An opening message by Son Hak-lai, chairman of Korean Road and Transportation Association on the Road Day anniversary ceremony

I extend whole-hearted thanks to Kim Han-gill, chairperson of the National Assembly's Construction and Transportation Committee, Choo Byung-jik, minister of construction and transportation, chairmen of construction-related societies and people of road and traffic industry. It is significant for us to recall the meaning of the opening of Gyeongbu (Seoul-Busan) Expressway 35 years ago and explore ways of ensuring further development in celebration of the 35th opening anniversary day, today.
This year will be remembered as the year of representing a new milestone on road and traffic industry as projects to reconnect inter-Korean roads and railways are officially dedicated with opening ceremonies as a means of promoting inter-Korean reconciliation and cooperation. Discussions on the proposed Asian Highway Project designed to link the whole Asia into one will also be made in earnest. Korea and many other countries will likely push ahead with many projects, including the ones on international standards on numbering Asian road networks and development of tourist spots along the roads. I also hope this conference will contribute to an advancement of road and traffic technologies. The exhibition will be a venue of taking a look at the latest technological trends and exchanging both updated materials and equipment, and information. I expect that these will contribute not only to developing technologies but also to building up infrastructure for environmentally friendly roads and intelligent transportation system. nw

A congratulatory message by Korean Minister of Construction and Transportation Choo Byung-jik on the Road Day anniversary ceremony

Road Day is a significant day, established to celebrate the opening of the Gyeongbu (Seoul-Busan) Line on July 7, 1970, 35 years ago. Until now, the expressway has served as a driving force behind our economy, and it has contributed to helping Korea become a global top 10 economic powerhouse.
Currently, Korea has an approximately 3,000 km-long expressway network and 14,000 km-long national road network, making the national a half-day living sphere and establishing the groundwork for the rapid development of backward areas.
Korea has so far made efforts to expand traffic infrastructure, but in reality, it is still insufficient. Trying to endure balanced, productive land development in accordance with the goal of raising the per capita national income to $20,000 in the 21st century, the Participatory Government has unveiled a vision of developing Korea a logistics hub of Northeast Asia. To this end, the government is expanding an expressway network so that motorist can have an access to any expressway from any place of the nation within 30 minutes. It is focusing on environmentally-friendly road construction and projects aimed at offering road information.
I hope the anniversary day will be a precious occasion for the people in the road and transportation industry to reawaken the essential roles they will have to play in the 21st century. Lastly, I congratulate on those who have meritorious contributions to the industry. nw

A congratulatory message by Kim Han-gill, chairperson of the National Assembly Construction & Transportation Committee on the Road Day anniversary ceremony

It isn't too much to say that the history of human civilization can be boiled down to the history of roads. A road connects not only areas to areas but also people to people.
With the support of the public wishing for a better life across the nation, Gyeongbu Line opened 35 years ago today. The onset of the highway era has brought about a lot of positive changes in our daily lives and mentality, helping Korea become one of the 10 biggest economies in the world.
But I know your ceaseless efforts to develop new technologies played an equally important role in helping Korea become what it is now with a total of 100,000 km of highways and roads.
Despite the progress, however, the quality of the road system has yet to be improved, compared to Western industrial nations. Korean roads are not capable of accommodating new needs from social and economic changes. In order for Korea to be a logistics hub of North East Asia, it has to meet various demands, such as building a road connecting South and North Koreas and a highway connecting Asian countries.
To that end, we have to face many challenges. However, with our willingness, creativity and efforts, which were our driving force back then when building Gyeongbu Line, I believe, we can overcome those challenges. I promise you that the National Assembly will do its best to provide help. Let us do our best to build more beautiful and competitive roads. nw