SOUTH KOREA: The 44·1 km Pohang – Yeongdeok section of the Donghae Line which is being developed to run from south to north parallel to the east coast was opened with a ceremony on January 25.
The single-track extension is designed for 150 km/h operation. It is initially being used by 14 passenger trains per day, with a 34 min journey time
A 122·2 km continuation north from Yeongdeok to Samcheok is scheduled to open in 2020. To the south, the 36·7 km Taehwagang – Ilgwang section of the Donghae Line is scheduled to open in late 2019, connecting with the 28·5 km Busan – Ilgwang route which opened in December 2016.
