South Korea continues to seek innovative solutions to its long-standing problem of low birth rates. In this context, the country is pinning its hopes on a massive underground train project called the Great Train eXpress (GTX), which will significantly speed up transportation between the capital Seoul and surrounding areas. This project, which was implemented with an investment of approximately $99,5 billion, aims to establish a fast and comfortable transportation network between the capital and its surrounding areas by 2035.
Save Time with GTX, More Time for Families
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol took an important step by inaugurating the first phase of the GTX project. Thanks to the opening of the first line, the journey from Seoul's Suseo district to Dongtan, which normally takes 80 minutes, will now be completed in just 19 minutes. President Yoon emphasized that this project will provide working families with the opportunity to spend more valuable time in the morning and evening. Similarly, Land Minister Park Sang-woo stated that the GTX aims to shorten the travel time between work and home, creating more free time for individuals.
“Urbanization” Warning from Experts
However, some experts have warned about the potential negative effects of this large project. There are concerns that the GTX could attract more people to the capital and cause rural areas to be left even further behind. The South Korean government, on the other hand, has stated that high housing prices and long commutes, especially in Seoul, have a negative impact on young people’s decisions to marry and have children. It is hoped that the ease of transportation provided by the GTX project will encourage young people to buy homes outside the city at more affordable prices, which could eventually increase the low birth rate. However, the true impact of this large investment on birth rates will become clear over time. South Korea’s ambitious project is an important example of how comprehensive and diverse the fight against low birth rates can be.
