Donghae Line

Plans foresee direct KTX high-speed train service from Seoul to Pohang and Ulsan after the completion of the upgrades. From 2015, direct KTX trains are to reach Pohang from Seoul in 1 hour 50 minutes, cutting 33 minutes from the travel time with transfer at Singyeongju.[1] Under the government's 2010 strategic plan for 2020, the entire line may see KTX service.[2]

In the Busan–Ulsan section, higher frequency commuter rail service between Bujeon and Ilgwang began on December 30, 2016. Service operates approximately every 15 minutes during the peak periods and 30 minutes during the off-peak. The line is integrated into the Busan Metro network and accepts the Hanaro Card and Digital Busan Card, as well as the T-Money card from Seoul.

At the time of thawing relations between South and North Korea, when the cross-border section of the Donghae Bukbu Line was reopened in 2007, the South Korean government considered the construction of a railway for freight traffic all along the east coast to the North Korean border.[3][4] As part of the corridor, a new single-track, non-electrified line for 150 km/h (93 mph) would connect Pohang and Samcheok, the end of a branch of the Yeongdong Line.[5] new line is to connect to the existing railhead at Samcheok. Work started on the Pohang-Yeongdeok section on March 20, 2008, with a foreseen budget of 2,949.5 billion won for the entire line until Samcheok.[6] As of 2009, progress reached 5.9% of a planned budget reduced to 2,831.749 billion won, and completion of the 171.3 km (106.4 mi) long project was planned for 2016.[7] Under the government's 2010 strategic plan for 2020, the Pohang–Samcheok extension is to be further upgraded for 230 km/h (140 mph).[2]