The road has opened, linking Saemangeum and Jeonju as one. Ultimately, ‘ the Saemangeum-Jeonju Expressway’ has been completed.

 

The Saemangeum-Jeonju Expressway, a 55.1 km section connecting Saemangeum (Jinbong, Gimje) to Sangwan, Wanju, will reduce the travel time between Saemangeum, the gateway to the West Coast, and Jeonju, the center of Jeonbuk, from the existing 76 minutes to 33 minutes, shortening the duration by 43 minutes (57%). The opening of this expressway will reduce the driving distance from 62.8 km to 55.1 km (a reduction of about 8 km), generating an annual economic benefit of 201.8 billion KRW through savings in vehicle operating costs and a decrease in traffic accidents.

 

The opening of this expressway has further facilitated connections with the existing expressway network, including the Seohaean Expressway, the Honam Expressway, the Suncheon–Wanju Expressway, and the Iksan–Jangsu Expressway. This will significantly improve the convenience of travel between Jeonju, Gimje, and Wanju. The road usage distance will be reduced by approximately 12%, and travel time will be cut by more than half, maximizing traffic efficiency.

 

The construction of the Muju~Daegu Expressway is expected to enable the connection between the Yeongnam and Honam regions, a project that was selected as an eligible subject for preliminary feasibility study last October. With the upcoming opening of the Saemangeum–Jeonju Expressway, the completion of the East-West Axis 3 of the National Trunk Road Network, which runs from Saemangeum to Pohang, will soon be realized.

 

The newly opened expressway will significantly influence Jeonbuk Metropolitan Area‘s expansion of transportation network and revitalize the local economy. Therefore, the state will ensure that this case is substantially reflected in national plans, including those concerning expressways, national roads, and national supporting roads.