Three Gwangju BRT Lines Included in National Plan... Major Expansion of Urban Public Transit Network

Woonam–Gakhwa and Hyocheon–Ilgok Newly Added
150.85 Billion Won Investment to Build North-South Trunk Network

With the inclusion of three Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines connecting downtown Gwangju in the national plan, the city’s public transportation system is set to undergo a significant transformation. Once the two new routes and one existing project are integrated into a unified trunk network, mobility conditions for major residential districts and areas previously underserved by public transport are expected to improve dramatically.

According to Jeonnam Gwangju Metropolitan City, the Woonam–Gakhwa BRT and the Hyocheon–Ilgok BRT have been newly included as projects in the "Second Comprehensive Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Plan (2026–2030)" as of July 30. The existing Baegun–Maegok BRT, which is an ongoing project, is also included.

BRT Route Map of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City. Provided by Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City

This comprehensive plan is a legally mandated national plan established every five years, outlining the direction and key projects for the construction of the BRT system to be pursued from 2026 to 2030.

For the Gwangju area, three routes are included with a total project cost of 150.85 billion won. The project costs are as follows: 45.26 billion won for the Baegun–Maegok BRT, 63.78 billion won for the Woonam–Gakhwa BRT, and 41.81 billion won for the Hyocheon–Ilgok BRT.

The new Woonam–Gakhwa BRT will connect 8.4 kilometers from Sandonggyo Bridge in Buk-gu to Dodonggogae. Passing through densely populated residential districts such as Woonam-dong, Duam-dong, and Gakhwa-dong, it is expected to improve both the convenience of urban mobility and access to public transportation for citizens.

The Hyocheon–Ilgok BRT is an extension of the existing Baegun–Maegok route, running a total of 6.0 kilometers. It will link the Hyocheon District with the old Daedong High School, Gwangju Technical High School, and the Ilgok District. The project is anticipated to enhance transportation services in the southern region, where public transit options have been relatively limited, as well as strengthen the transfer system between major modes of transportation.

Jeonnam Gwangju Metropolitan City plans to gradually advance the project, reviewing both performance and effectiveness as the new lines are linked into a single BRT network with the existing Baegun–Maegok route, aiming to boost overall competitiveness of urban transit in downtown Gwangju.

Kim Youngseon, head of the Transportation Headquarters, stated, "The incorporation into the national plan has established a foundation for citizens to travel more quickly and conveniently by public transport," and added, "We will actively push forward the project to ensure that the planned routes are implemented without delay."

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