Sacheon–Jinju Road Project Led by Mayor Dongsik Park Passes Preliminary Feasibility Study

Sacheon–Jinju Jeongchon Road Project Passes Feasibility Review: 6.1 km, Four Lanes Planned

Total Project Cost of 271.8 Billion Won Fully Funded by National Government; Construction Scheduled for 2026–2030

Traffic to Be Dispersed from National Route 3; Improved Accessibility Expected Between Sacheon and Jinju

The "Sacheon–Jinju Jeongchon Road Construction Project," which will connect Guam-ri in Sacheon-eup, Sacheon City, and Hwage-ri in Jeongchon-myeon, Jinju City, is expected to gain momentum in its implementation following the government's comprehensive preliminary feasibility study approval.

According to Sacheon City, the project involves building a new road with a total length of 6.1 kilometers and a width of 20 meters, comprising four lanes in both directions. The construction period is scheduled from 2026 to 2030, with a total project cost of 271.8 billion won, to be fully funded by the national government.

[Photo Courtesy of Sacheon City] The "Sacheon-Jinju Jeongchon Road Construction Project," connecting Guam-ri in Sacheon-eup, Sacheon City, and Hwagae-ri in Jeongchon-myeon, Jinju City, has passed the government preliminary feasibility study and is expected to proceed with follow-up procedures. Photo by Dongshik Park

The objective of this project is to establish a new road network connecting Sacheon and Jinju, thereby dispersing traffic currently concentrated on National Route 3 and improving travel conditions between the two regions.

Currently, National Route 3 serves as the main arterial road connecting major industrial complexes, such as the Aerospace National Industrial Complex and general industrial zones, between Sacheon and Jinju.

With increasing traffic volume from vehicles using these industrial sites and commuters, there have been ongoing calls for a bypass road to help alleviate congestion in certain sections.

Once the new road is completed, it is expected to ease traffic on the existing National Route 3, leading to shorter travel times and improved traffic flow between Sacheon and Jinju.

In particular, improved accessibility to aerospace-related industrial facilities in Sacheon and industrial complexes in the Jeongchon area of Jinju is expected to change the travel conditions for both commuters and vehicles transporting goods.

◆ Re-Promotion after Omission from the 5th National Road and Local Road Plan

Although the project was not initially included in the national plan during its promotion process, Sacheon City and Jinju City continued to highlight its necessity and pushed for its revival.

In June 2023, Sacheon City and Jinju City proposed the project as part of the 6th National Road and Local Road Five-Year Plan. Following a site evaluation by the Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements in June 2024, the project was selected as a candidate for the preliminary feasibility study in January 2025.

The preliminary feasibility study officially began in March 2025, followed by a field survey conducted by the Korea Development Institute (KDI) in June of the same year.

Afterward, in March 2026, a written review was conducted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and KDI. In July, the KDI subcommittee carried out its assessment, with thorough reviews continuing on the project's feasibility.

With the project passing the preliminary feasibility study, it has now cleared one of the main procedural steps. Subsequent steps such as inclusion in the national plan and design work will be carried out going forward.

◆ Joint Response by Sacheon and Jinju City

Throughout the process, Sacheon City and Jinju City have continuously explained the necessity of the project to relevant agencies and the political sector, working together in response efforts.

The two local governments emphasized that the road would not simply address traffic issues in a particular area, but would serve as a metropolitan transportation network connecting the industrial and residential zones of Sacheon and Jinju.

They cited the need to ease traffic congestion on National Route 3, improve accessibility to the Korea Aerospace Administration and aviation-related industrial facilities, reduce logistics costs, and enhance convenience for commuters as reasons for promoting the project.

In addition, the cities visited the National Assembly to explain the necessity of the project to the offices of local lawmakers and request cooperation for its inclusion in the national plan, maintaining ongoing consultation with relevant agencies.

◆ Expectations for Improved Access to Industrial and Living Zones

Sacheon City anticipates that, with the road constructed, traffic will be distributed more widely and congestion on existing roads will be reduced, resulting in improved accessibility between Sacheon and Jinju.

From an industry perspective, as travel routes diversify for vehicles between industrial complexes and major facilities, conditions for transporting goods are likely to improve.

Furthermore, since Sacheon and Jinju are already sharing daily activities such as commuting, industrial operations, education, and healthcare, the expansion of the road network is expected to further enhance travel convenience between the two cities.

However, it should be noted that the actual effects—including traffic dispersion, reduced travel times, and lower logistics costs—may vary depending on future conditions after the project's implementation and the opening of the new road.

[Photo by Sacheon City] The "Sacheon-Jinju Jeongchon Road Construction Project," connecting Guam-ri in Sacheon-eup, Sacheon City, and Hwage-ri in Jeongchon-myeon, Jinju City, has passed the government preliminary feasibility study and is expected to proceed with subsequent procedures.

◆ Next Steps: Inclusion in National Plan and Further Procedures

Even after passing the preliminary feasibility study, additional steps remain, such as incorporation into the national plan, design, and related administrative processes.

Sacheon City intends to continue working with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Gyeongnam Province, Jinju City, and other relevant agencies to ensure the project is included during the process of formulating the 6th National Road and Local Road Five-Year Plan.

According to Sacheon City, the 6th National Road and Local Road Five-Year Plan is scheduled to be established in October 2026.

Dongsik Park, the mayor of Sacheon City, stated, "The passage of the preliminary feasibility study for the Sacheon–Jinju Jeongchon Road Construction Project is the result of joint efforts by Sacheon and Jinju. Moving forward, we will continue to consult closely with relevant agencies to ensure that subsequent procedures, including national plan integration, progress without any setbacks."

With the project gaining momentum after passing the preliminary feasibility study, the likelihood of realization has increased. However, several steps—including national plan inclusion, design, and construction—remain before the road can open, making it important to continue monitoring progress.

The project's advancement following the feasibility study is significant for improved transport conditions and greater accessibility to industrial facilities serving both regions.

However, passing the feasibility review does not immediately lead to the road's opening. The next challenge is to proceed smoothly through the remaining steps such as national plan integration, design, and construction.

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