Commuter Train (South Korea) Explained

Box Width:300px
Commuter Train
Color:80E080
Type:Commuter rail
Status:Operating
Locale:Gwangju
Predecessor:Tongil-ho
First:April 1, 1996
Last:December 17, 2023[1]
Successor:Mugunghwa-ho
Seoul Subway Line 1 and shuttle bus services (Gyeongwon Line service)
Operator:Korail
Start:Gwangju
Stops:3
End:GwangjuSongjeong
Line Used:Gwangju Line
Stock:Commuter Diesel Car (CDC)
Hangul:Korean: [[:ko:통근열차 (대한민국)|통근열차]]
Hanja:Korean: {{linktext|通|勤|列|車
Rr:Tonggeun yeolcha
Mr:T'onggŭn yŏlch'a

The Commuter Train (previously called Tongil-ho) was a class of short-run commuter trains operated by Korail, the national railroad of South Korea. They operated once or twice daily in each direction, along a few tens of kilometers of track. They provided an important function for many smaller rural communities (including suburbs around Seoul), which often lack good transit connections. Commuter Train operations on the Gyeongwon line was temporarily suspended its operation on April 1, 2019, due to the construction and partial electrification of the line for the Soyosan-Yeoncheon extension of Seoul Subway Line 1. They were permanently suspended on December 16, 2023, after the opening of the Yeoncheon extension, and due to the old age of CDC trains. This effectively ended regular train service north of Yeoncheon Station, with the provincial government of Cheolwon lodging a complaint. Commuter trains last operated on the Gwangju Line in Gwangju between GwangjuSongjeong and Gwangju station, from January 1, 2020, until December 17, 2023, permanently being phased out due to the old age of CDC trains.[2]

Trains

Operation

Current

Former

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 광주선 셔틀열차 역사 속으로…시민들 "막막하고 걱정". Jeonnam Maeil. 2023-12-18. 2023-12-17.
  2. Web site: 광주역~광주송정역 통근열차, 마지막 운행 "아쉬워요". Kwangju Broadcasting Company. 2023-12-16. 2023-12-15.