As the reconstruction of Mok-dong Apartments in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, proceeds rapidly, this area is expected to transform into a new city-scale complex for approximately 100,000 residents. Accordingly, there is a growing demand to promptly advance the construction of urban rail networks like the Mokdong Line and the Gangbuk Line.
At the 2nd plenary session of the 332nd Seoul Metropolitan Council held on August 28, Choi Jae-ran, a member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council’s Education Committee (Democratic Party of Korea, proportional representative), emphasized that “considering the severe transport isolation in Yangcheon-gu, the establishment of the Mokdong Line and the Gangbuk Line is urgent.”
Representative Choi pointed out, “Among Seoul’s 25 autonomous districts, Yangcheon-gu has the longest commuting time,” stating, “There are no neighborhoods with three or more urban railway stations, and it is the district with the highest number of administrative neighborhoods where it is difficult to access urban railways within a 10-minute walk.” He further highlighted that “a survey by the Seoul Institute revealed that round-trip commuting can incur an opportunity cost of approximately 1.88 million KRW per month,” emphasizing that this is “not just an inconvenience but a problem that poses an economic loss and threatens the quality of life.”
In response, Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated, “The preliminary feasibility study procedure is a problem for the Mokdong Line at present, but when the number of households nearly doubles due to the reconstruction, its economic viability will significantly improve,” and added that “it will be evaluated more favorably than the Gangbuk Line and the re-promotion will be pushed forward quickly.”
Choi further argued, “There is a problem if traffic measures follow only after reconstruction is fully completed,” emphasizing that “traffic infrastructure must be constructed in advance.” Mayor Oh explained, “There is a period of 2-3 years between the designation of a maintenance area and the approval procedure for project implementation, and even during this period, the process of reflecting the preliminary feasibility study should precede to ensure sufficient progress before reconstruction is completed.”
Representative Choi also noted, “The private investment project method repeatedly faced an unfavorable cycle due to delayed negotiations, breakdowns, and rising construction costs which lowered its business value,” stressing that “since the Mokdong Line has been converted from a private to a fiscal project, Seoul should push forward with strong determination swiftly.” He further proposed that “the Mokdong Line and the Gangbuk Line must be included and adjusted in the third-phase rail network plan.”
Choi asserted, “Addressing traffic isolation, ensuring regional balanced development, and preparing for population growth following the reconstruction are challenges that can no longer be postponed,” and urged that “Seoul should proactively push for the prompt advancement of the Mokdong Line and the Gangbuk Line with active administration.”