Gyeongnam Launches 'One-Hour Living Zone' Era ... Introduction of Metropolitan Express Buses and More

"We will reduce commute times for Gyeongnam residents, ease the burden of transportation costs, and expand growth opportunities by establishing a global logistics and business hub."

On July 21, Gyeongsangnam-do announced its transportation and logistics policies for the ninth term of the civilian government at the press center of the Gyeongnam Provincial Office.

The province stated, "In the eighth term of the civilian government, we laid the foundation for transportation and logistics by expanding metropolitan railways and road networks, implementing the Gyeongnam Pass, and cutting toll fees." The province emphasized, "Building on these achievements, the ninth administration will connect individual transportation infrastructure into an integrated network for daily life and industry, creating tangible changes that residents can experience."

Example of AI Application in Gyeongnam-Type Metropolitan Express Bus.
[Source=Gyeongnam Province]

The province plans to gradually introduce Gyeongnam-type metropolitan express buses by 2027, connecting Gyeongnam with Busan, Gyeongnam with Ulsan, as well as major railway stations, airports, and local hubs within the province. This will establish a living sphere where it is possible to reach major destinations anywhere in the province within about one hour.

Key networks will operate individually as GTG (Gyeongnam to Gyeongnam), GTB (Gyeongnam to Busan), and GTU (Gyeongnam to Ulsan) to ensure comprehensive connectivity.

To this end, the province will actively utilize its intercity bus license rights to accelerate implementation. From the second half of this year, it will proceed with procedures such as consultations with relevant agencies and expert committees to flesh out detailed routes.

Additionally, the province is working to ensure that new railway projects such as the Dongdaegu–Changwon–Gadeokdo New Airport high-speed rail and the Changwon–Gimhae expressway are included in the government’s 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan (2026–2035).

Gyeongsangnam-do also intends to accelerate the procedures for follow-up projects such as the southern inland railway and the Busan–Yangsan–Ulsan metropolitan railway and pursue major projects, including the Hamyang–Ulsan expressway, without delay. The aim is to complete a metropolitan transportation network comprising four east-west and five north-south major corridors.

Example of AI Utilization at Gyeongnam-style Metropolitan Express Bus Transfer Center.
[Provided by Gyeongnam Province]

At the same time, Gyeongsangnam-do will implement an integrated fare and transfer discount system for Gyeongnam-type metropolitan express buses linked to the Gyeongnam Pass.

Transfers between city buses, intercity buses, and metropolitan express buses will be enabled. In regions with limited transit options, on-demand services such as Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) will be expanded to reduce transportation service disparities between areas.

This year, the province will also enact an ordinance and improve the fare system, offering additional Machang Bridge toll discounts exclusively for Gyeongnam residents.

Gyeongsangnam-do will also push for toll reductions on the Geoga Bridge by securing central government funding.

The expanded transportation network will serve as a foundation for improving access to industry, jobs, education, medical care, and culture.

In the Jinhae New Port area, 6.98 million square meters encompassing the Namyang, Seongnae, and Wonpo districts, where the New Port, Gadeokdo New Airport, and rail are connected, an advanced city will be created by adding highway networks and integrating logistics, manufacturing, R&D, residential, and lifestyle functions.

In the Hwamak-dong area of Gimhae City, a global, advanced logistics and business city based on the Tri-Port concept will be developed, spanning 9 million pyeong.

In particular, with the nation’s first-ever designation as an “International Logistics Promotion Zone” as its goal, starting in the second half of this year, the province will establish plans and development strategies covering city vision, core functions, demand analysis, funding methods, and phased development, and will work with related agencies to materialize the projects.

Sungjun Park, Director of Transportation and Construction Bureau of Gyeongnam Province (far left), is announcing the transportation and logistics policy for the 9th civilian term. [Photo by Gyeongnam Province]

Sacheon Airport, which has gained strategic importance due to the establishment of the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), creation of an aerospace complex city, and increasing demand for the aircraft maintenance industry, will see a phased enhancement of its international functions.

The province aims to have the expansion of the passenger terminal and the installation of customs, immigration, and quarantine (CIQ) facilities included within this year in the government’s 7th Comprehensive Airport Development Master Plan (2026–2030).

In addition, by connecting logistics and aviation infrastructure with the metropolitan transportation network, Gyeongsangnam-do aims to ensure the widespread availability of opportunities related to investment, jobs, education, and culture throughout the province.

Sungjoon Park, Director of the Transportation and Construction Bureau, stated, "The ninth-term transportation and logistics policies are designed to save time for residents, reduce the burden of transportation costs, and create new growth opportunities. We will reliably implement each initiative, starting with the concretization of metropolitan express bus routes and the establishment of development plans for Gimhae as an international business city."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.