San Francisco, Tokyo, Paris, and countless European cities.
These cities all have it, but Seoul has long lacked one thing.
Trams.
A mode of transportation that instantly adds a romantic touch to the cityscape. Just look at ‘Gyeongseong’ in historical dramas set during the Korean Empire era; it’s easy to see that trams once ran above ground in Seoul. However, due to aging infrastructure, a shortage of spare parts, and the establishment of a subway-centered transportation system, the tram eventually disappeared from Seoul.
Now, after 58 years, the tram is returning from history .
The stage is the Wirye New Town.
On the 26th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that the Wirye Line tram will begin test runs on its actual route starting next month. Major infrastructure work, including the vehicle depot and track installation, has already been completed.
The Wirye Line tram will traverse Wirye New Town north to south, running along a 5.4-kilometer section connecting Macheon Station on Subway Line 5 to Bokjeong and Namwirye Stations on Line 8.
As an electric-powered vehicle, the tram is an eco-friendly mode of transportation, with its biggest advantages being low emissions and minimal noise. However, since it must operate alongside pedestrians and vehicles on the road, ensuring safety is the most critical task.
Therefore, the final verification stage remains.
Once thorough inspections of key items like safety are complete, the tram will soon begin full-scale operation, carrying Seoul citizens.
A tram running above ground, and the new landscape of Seoul embracing it.
This scene, both an old memory and a new experiment, already sparks curiosity.