V-Train (Korail)

V-Train (aka Baekdudaegan Canyon train) (Korean: 백두대간협곡열차) is a South Korean sightseeing train operated by Korail. The train began operations in 2013 and transports tourists through the valleys of Baekdudaegan.[1][2]

V-Train
Overview
OwnerKorail
TerminiCheoram Station
Buncheon Station
Service
TypeRegional rail
SystemKorail
ServicesYeongdong Line
Operator(s)Korail
History
OpenedApril 12, 2013 - present

Overview

The train began running on April 12, 2013, passes through the valleys of Baekdudaegan, along the gorge of the Nakdong River[3] and shuttles the 27.7 kilometers back and forth from Cheoram in Gangwon-do, to Buncheon in Gyeongsangbuk-do.[4]

The train has three cars which are retro in style, with a charcoal stove,[5] incandescent lamps,[6] and large windows; and along with the whistle stops, it has an older feel.[7] It travels at an average speed of 30 kilometers per hour in most sections and stops every now and then at photogenic spots.[1][8]

The letter "V" in the name stems from the V-shaped gorge and the word "valley".[4][9] The train is a subset of the larger O-Train of Korail's, which connects Seoul Station with Jecheon Station then loops around to the V-Train stops, where passengers can switch over.[1][10]

Platform of Bidong Station

The train's Buncheon Station sits on a railway line which first opened in 1955 and was busy with coal transports, until the industry slowed. The two tourist trains, stopping at the station, had 400,000 passengers between April 1 and December 31, 2013, and the sudden influx of tourists boosted the local economy.[11]

During the holidays, the train was given the name "Baekdudaegan Snow Train Bound for the Santa Village."[12]

Operations
  • Started running: April 12, 2013
  • Stations: Buncheon Station – Bidong Station - Seungbu Station - Cheoram Station
  • Approximate travel time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes[10]

Connections

The V-Train connected with the O-Train to and from Seoul Station until it ceased operations in August 2020. The O-Train was succeeded by the Donghae Santa Train which runs from Gangneung to Buncheon via Cheoram. The V-Train is complemented by Korail Mugunghwa-ho trains on the route which provide connections to Donghae and Yeongju.[13]

References
  1. Bae, Hyun-jung (April 19, 2013). "It's the journey that matters". The Korea Herald. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  2. "[영한기사대역] Tourist trains showcase beauty of rural Korea". The Korea Herald. April 29, 2013. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  3. Park, Joon Gyu (March 22, 2013). [LET´s/조성하의 철도 힐링투어]<1>백두대간 협곡열차 (in Korean). The Dong-a Ilbo. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
  4. Sohn, Ji-ae (April 1, 2013). "New trains to enrich your journey". Korea.net. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  5. Yun, Suh-young (2013-03-28). "A heart-thumping ride on a retro tour train". The Korea Times. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  6. "Exploring South Korea via train". Manila Bulletin. November 3, 2013. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  7. Herman, Steve (May 13, 2013). "S. Korea's Newest Trains Take Tracks Less Traveled". Voice of America. Archived from the original on February 27, 2015. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
  8. Limb, Jae-un (May 16, 2013). "O-train, V-train lead to hidden inland wonders". Korea.net. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  9. Kim, H. (August 10, 2013). "Off the beaten track, a train into Korea's heart". JoongAng Ilbo. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  10. Jackson, Julie (July 18, 2014). "[Weekender] Sightseeing trains make hard to reach more convenient". The Korea Herald. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  11. Briginshaw, David (February 4, 2014). "Korail hails new tourist services". International Railway Journal. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
  12. Sohn, JiAe (December 24, 2014). "Christmas train takes revelers to Santa Village". Korea.net. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  13. "V-Train | Korail Scenic Train from Buncheon to Cheoram | TrainReview". trainreview.com. Retrieved 2020-10-28.
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