The Disused Railway Site in Front of Incheon Station to be Transformed into a Pedestrian Path by Removing Barriers... Returning to the 'Embrace of Citizens'

The disused railway site near Incheon Station, which had been neglected like an 'island' in the city for decades due to old barriers, has been transformed into an open pedestrian space for citizens.

Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced on the 2nd that it has completed the environmental improvement work and the construction of a temporary pedestrian path around the disused railway site near Open Port Square in Jung-gu, and has fully opened it to the public. This project was initiated to improve the urban landscape by renovating aging facilities that hindered the city’s appearance and to enhance citizen convenience by connecting the fragmented pedestrian routes.

The most noticeable change is the 'clearing of sight'. The city boldly removed the old security fences and high walls that had blocked citizens' access and visibility. Instead, low and open fences that blend with the surrounding scenery were installed, providing a sense of visual openness to the space that had been closed for decades.

Extensive on-site maintenance was also carried out. All waste and underbrush that had been indiscriminately piled along the disused railway were removed, and a temporary pedestrian path extending 277m was constructed to naturally connect the existing sidewalk and the disused railway site.

In particular, this project was significantly aided by close consultations with relevant agencies. Incheon City engaged in persistent discussions with the Incheon Port Authority, the landowner, and the Korea Railroad Corporation, the railway management body, ultimately securing consent for the construction of an access road (12m long, 10m wide) within the disused railway. The city plans to commence the installation of the access road as soon as the administrative procedures, such as reporting activities within the railway protection zone, are completed.

Once the access road is completed, a direct line will be established connecting the temporary pedestrian path to Open Port Square. This will eliminate the inconveniences citizens experienced when moving from Incheon Station to Open Port Square and significantly improve accessibility.

Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok stated, "The small change of removing barriers and improving the environment will provide citizens with a great sense of openness and joy in their daily lives," and added, "We will continue to reflect the voices of citizens and carry out citizen-centered urban regeneration projects that connect fragmented urban spaces and inject vitality into them."