Image of the Wirye Line tram vehicle (Photo courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government)
SEOUL, July 7 (Korea Bizwire) — Seoul is preparing to reintroduce trams to its streets for the first time in nearly six decades, as construction on the Wirye Line, the city’s first modern tram project, approaches completion.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Wirye tram line is scheduled to open in September 2026, with construction progress at 88% and key regulatory approvals now in place.
The project recently cleared a major hurdle by passing a traffic safety review from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, expediting the final stages of development.
The tram, which runs 5.4 kilometers from Macheon Station on Subway Line 5 to Bokjeong and Namwirye Stations on Line 8, will feature 12 stops, one depot, and 10 ultra-low-floor electric trams equipped with high-capacity roof batteries, enabling wireless operation. The design emphasizes accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities.
Hydrogen-electric tram concept unveiled by Hyundai Motor Group (Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group)
Originally proposed in 2008 as part of a transportation plan for the Wirye New Town development, the tram was first conceived as a private investment project. After it failed a feasibility review in 2015, the city converted it into a publicly funded initiative. Construction began in late 2022 following approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
Although initially set for a 2025 opening, the timeline was delayed by about a year due to protracted approval processes.
Trial runs of the new tram vehicles will begin next month at a test track in Osong, North Chungcheong Province, followed by comprehensive on-site testing by the end of this year. Passenger service will commence after final approval from the Ministry of Land.
The predecessor to modern trams in Korea—streetcars—first appeared 124 years ago in 1899 during the Korean Empire.
The photo shows a historical scene of streetcar operations in Seoul. (Photo source: Wikipedia)
To support operations and maximize usage, Seoul Metro—through a newly created subsidiary—has commissioned a “Wirye Tram Activation Study.” The research will explore ways to improve the area’s limited tourism infrastructure and increase ridership through multimodal connectivity with buses, bicycles, and personal mobility devices.
It will also analyze tourism and transit conditions in surrounding districts, including Seoul’s Songpa-gu and neighboring cities Seongnam and Hanam.
The tram will operate for five years initially, with an estimated operating budget of ₩119.5 billion (approx. $86 million). Costs will be shared between Seoul (60.7%) and Seongnam (39.3%) based on distance covered within each jurisdiction.
Trams last ran in Seoul in 1968, ending a 70-year chapter in the city’s transportation history that began in 1899. With the Wirye Line’s anticipated debut, Seoul will mark the return of trams to its streets after a 58-year hiatus, symbolizing a blend of old-world charm and modern sustainability.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
