[WEEKEND GETAWAY] On the right track: Four scenic train routes in Korea

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[WEEKEND GETAWAY] On the right track: Four scenic train routes in Korea

Published: 14 Sep. 2024, 07:00

KIM DONG-EUN
kim.dongeun@joongang.co.kr

The West Sea Golden Train, or the G-train is a popular choice for many families and friend groups who seek an interesting train trip, as its cars offer different zones for fun and relaxation. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Korea's four seasons are known to be distinct. This year, the summer’s heat has been exceptionally intense, and many people are happy to see it depart, making heads turn to destinations for soaking in the seasonal transformation.

At this time of the year, a fall train journey may be the best way to appreciate Korea's landscape changes. If the idea of sitting through the rhythmic chug of the engine, being surrounded by panoramic windows and winding down for a slow-paced journey excites you, buckle up for one of the following four train trips operated by the Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail).

West Sea Golden Train (G-train)
서해금빛열차

The West Sea Golden Train, or the G-train, departs from Yongsan, central Seoul, and passes Gyeonggi, South Chungcheong and ends its route in North Jeolla. [JOONGANG ILBO]

The West Sea Golden Train reflects its name well, with an orange-and-yellow exterior resembling the golden hue of the sunset and a blue tone inside the train. Also dubbed the G-train, it departs from Yongsan, central Seoul, runs through Gyeonggi and South Chungcheong and concludes its journey in North Jeolla, covering the historical cities of Gunsan and Iksan. A special feature of the train is the ondol maru (traditional Korean-style heated floors) room, a small private room with an underfloor heating system that accommodates three to six people. You can select the ondol maru option during reservation if you'd like to try it out. The nine ondol rooms get fully booked in a matter of hours after their monthly release, so acting quickly is necessary to secure a spot.

The West Sea Golden Train is a popular choice among families and friends seeking a unique trip. The third car of the train functions as a "healing zone" with a cafe, an event area and a photo zone where passengers can book a foot bath in advance.

The West Sea Golden Train, or the G-train, offers passengers a foot bathing service for those who booked a spot in advance. [JOONGANG ILBO]

The first four stops of the G-train — Yongsan, Yeongdeungpo, Suwon and Asan — and the last stop in Iksan are connected to KTX stations, allowing you to transfer for another trip midway.

Operation time: Thursday throughout Monday (closed on Tuesday and Wednesday)
Train fare:
Yongsan to Gunsan, 23,900 won ($17.90) one way for adults,
40,000 won in addition for those who book the ondol maru room
Website: www.letskorail.com/ebizprd/EbizPrdTrainAtrainIntro_sW_htm11100.do

V-train
백두대간협곡열차

The V-train offers a panoramic view as it travels through the Baekdu-daegan valleys with windows on all sides except for the ceiling. [JOONGANG ILBO]

The V-train, or the Baekdu-daegan Valley Train, runs from Cheoram in Gangwon and explores the northern villages of North Gyeongsang. It covers five stops along the way — Seungbu, Yangwon, Buncheon, Chunyang and Bonghwa stations, all in Bonghwa County. The final stop is Yeongju Station in Yeongju City, a tranquil place where Buseok Temple, a world heritage site, and part of the Sobaek Mountain Range, are located.

The V-train is designed to travel through the valleys of the Baekdu-daegan mountain range, offering a full view of the mountains and nature. The sides of the train, excluding the ceiling, are built with glass to allow passengers to enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings. There are 158 seats in total, spread across three cars. The train departs from Cheoram Station twice a day, in the morning and the afternoon. One thing to note is that there are no restrooms on the train. However, the ride from one station to the next lasts only around 10 to 20 minutes, with the entire route from Cheoram to Yeongju taking just over two and a half hours.

If you want to explore the nature-friendly, undiscovered spots of northern Korea without the physical effort of hiking or trekking, the V-train offers a great way to enjoy the landscape.

Operation time: Thursday throughout Monday (closed on Tuesday and Wednesday)
Train fare: Cheroam to Yeongju, 11,700 won for adults
Website: www.letskorail.com/ebizprd/EbizPrdTrainOtrainIntro_vW_htm54120.do

South Coast Train (S-train)
남도해양열차

The South Coast Train, or S-train, operates through two lines and centers around the south coastal regions in South Jeolla. [KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION]

A trip to Namdo, South Jeolla, is synonymous with regional seafood, stunning views of the south coast and slow-paced rural life. The S-train, also known as the South Coast Train, offers passengers an ideal route to enjoy the region's beauty.

Often referred to as the Namdo Sea Train, the S-train operates only on weekends, running two routes that both center around the Namdo region in South Jeolla. One route, the Jeolla Line, starts from Seoul Station and heads south, stopping at 13 stations in total. Notable stops include Iksan, Jeonju and Namwon in North Jeolla, as well as Suncheon and Yeosu in South Jeolla. While the Jeolla Line covers a large portion of the peninsula, the Gyeongjeon Line focuses on the Gwangju Metropolitan area and South Gyeongsang. Departing from Busan, the S-train Gyeongjeon Line passes through Masan, Jinju, Hadong and Suncheon before reaching its final stop in Gwangju. Since the stations are placed close together, the frequent stops allow passengers to explore the southern areas up close.

A weekend trip from Seoul to the south coast may seem daunting at first, but a five-hour ride for under 24,000 won could turn out to be a chance to reconnect with yourself or your loved ones.

Operation time: Saturday and Sunday
Train fare:
Jeolla Line, Seoul to Yeosu, 42,900 won for adults
Gyeongjeon Line, Busan to Boseong, 23,400 won for adults
Website: https://www.letskorail.com/ebizprd/EbizPrdTrainStrainIntro_sW_htm54210.do

Jeongseon Arirang Train (A-train)
정선아리랑열차

The Jeongseon Arirang Train, or A-train, departs from Cheongynangni Station in Dongdaemun District, eastern Seoul, and stops by the rural towns of Gangwon Province. [JOONGANG ILBO]

"Jeongseon Arirang" — the classic Korean folk song that originates in Gangwon — is not only familiar to high school students studying Korean literature but also to avid train travelers. The Jeongseon Arirang Train, or A-train, travels through Seoul, Gyeonggi and North Chungcheong, ending at Auraji Station in Jeongseon County, Gangwon. The train departs from Cheongnyangni Station in Dongdaemun District, eastern Seoul, and gradually makes its way to culturally rich areas of Gangwon, especially those connected to the creation and evolution of Arirang. Jeongseon is undoubtedly the most famous area for this melancholic folk song, but the surrounding small towns also offer beautiful countryside landscapes.

The train's exterior embodies the spirit of Arirang, with the traditional Korean emblem taeguk displayed on every car. The A-train stops in some of the most rural and untouched areas of Gangwon, making it the perfect choice if you're looking for an easy guide to experience some of Korea's most serene, unspoiled locations.

Operation time: Saturday, Sunday, and the 2, 7, 12, 22 and 27 of each month (the opening days of the Jeongseon Five-day Market)
Train fare: Cheongynangni to Auraji Station, 27,600 won for adults
Website: https://www.letskorail.com/ebizprd/EbizPrdTrainAtrainIntro_sW_htm11111.do

BY KIM DONG-EUN [kim.dongeun@joongang.co.kr]