The outlook for the building of the Northeast Asian Express Train was released. It is expected that the economic integration between Korea, China and Japan will be accelerated by connecting Korea’s KTX, China’s Hexiehao and Japan’s Shin Kan Sen.

Gyeonggi Research Institute Vice President Cho Eung-Rae unveiled the outlook at an International Seminar titled “Korea-China Undersea Tunnel, the Bridge for Northeast Asian Economic Cooperation,” which was held by the Gyeonggi Research Institute on October 8, 2009. He also introduced the status of the Northeast Asian express train networks, and previous examples of undersea tunnel construction.

He added, “We can complete the Northeast Asian Express Train Network by connecting Korea’s KTX, China’s Hexiehao and Japan’s Shin Kan Sen. This will also accelerate the economic integration of the region.”

With the proposed train network, it is estimated that it will take one hour and 57 minutes to travel from Seoul to Weihai (434km), four hours and 26 minutes from Seoul to Beijing (1,366km) and five hours and 31 minutes from Seoul to Shanghai (1,800km). Vice President Cho said, “Considering that air travel time includes the time required to travel to the airport, the waiting time, and the flying time, not to mention the expenses, the undersea tunnel is very competitive.”

As for options for connecting Korea and China, four plans were introduced, based on the scenario connecting Rongcheng, Weihai, Shandong via the shortest distance. 

It was estimated that construction of the Korea-China Undersea Tunnel would induce production of KRW 275.3 trillion, and create added value of KRW 100 trillion. Vice President Cho said, “Considering the environmental aspects, the Korea-China Undersea Tunnel Construction Plan featured the tunnel for express trains. It will cost KRW 117.8 trillion to build the tunnel from Hwaseong to Weihai.”

He also announced that the research results would be reported to the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs of Korea, and that proposals would be made to the Central Government of China.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Moon-Soo, who has previously expressed his support for the construction of the Korea-China Undersea Tunnel, made congratulatory remarks. He said, “As exchanges between Korea and China have enormous significance, we need to organize a council for exchanges and cooperation between the local governments of the western part of Korea and the local governments of the coastal area of China, such as Shandong and Tianjin. The plan to build the undersea tunnel needs to be reviewed, not only by the Gyeonggi Provincial Government but also by the central government of Korea.”