{"id":5518,"date":"2026-05-14T20:55:32","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T11:55:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comeonkorea.com\/?p=5518"},"modified":"2026-06-23T15:44:24","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T06:44:24","slug":"korean-tourist-train-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/korean-tourist-train-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Slow-Rolling Korea Tourist Trains \u2014 Local Scenery Beyond the Window"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re looking for an unforgettable trip in Korea in 2026, take a closer look at <strong>Korea tourist trains<\/strong>, which offer a charm entirely different from the speed of the KTX. They&#8217;re more than just a way to get from A to B: they let you experience the scenery rolling past your window, the theme built into each train, and the stories of each region with all your senses. One key point, though: tourist trains are frequently suspended or have their routes reorganized, so always check the official operating information before you board (the operating details in this article are as of <strong>June 2026<\/strong>). For the basics of rail travel in Korea, see <a href=\"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/korea-train-travel-guide\/\">train travel in Korea<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.comeonkorea.com\/2285\/228582f4954064b2.webp\" alt=\"Korea tourist trains\" style=\"max-width:100%; height:auto;\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Korea Tourist Trains: A World of Themed K-Experiences Beyond Simple Travel<\/h2>\n<p>Korea tourist trains turn the journey to your destination into the trip itself. Unlike ordinary trains, each one has its own distinct concept, design, and matching service, so a new experience begins the moment you step aboard. Rather than letting the scenery slip past, you experience that scenery and the local culture together, making each train a kind of &#8220;rolling cultural space.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3>Routes and Services You&#8217;ll Only Find on a Tourist Train<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The special routes you can only reach on these trains are their core appeal. The lines themselves, cutting through the most beautiful coastlines, deep gorges, and historic sites, are a travel experience in their own right.<\/li>\n<li>Onboard events tied to the route are sometimes held (traditional tea ceremony experiences, live performances, and more). Whether events run, however, varies by season and by train, so check when you book.<\/li>\n<li>Seats are designed to give you a great view of the scenery, making the ride very immersive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>The Appeal of K-Theme Trains Carrying Regional Culture and Stories<\/h3>\n<p>Each train runs carrying the unique culture and stories of its region. From the Arirang melodies of Jeongseon to the turtle-ship shape inspired by the southern coast, the designs themselves reflect local identity. Onboard announcements may share regional legends, and at stops you can taste and buy local specialties at small markets, bringing you close to the local atmosphere. For foreign travelers, it&#8217;s a chance to experience Korea&#8217;s local culture more deeply.<\/p>\n<h2>An In-Depth Look at Korea&#8217;s Major Tourist Trains<\/h2>\n<p>Korea runs several <strong>Korea tourist trains<\/strong>, each with its own personality, but their operating status changes often. In the table below, check each major train&#8217;s features along with its <strong>current operating status (as of June 2026)<\/strong>, and before boarding, always reconfirm whether it is actually running on the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.korailtravel.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Korail Tourism Development official website<\/a> and the Korail Talk app.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Train Name<\/th>\n<th>Core Theme<\/th>\n<th>Main Route<\/th>\n<th>Current Status (as of June 2026)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Baekdudaegan Canyon Train (V-train)<\/td>\n<td>Nature, gorges, retro<\/td>\n<td>Yeongju \u2194 Cheoram (canyon highlight: Buncheon\u2013Cheoram)<\/td>\n<td>Running (mostly closed Mon, Tue)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Namdo Maritime Train (S-train)<\/td>\n<td>Sea, food, culture<\/td>\n<td>Busan \u2194 Mokpo \/ Seoul \u2194 Yeosu Expo<\/td>\n<td>Running (route reorganized in 2025)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>DMZ Peace Connection Train<\/td>\n<td>History, peace, security<\/td>\n<td>Seoul \u2194 Dorasan<\/td>\n<td>Resumed April 2026, very limited service<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Jeongseon Arirang Train (A-train)<\/td>\n<td>Arirang, five-day market, mountain villages<\/td>\n<td>Jecheon \u2194 Auraji<\/td>\n<td>Resumed May 2026 (shortened route)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Sea Train (Gangneung\u2013Samcheok)<\/td>\n<td>East coast, sea views<\/td>\n<td>Gangneung \u2194 Samcheok<\/td>\n<td>Service ended December 2023<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Soaking Up Nature: The Baekdudaegan Canyon Train (V-train)<\/h3>\n<p>The Baekdudaegan Canyon Train (V-train) is a panorama-style tourist train with a cute exterior nicknamed the &#8220;baby white tiger.