Exploring South Korea's abandoned railroads is like stepping into a time machine, a ride through the nation's industrial heritage transformed into enchanting leisure spaces. These locales offer a glimpse into the past and provide an unforgettable experience to travelers seeking an offbeat path. So, pack your bags, and let's hop onto this unusual journey!
Haeundae Blue Line Park, Busan
Our first recommendation is the Haeundae Blue Line Park in Busan, an old railway route reborn into a captivating park. Spanning a comfortable 4.8 kilometers from Mipo to Songjeong via Cheongsapo, this track allows visitors to enjoy the stunning views of Haeundae's white sandy beach. The 'beach train' and the 'Skycapsul' still function as a tribute to the park's railway heritage, with every seat on the beach train offering panoramic sea views.
Pohang Railway Forest
Next up is the Pohang Railway Forest, an innovative reimagining of the discontinued Donghae Nambu Line. Covering areas from Nam-gu to Buk-gu in Pohang City, this urban green space celebrates both nature and history. Don't forget to visit the 'Garden of Fire', an unexpected fiery phenomenon resulting from accidental natural gas ejection during excavation work. The railway forest is also called ‘Forail’, which is a compound word of forest meaning forest and rail meaning railroad. This is a place where the abandoned railroad site has been transformed into a forest road with the relocation of KTX Pohang Station in 2015. It is also considered an exemplary case of future-oriented urban regeneration and green ecological city creation.
Address: 171-5 Daejang-dong, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do Inquiry: 054-270-8282
Yeosu Orim Tunnel
Yeosu's Orim Tunnel is a treat for art lovers. Once a part of the old railroad tracks abandoned after the opening of the KTX Jeolla Line, the tunnel now serves as an art gallery. Wander through the tunnel and immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of Western paintings, literati paintings, oriental paintings, calligraphy, and photography, making it a cultural hotspot. Address: 512-6 Shiorim-dong, Yeosu, Jeollanam-do Inquiry: 061-664-8978
Gyeongui Line Forest Road, Seoul
Finally, I would like to recommend Seoul at the Gyeongui Line Forest Road. A beautiful amalgamation of literature, history, and greenery, this unique space was born from a section of the Gyeongui Line that went underground. Now, it is home to the Gyeongui Line Book Street, a cultural hotspot brimming with book booths, studios, and galleries dedicated to the history of the Gyeongui Line. Lose yourself in this verdant literary forest.
These abandoned railroads, brimming with historical resonance, offer an alternative view of South Korea's landscapes, perfect for those seeking an out-of-the-ordinary travel experience. So step off the beaten path and walk along the tracks of history – the view is simply spectacular!
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