The Incheon-bound KTX is entering its final stage of comprehensive test runs ahead of its scheduled opening at the end of this year.

The Incheon Metropolitan City announced that the Korea 국가철도공단 (Korea National Railway) will launch comprehensive test runs for the Incheon-bound KTX, starting with preliminary inspections today (the 17th).

The test runs will be conducted in stages, including preliminary inspections, facility verification tests, and trial operations for commercial service.

The Incheon-bound KTX direct connection project involves building a new 3.19-kilometer section connecting the Suin Line and the Gyeongbu High-Speed Line, as well as expanding three existing stations: Songdo Station, Choji Station, and Eocheon Station. The current construction progress is at approximately 86%.

However, the Korea National Railway noted that if areas requiring improvement arise during the test runs, the opening schedule could be adjusted by one to two months depending on the detailed inspection results.

Once the Incheon-bound KTX opens, travel times from Songdo Station on the Suin Line in Incheon are projected to take about 2 hours and 30 minutes to Busan, and around 2 hours and 10 minutes to Mokpo.


(Photo courtesy of Hwaseong City, Yonhap News)