue engaging the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the National Assembly and other relevant agencies to advance its long‑standing priority of expanding rail infrastructure.
Gyeongnam = Jeong Do‑jeong, reporter sos6831@viva100.com
