Upcoming lines: Light-rail for Northern Seoul

Hover your mouse over any Korean words to see the English.

Since most of my previous posts have been a bit biased towards Southern Seoul it’s time to head over the Han and look at some projects happening in the northern part of Seoul.

Since September 15, 2009 construction has been underway on an automated light-rail line that stretches from 신설동(Lines 1,2) through 삼양, 미아 and finally to 우이동. This is an area which has probably felt a little neglected in terms of rail transport.

Copyright: Seoul City

The line is being built by Posco E&C and Hyundai Rotem will produce the light-rail vehicles. The whole line will be controlled automatically by a computer system called AGT(Automated Guideway Transit) and there will be no person actually physically controlling the vehicles. Two linked carriages at a time will make the 22 minute journey with an estimated 1-2 minutes between carriages.

Look at this image to get an idea of what it looks like.

When most people think of light rail they think of rail above ground, however this line is entirely underground. There will be 13 stations in total and the service will be integrated into the current Seoul transport system.
Transfers can be made at the following staions: (North to South)
성신여대역 – Line 4
보문역 – Line 6
신설역 – Lines 1 and 2

Here is a booklet about the project from Posco.

While the original opening date was scheduled for 2012, like most projects it has been pushed back to 2014.

More Information:
- Screen doors installed at all stations
- Train depot will be located underground in 우이동
- Length = 11.4km
- Electricity = DC750V
- Plans to extend to 방학 station (Line 1)

Preliminary list of Stations