Network Theory-based Approach for Analyzing the Evolution of South Korean Railway Network Topology in 21 Century

Abstract

With the opening of high-speed railways, South Korea's railway network has become a long-distance transportation advantageous for passenger transport and mass logistics resources in terms of punctuality, economic feasibility, and mobility. Establishing and closing railway lines and stations in such railway networks might bring about structural changes in the social economy and the development of the railway industry. For example, the reckless development of railway infrastructure centered on specific cities for national and regional economic growth can be caused various socioeconomic problems, such as waste of the national budget and regional imbalances. Therefore, this study analyzes the changes in the topological structure and centrality of South Korea's railway networks in 2000, 2020, and 2030 by applying complex network theory. By evaluating the railway network topology, we can discover the problems from the past to the present and suggest the direction for establishing an ideal railway policy in the future. The results are expected to help interpret the temporal changes in South Korea's railway network pre- and post-high-speed rail operation and future operational plans.