A Journey Through Korean Railways with Trip.com

Using Trip.com, I enjoyed a leisurely railway trip through Korea. From Seoul to Gangneung by KTX-EUM. Stayed overnight in Gangneung, then took the morning Nuriro train to Jeongdongjin Station. The scenic ride offered views of a beautiful coastline and imposing barbed wire fences, leading to a picturesque seaside station with magnificent pines and pristine white sandy beaches. I was also able to purchase a commemorative admission ticket. From Jeongdongjin, I took the KTX-EUM to Donghae. With a transfer time of just under an hour, I crossed the wide station premises via an internal crossing. From Donghae, I boarded the Mugunghwa train bound for Dongdaegu, a 4-hour and 10-minute journey by passenger train. The ride offered views of mountains adorned with autumn leaves and beautiful rivers. The train also stopped at Yangwon Station, known as one of Korea's most secluded stations. If you take this train, you can stay for just under an hour and then catch the Mugunghwa train from Busan to Donghae. I would love to visit again. Due to a non-electrified section, the locomotive was switched from electric to diesel at Yeongju. The diesel locomotive sped through the long tunnels of the new line with a roar, an experience not easily found on Japan's narrow-gauge conventional lines. Eventually, the train diverged from the new line and ran through tranquil landscapes, arriving at Hwabong Station. Although there were hardly any passengers getting on or off the train, the platform was crowded with tourists. Nearby, there's a popular tourist spot that repurposes an old school, attracting visitors who come by car. Hwabong Station, known as Korea's most beautiful simple station with its towering water tower, will soon be closed due to the switch to a double-track electrified new line. I'm glad I visited while it was still in operation. I was also able to purchase a commemorative admission ticket. As the sun set and it grew dark, I returned to Seoul on the Mugunghwa train bound for Cheongnyangni. Although it was a short trip, I was able to enjoy a convenient railway journey through Korea. Korean railways can be easily booked through Trip.com, where you can choose your preferred seat and direction using a seat map. It's very convenient. By taking advantage of special offers, you can also cancel reservations without any cost due to sudden changes, making railway travel in Korea, China, and Europe more accessible. (I bought the Nuriro train ticket at the counter.)