Busan, South Korea – The City of Busan has announced that the Baekyang Tunnel will officially become toll-free on January 10, 2025. This decision follows the expiration of the current management contract with the private operator on January 9, 2025, marking the end of over two decades of toll collection.
The Baekyang Tunnel, a vital route linking the western and central parts of Busan, has played a crucial role in alleviating traffic congestion on Gwanmun-daero since its opening in 2001. While initially constructed to ease transportation issues, the tolls, which ranged from KRW 500 to KRW 1,400 depending on vehicle size, had become a point of contention for residents. Growing public demand and the city’s commitment to reducing financial strain on citizens have led to this landmark decision.
Constructed between 1993 and 1998, the Baekyang Tunnel is a 2.3-kilometer dual two-lane structure beneath Baekyangsan Mountain. It serves as a key connector between Busan’s business district, northwestern residential areas, and key hubs such as Gimhae International Airport. The tunnel currently handles around 75,000 vehicles daily, underscoring its significance in the city’s transportation network.
For over two decades, the tunnel was managed by a private entity under a public-private partnership, with tolls funding maintenance and operations. However, as the management agreement comes to an end, the city has decided to take over operational responsibilities.
Initially, Busan considered reducing tolls to KRW 500 to manage traffic increases while maintaining some level of cost recovery. However, public demand for complete toll abolition, coupled with rising living costs and economic challenges, prompted a reevaluation. Mayor Park Heong-joon emphasized the importance of aligning policies with public welfare, stating, “Even when a policy is considered rational, it’s essential to respect and respond to the voices of the citizens who experience its effects.”
The toll-free initiative is expected to lead to a surge in traffic, with daily vehicle numbers projected to rise from 75,000 to over 100,000. This increase poses challenges for traffic management and safety. The Baekyang Tunnel has previously been identified as a high-risk zone, with 48 accidents recorded over five years, including one fatality and 120 injuries.
To address these concerns, the city is advancing plans for the New Baekyang Tunnel project, which aims to expand the existing tunnel to a seven-lane configuration by 2031. This expansion is part of a broader effort to manage increased traffic volumes and ensure smoother traffic flow across the region.
After the toll is removed, the Baekyang Tunnel will be managed by Busan Metropolitan City Construction Safety Test Office and Busan Infrastructure Corporation. The city estimates annual maintenance costs at approximately KRW 2 billion, which will be covered by public funds. While this represents a new expense for the city, it is notably lower than the current annual operational costs of KRW 6 billion under the toll system, which includes toll collection expenses.
The New Baekyang Tunnel project is currently in the strategic environmental assessment stage, with formal agreements expected by 2024. Once completed, the expanded tunnel will likely return to private management under a new agreement. Depending on the terms, toll fees may be reinstated, although the city has promised to consult with residents before finalizing any decisions.
The decision to remove tolls is expected to provide immediate financial relief to residents while setting the stage for a more accessible and efficient urban infrastructure. The upcoming expansion under the New Baekyang Tunnel project will further reinforce the city’s commitment to meeting the demands of a growing population and advancing Busan’s status as a global logistics and tourism hub.
