The Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) has opened new O-Train and V-Train routes that take tourists through the scenic mountains of central Korea. The O-Train course (257.2 km and about five hours, not including the three-hour trek from Seoul) connects Seoul with the towns of Jecheon, Taebaek, and Yeongju, deep in the heart of Korea’s mountain country. Family and couple cars are available, and there’s an observation car for better views, too. The V-Train course (27.7 km), meanwhile, connects Buncheon and Cheoram Stations along a spectacularly steep section of track. One-day tickets (O-Train: KRW 18,900, V-Train: KRW 8,400) and multiday passes available.

FYI> www.korail.com, T. 1599-7777

Courtesy of Korail Tourism Development

Touring the countryside in the spring is always scenic and adds an element of nostalgia and romanticism. Tour operators like 7788 Tour Rail have prepared daily programs combining special trains and charter buses for tourists bound for Gurye and Gwangyang’s flower festivals. Tickets cost 72,000 won on weekdays and 92,000 won on weekends. Organized by Korail Travel, special trains go to other flower festival sites. The most popular cherry blossom festival is in Jinhae, Gyeongsangnam-do, where approximately 35,000 cherry trees are planted. Gyeongju in Gyeongsangbuk-do transforms itself into a blooming garden filled with cherry blossoms and bright yellow rape flowers.

EAT>
Gyeongju is famous for its Hwangnam bread , which is made from thin dough and filled with a generous amount of red bean paste. If you want a souvenir at an affordable price, it is highly recommended.

DO>
Jinhae plays host to the Jinhae Gunhang (Naval Port) Festival in early April. The port city is home to the country’s Navy shipyard and base facilities, as well as the Naval Academy.

SEE>
The ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, Gyeongju is a living museum and home to historical treasures such as the Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple.

STAY>
These daily tour packages do not include accommodation.

FYI >
www.korailtravel.com
T. 1600-7788, www.7788.co.kr

GO>
No need to worry about arranging transportation on these train-based package programs.

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Photograph courtesy of KORAIL

Photograph courtesy of KORAIL

Snow Flower Trains | 눈꽃열차

KORAIL, the national railway company, offers several train packages through Korea’s beautiful snow country. The mountainous regions of eastern Korea receive the heaviest snow fall in the nation. The snow blankets everything, creating enchanting landscapes of glistening peaks and snow-encrusted trees, which Koreans call “snow flowers.” These train treks are among Korea’s most romantic.

Most of these “snow flower” trains depart from Seoul’s Cheongnyangni Station 청량리역, although some depart from Seoul Station 서울역 or Yeondeungpo Station 영등포역. KORAIL’s package tours include one- and two-day tours; trains make special stops, sometimes including transportation by bus to scenic spots. Costs depend on the particular tour: the Mt. Taebaeksan Snow Flower Tour costs 49,000 won if you go on a weekday and 52,000 won on a weekend. A two-day tour to the East Sea scenic spot of Jeongdongjin costs 199,000 won on the weekend. Trips to winter destinations like Muju and Mt. Daedunsan are available, too. Contact KORAIL at 1600-7788 or www.korailtravel.com. The English website is very limited, so if you’re doing things online you’ll need to be able to read Korean (or get the help of someone who does).