Seoul’s Wirye Line Tram returns to streets after 58 years, full test runs begin in February

Wirye Line Tram (Photo courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government)

Seoul will begin full-scale test operations for the Wirye Line tram in February, marking the return of street-running trams to the city for the first time in 58 years.

To prepare for the mainline trial runs, the city will transport the first tram set into the Wirye depot in the early hours of January 27. The delivery will take place overnight, from 11 p.m. on January 26 to 5 a.m. on January 27, to reduce disruption.

Seoul is working with Songpa Police Station to manage traffic control and deploy safety staff during the move.

A total of 10 tram sets will be introduced in stages through May, starting with the initial unit arriving this month.

From February through August, the city will conduct mainline test runs along the actual route, reviewing tram performance and system coordination across 16 key inspection items, including driving safety and the interaction between vehicles and trackside equipment. The tram has already completed more than 5,000 kilometers of preliminary testing at the Osong test track.

A second phase of testing will follow from April to December, with integrated railway system trials designed to confirm the stability and compatibility of all facilities and operating systems ahead of the official launch.

Because trams operate directly on city roads, Seoul plans to strengthen safety measures during the testing period. Safety personnel will be stationed at 13 intersections and 35 crosswalks along the route, and a dedicated monitoring team will be on standby to respond to any incidents. The city will also ensure the test vehicles are fully insured.

Seoul officials are urging both pedestrians and drivers to stay alert during the trial period, follow signals and staff guidance, and exercise extra caution near tram-running sections and shared traffic lanes.

USAG Yongsan