South Korea Allocates Nearly $100 Billion USD to Build High-Speed Underground Trains to Avoid “Inbreeding”

The South Korean government has embarked on a massive project worth $99.5 billion USD, known as the Great Train eXpress (GTX), to construct high-speed underground trains. This initiative aims to improve transportation and avoid the growing concern of “tuyệt tự giống nòi” or “inbreeding” within the country. With its completion set for 2035, the GTX project will connect the capital city, Seoul, with various suburban areas through six train lines.

Cutting Travel Time and Enhancing Connectivity

The recently inaugurated Suseo-Dongtan high-speed railway segment is just the beginning of this ambitious project. With the introduction of this line, the commute time between Suseo and Dongtan has significantly reduced from 80 minutes to a mere 19 minutes, offering commuters greater convenience.

Addressing South Korea’s Low Birth Rate

South Korea faces a significant challenge with its declining birth rate, which is currently the lowest in the world. One of the contributing factors is the soaring cost of homeownership, particularly in Seoul. Real estate prices in the capital city have escalated dramatically, making it increasingly difficult, especially for young people, to afford a home. This obstacle not only affects individuals’ ability to settle down and start families but also adds the burden of a lengthy daily commute.

The GTX project aims to mitigate these issues by enabling young individuals to consider purchasing homes in areas outside the bustling capital without compromising their quality of life. This enhanced accessibility will, in turn, promote family formation and address the low birth rate crisis that South Korea faces.

Enhancing Work-Life Balance

The high-speed underground train system is designed for a maximum speed of 180 km/h, positioning it to be one of the fastest subway systems globally. By significantly reducing commuting times, the GTX project offers employees the opportunity to allocate more time to their families in the mornings and evenings. This enhanced work-life balance will not only alleviate stress but also incentivize young couples to embrace parenthood, ultimately contributing to an improvement in South Korea’s birth rate.

Overcoming Challenges and Opportunities

While the South Korean government expects the GTX project to safeguard the future of its population, some analysts express concerns about potential negative implications. Critics argue that the substantial investment in this high-speed underground train system could exacerbate the depopulation of rural areas by attracting more individuals to the already densely populated capital.

However, experts like Kim Jin Yoo, an Urban Planning and Traffic Engineering professor at Kyonggi University, emphasize the importance of developing corresponding public infrastructure in areas outside the capital to rejuvenate regions facing the risk of extinction. Their perspective suggests that a comprehensive approach to regional development will be crucial rather than solely focusing on the capital city.

Tackling Gender Inequality and Career Development

South Korea also faces challenges related to gender inequality, particularly in terms of income disparity. This disparity is another deterrent that discourages women from getting married or delays their decision to have children. Without equal opportunities for career advancement, women often find themselves as the primary caregivers for their children. Consequently, they require time to reintegrate into the workforce after a prolonged absence.

To combat these issues, it is crucial to address the pressures of career development, financial burdens, and gender inequalities that South Korean women face. Implementing policies that provide support and equal opportunities for women will encourage them to pursue marriage and parenthood while maintaining professional growth.

The South Korean government has allocated substantial resources, approximately $286 billion USD, toward tackling the decline in birth rates in recent years. However, reversing this trend requires a multifaceted approach that considers not only the affordability of housing but also social and economic factors affecting family decisions.

In conclusion, the Great Train eXpress (GTX) project in South Korea represents a significant investment toward tackling the country’s declining birth rate and enhancing connectivity. By revolutionizing transportation and reducing commuting times, this ambitious initiative aims to incentivize family formation, address gender inequalities, and improve work-life balance. South Korea’s commitment to finding innovative solutions is expected to safeguard the future of its population while diversifying economic development across the country.

Article Reference: Business Today