Mayor Lee Sang-il of Yongin: "I Will Make Maximum Efforts to Extend the Gyeonggang Line"

[Suwon Ilbo=Park No-hun] Mayor Lee Sang-il of Yongin met with officials from six citizens' groups across three districts at the mayor's office on the 15th and listened to residents' opinions on major city administration issues.

The residents' group officials raised opinions on extending the Gyeonggang Line, complex development of the comprehensive sports complex, establishment of the Dongbaek interchange, attracting Subway Dongbaek station, and extension of Seoul Metro Line 3.

The meeting proceeded in order, starting with Cheoin-gu (Gorim Future Alliance, Namsa Citizens' Development Committee), followed by Giheung-gu (Dongbaek Hope Alliance), and Suji-gu (Shinbong Alliance, Jukjeon Residents' Union, Jukjeon Citizens' Alliance).

Mayor Lee listened to opinions from the Gorim Future Alliance on major pending issues in Cheoin-gu, including the Gyeonggang Line extension and complex development of the comprehensive sports complex, and explained multifaceted plans for the city's development.

Mayor Lee said, "I will not sit idle waiting for the Gyeonggang Line extension to be reflected in the national railway network project. Since the central government under President Yoon Suk-yeol is also pursuing plans to expand railway networks throughout the country, including the Seoul metropolitan area, I will make maximum efforts to ensure the Gyeonggang Line extension is realized."

He added, "Regarding the complex development of the comprehensive sports complex, I will systematically pursue the project by sufficiently incorporating various ideas from residents and public officials and going through a public deliberation process."

The Dongbaek Hope Alliance of Giheung-gu began the meeting by handing the mayor a petition signed by residents demanding prompt implementation of the Dongbaek interchange opening and subway Dongbaek station attraction.

Mayor Lee said, "The city's resolve for opening the Dongbaek interchange and opening the subway, which are long-standing wishes of residents, is firm," and "I will work to improve transportation convenience for Yongin citizens including Dongbaek."

The Shinbong Alliance of Suji-gu requested fundamental measures, including route consolidation and development of support measures for transport workers, to improve operations of the village bus, the only means of transportation.

Mayor Lee said, "Since I frequently use village buses, intercity buses, and subways, I fully understand residents' difficulties," and "I will continuously invest to resolve transportation inconveniences."

He added, "The shortage of transport workers is a nationwide phenomenon, and we are considering various methods, including amending ordinances, to find ways the city can foster and support workers."

Mayor Lee also mentioned the extension of Seoul Metro Line 3 to Suji, stating, "I will focus on devising solutions for vehicle depots through consultations with the mayors of Suwon and Hwaseong."