Korea National Railway selects eight projects to turn abandoned lines and space beneath bridges into green and cultural areas

[Financial News] A total of 322,000 square meters of idle railway land nationwide, including abandoned lines and space beneath railway bridges, will be transformed into urban forests, outdoor gardens and cultural facilities. A total of 57.8 billion won will be invested in the eight selected projects starting at the end of this year.
According to Korea National Railway on the 29th, local governments nationwide took part in the call for proposals for the 2026 Railway Idle Land Utilization Projects. A review committee comprising internal and external experts comprehensively assessed the suitability of the project plans and residents’ opinions, selecting eight projects in total.
The selected projects are Gyeongju’s Geumjang Nagan Urban Ecological Forest, Gijang County’s Ocean Blue Rail, Pohang’s Mugunghwa Garden creation and management project, and Hwasun County’s Railway Forest creation project.
Two projects in Yeongcheon were also selected: the Sinnyeong Station Abandoned-Railway Carbon-Reduction Urban Forest and the Hwangjeong-ri Outdoor Garden in Geumho-eup. Jinju City’s Naedong Cham Iyagigil and Hadong County’s Abandoned-Railway Ecological Trail creation project were also included.
Each local government plans to create green spaces, gardens, and cultural and convenience facilities based on the characteristics of the sites and local demand. Following donation and transfer procedures, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) and Korea National Railway will support the local governments in using the project sites free of charge for up to 20 years.
The Railway Idle Land Utilization Project is a program that uses state-owned land, including tracks where railway operations have ceased and spaces beneath bridges, to improve residents’ convenience and develop tourism resources.
Korea National Railway has held an annual call for proposals since 2015 and has pursued 81 projects with 49 local governments to date.
Chairman Jeong Jin-hyeok said, "It is highly meaningful that idle land that has served its role in railway transportation can be repurposed as living and cultural spaces needed by local communities." He added, "We will continue to work closely with local governments to enhance the value of using idle railway land."
[email protected] Choi Ga-young Reporter