South Korea Begins Construction on High-Speed Rail Line Featuring First Undersea Tunnel

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South Korea Begins Construction on High-Speed Rail Line Featuring First Undersea Tunnel

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Expanding high-speed rail networks is crucial for national connectivity and economic development. South Korea has commenced construction on a significant new high-speed line, incorporating the nation's first undersea rail tunnel, promising to integrate a key island city into the national rail infrastructure.

SOUTH KOREA, March 2026 — Construction has officially commenced on a new 174.6 km high-speed rail line, linking Gimcheon with the island city of Geoje. This project marks a significant step in enhancing national rail connectivity and infrastructure.

Designed for operational speeds of 250 km/h, the single-track Southern Inland line will incorporate South Korea's first undersea rail tunnel. This 2.1 km fixed link will span from Tongyeong on the mainland to Geoje, representing a notable engineering achievement.

The new line is set to integrate Geoje directly into the national rail network, offering improved accessibility and potentially fostering regional development. It will also establish a more direct transit corridor for services originating from Seoul to Masan and Jinju.

This development, reported by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, signifies a strategic investment in high-speed rail capabilities. It aims to streamline travel and freight movement across key regions of the country.

The commencement of this ambitious project, highlighted by its innovative undersea tunnel, reflects a broader trend in advanced rail engineering and infrastructure expansion aimed at driving economic growth and improving national transportation efficiency.

Source: Railway Gazette International