Major stations along the line include (in order): Plans foresee direct KTX high-speed train service from Seoul to Pohang and Ulsan after the completion of the upgrades.

[1] Under the government's 2010 strategic plan for 2020, the entire line may see KTX service.

[2] In the Busan–Ulsan section, higher frequency commuter rail service between Bujeon and Ilgwang began on December 30, 2016.

At the time of thawing relations between South and North Korea, when the cross-border section of the Donghae Bukbu Line was reopened in 2007, the South Korean government considered the construction of a railway for freight traffic all along the east coast to the North Korean border.

Work started on the Pohang-Yeongdeok section on March 20, 2008, with a foreseen budget of 2,949.5 billion won for the entire line until Samcheok.