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V-Train (Korail)

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

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 Baekdu-daegan.[1][2]

Overview

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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

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

Connections

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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

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  1. ^ a b c 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. ^ a b 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. ^ a b 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.[permanent dead link‍]
  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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