For every good traveler, a trip doesn’t start from the moment you arrive at your destination, but the journey to your destination is part of the trip itself.

With that in mind, I decided to experience a unique train called the S-Train. The S-Train is a tourist train that visits major tourist destinations, like Jeonju, Gokseong, Yeosu, etc. It has an s-shaped route and focuses on three main ideas: slow, sea, and sightseeing.

S-Train at Seoul Station

Inside S-Train

With these three words in mind, the passengers of the S-Train can experience different feelings within the five cars that form the train. These cars provide tea drinking, leisure activities, and broad windows to see the beautiful landscapes that southern Korea has to offer. The exterior is blue and pink, representing the blue ocean and the pink camellia flowers of the southern region. The turtle-themed train, with the nose of the train painted like the head of a turtle, is a tribute to the 16th century naval commander Yi Sun-shin, famous for his deployment of turtle-shaped warships.

The S-Train bound for Gokseong leaves every day from Seoul Station at 8:00 AM and costs 33,400 won. It takes four hours to arrive at the destination.

Inside S-Train, car with film posters as decoration

Gokseong Station

Entrance of Seomjingang Train Village

Did you ever imagine that there could be a place in Korea dedicated to old trains? When we think about old trains, we always think of them as something outdated and no longer useful in our contemporary world. However, Seomjingang Train Village is the perfect place to break these misconceptions.

The city of Gokseong wisely developed this theme park in a way that will last in the memories of the younger generation. The Seomjingang Train Village is just a few minutes’ walk away from Gokseong Train Station, and it’s a must-see if you visit the city!

An old steam locomotive

Inside an old steam locomotive from the 1930s

As you walk into the Seomjingang Train Village, you will see several train-themed pensions and restaurants around the entrance. There is also a garden with 1,004 different types of roses from all over the world, but unfortunately, due the time of the year, there were no roses when I visited. According to the signs, the best times of year to visit the rose garden are during the spring and summer, which I’m looking forward to doing.

As you go along the route, you will see the old Gokseong Station, which is used nowadays as a second entrance to Seomjingang Train Village. You can see the old railway platform there, just like it was decades ago. It’s possible to enter two old trains there and see how the trains of last century were.

A ferris wheel at Seomjingang Train Village

Seomjingang Train Village is a huge amusement park with a little zoo filled with rabbits, and a huge ferris wheel. There is also a 4D experience, VR rooms, and most importantly, the old steam train that runs in the region. The train runs the ten kilometers between the old Gokseong Station and Gajeong Station. Passengers can enjoy the picturesque view of the Seomjingang River and cherry blossoms along the road in the spring. After a 30-minute ride along the river, the train will stop at Gajeong Station. Gajeong Station is another train village where you can see a mesmerizing view of Seomjingang River and enjoy good food at a train-themed restaurant. The train stops at Gajeong Station for around 40 minutes. It’s said that it’s the only steam train still working in South Korea.

If you want to experience something unique and have good memories of Korea, I highly recommend visiting Seomjingang Train Village.

Seomjingang river

*Seomjingang Train Village entrance fee: Adults: 5,000 won, Children: 4,500 won.

*The old steam train runs three times a day on weekdays and five times a day on weekends and holidays (three times during the winter)
Individuals (seated ticket): Round trip: 7,000 won / One-way trip: 4,500 won
Individuals (standing ticket): Round trip: 5,500 won / One-way trip: 4,000 won
*Tickets can be reserved online or on the official site.
For more information: http://www.gstrain.co.kr/

Seomjingang Train Village

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Seomjingang River

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Chaewondang Hanok main building.

The Chaewondang Hanok House is conveniently located within 5 minutes walking distance of Gokseong train terminal, and just two blocks away from Seomjingang Train Village. This hanok is the perfect place to stay for families or couples. There is an option for a room for two to four people, and another room for eight to fifteen people. It’s the perfect place for gatherings, and they even have a barbecue grill for those that want to try traditional Korean barbecue.

In traditional hanok, the rooms have everything a modern person needs: a warm floor-heating system, or ondol, internet access, a television, and a modern bathroom. These all make the stay very comfortable. Blankets and mattresses are given, with which you make your own bed. At first, the idea of sleeping on the floor could seem strange to foreigners, but if you try it I’m sure you won’t regret it!

The building is located in a beautiful area with a mountain range in the background and a view of rice paddies, which gives the observer the sensation of being in the Korean countryside.

Inside the house