South Korea to expand national transfer center network to 65 locations by 2030

The South Korean government has finalized the ‘4th Basic Plan for the Construction of Transfer Centers and Complex Transfer Centers (2026–2030)’, aiming to expand the national network to 65 locations by 2030. A key focus of the plan is reducing the infrastructure gap between the Seoul metropolitan area and regional provinces by doubling the number of regional transfer centers from 15 to 30.

In the Jeonbuk region, the Namwon Station Complex Transfer Center has been included as a new project with a total budget of 169.5 billion won. The Iksan Station project will also continue, with a budget of 250 billion won. Additionally, the Iksan Mireuksa Temple Rest Area Transfer Center is slated for 2026–2027.

In the metropolitan area, the Hanam Dream Metropolitan Transfer Center has been officially included in the plan. This 129.7 billion won project, targeted for completion by 2030, will integrate express buses on the Jungbu Expressway, the extension of Subway Line 3, and transit facilities for the Gyosan New Town. The project is expected to reduce travel times for commuters by approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

The government intends to implement ‘future-oriented transfer centers’ utilizing AI and future mobility technologies to predict congestion and provide customized travel guidance, while also improving transfer efficiency at 20 major high-speed and regional railway stations.