○ All sections began operation following opening of third Suin Line section (19.9 kilometers from Suwon Station to Hanyang University at Ansan Station) on September 12.
– Travel time between Incheon and Suwon reduced from 90 minutes to 70 minutes
– Direct Bundang Line connection allows one-ride travel from Incheon to Wangsimni via Suwon

On September 12, the subway line connecting the cities of Suwon and Incheon resumes operation 25 years after the closing of the Suin Line.

The “Suin Line Double Track Railroad Construction Project” undertook the conversion of narrow gauge rail lines (in operation from 1937 to 1995) into double-track rail lines, thereby connecting a total of 52.8 kilometers from Suwon Station to Incheon Station via Ansan and Siheung.

Previously, the section between Songdo Station and Oido Station (13.2 kilometers) had opened in June 2012 in the first stage of the project, while the section between Songdo Station and Incheon Station (7.3 kilometers) opened in February 2016 in the second stage. With the completion of the third stage, stretching over 19.9 kilometers between Suwon Station and Handae Station, the entire line has now fully reopened.

The Ansan section (12.4 kilometers) connecting Oido Station and Handae Station uses the existing urban rail line.

The opening of the entire line is expected to result in the establishment of a circular railroad network connecting the cities of Suwon, Hwaseong and Ansan in southwestern Gyeonggi-do, thus removing public transportation gaps in the western Suwon area.

Of particular note, instead of the previous 90-minute travel time from Incheon Station to Suwon Station via Guro Station on Line 1, passengers are now expected to arrive at the same destination in 70 minutes, realizing a 20-minute reduction in travel time.

In addition, the Suin Line (52.8 kilometers between Suwon Station and Incheon Station) and Bundang Line (52.9 kilometers between Suwon Station and Wangsimni Station) are now directly connected, allowing residents in southwestern Gyeonggi-do to commute to and from Seoul without being required to transfer.

The opening ceremony for the Suin Line was held at Gosaek Station on the afternoon of September 10 under the auspices of the Korea Rail Network Authority. Initially, it had been planned as an event for local residents, but its scale was significantly reduced and primarily carried out in a contactless format in accordance with level 2.5 social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Approximately 13 participants took part in the opening ceremony, including the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Governor of Gyeonggi Province, local lawmakers, and related local government heads. The event itself consisted of a ribbon-cutting ceremony and inaugural run.

In a video congratulatory address, Governor Lee Jaemyung said, “We offer sincere congratulations on the opening of the Suin Line in its entirety.” He added, “We will make every effort to expand eco-friendly public transportation, including railroads, so as to ensure that all residents of Gyeonggi-do can have lives with leisurely mornings and evenings as well as a pleasant round trips.”