&#8221; It runs slowly, at about 30 km\/h, through the gorges of the Baekdudaegan, the mountainous backbone of Korea, and its biggest feature is that you can open the windows and breathe in the fresh mountain air. With large glass windows on every side except the ceiling, it&#8217;s perfect for taking in the ever-changing canyon views. Booking competition is fierce during the autumn foliage and winter snow seasons. Note that the cars have no restrooms or heating and cooling (they&#8217;re eco-friendly, non-powered cars), so you&#8217;ll want to prepare for the weather.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><strong>V-train Operating Information (as of June 2026)<\/strong><br \/>It runs from Yeongju to Cheoram, linking Yeongju, Bonghwa, Chunyang, Buncheon, Yangwon, Seungbu, and Cheoram along roughly 27.7 km<br \/>It operates Wednesday through Sunday and is usually closed Monday and Tuesday for maintenance<br \/>Fares are 6,700 won for Buncheon\u2013Cheoram and 9,400 won for Yeongju\u2013Cheoram<br \/>Book via the Korail Talk app, the Let&#8217;s Korail website, station ticket windows, or automatic ticket machines<br \/>* Timetables and closed days change, so reconfirm with the Korail call center (1544-7788) or Korail Talk.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.comeonkorea.com\/d06a\/d06a8b7f87b37edb.webp\" alt=\"Korea tourist trains\" style=\"max-width:100%; height:auto;\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Sea and Cuisine Together: The Namdo Maritime Train (S-train)<\/h3>\n<p>The Namdo Maritime Train (S-train), which runs along the S-shaped coastline of the blue southern sea, takes its name from &#8220;Sea,&#8221; &#8220;Slow,&#8221; and &#8220;South.&#8221; Its exterior, shaped after Admiral Yi Sun-sin&#8217;s turtle ship, is striking, and each car is decorated with a different theme. A standout is a car designed as a tea-ceremony room where you can enjoy traditional Korean tea. Connecting the key culinary and tourist cities of the southern region, the train lets you hop on and off to weave together the greenery of <span class=\"poi-link\" data-location=\"\ubcf4\uc131\ub179\ucc28\ubc2d\">Boseong Green Tea Fields<\/span>, the beauty of <span class=\"poi-link\" data-location=\"\uc21c\ucc9c\ub9cc\uad6d\uac00\uc815\uc6d0\">Suncheonman National Garden<\/span>, and the romance of <span class=\"poi-link\" data-location=\"\uc5ec\uc218\ubc24\ubc14\ub2e4\">the Yeosu night sea<\/span>.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><strong>S-train Operating Information (as of June 2026)<\/strong><br \/>It runs on two lines: from Busan to Mokpo (Gyeongjeon Line) and from Seoul to Yeosu Expo (Jeolla Line)<br \/>* With the opening of the Boseong Line in September 2025, the Gyeongjeon Line section changed from the former Busan\u2013Boseong to <strong>Busan\u2013Mokpo<\/strong>. Stops and operating days were also reorganized.<br \/>Operating days differ by line (the Gyeongjeon Line mainly runs Friday through Sunday), and one day each week (usually Monday) is closed for vehicle inspection<br \/>Fares vary by section, so look up your section on Korail Talk<br \/>Book via the Korail Talk app, the Let&#8217;s Korail website, or station ticket windows<br \/>* The routes were recently reorganized, so always check the official routes and timetable before boarding.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.comeonkorea.com\/e6c1\/e6c1bc49c093fd5a.webp\" alt=\"Korea tourist trains\" style=\"max-width:100%; height:auto;\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Carrying History and Peace: The DMZ Peace Connection Train<\/h3>\n<p>This is a special train that lets you feel the history of Korea, the world&#8217;s only divided nation, up close. The former &#8220;DMZ Peace Train&#8221; was suspended in 2019 to help prevent the spread of African swine fever, and with the pandemic, strained inter-Korean relations, and aging cars all overlapping, it remained <strong>completely suspended for about six years and six months<\/strong>. On April 24, 2026, it resumed service on the Seoul Station\u2013Dorasan Station line under the name <strong>&#8220;DMZ Peace Connection Train.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Service is very limited: in the early stages of resumption it started with one round trip on the second and fourth Fridays of each month, and it is set to expand later to about once a week (four times a month). Since it doesn&#8217;t run daily, fitting it into your schedule can be tricky.<\/li>\n<li>Because it passes through a civilian-controlled zone, you must book in advance and bring your ID (a passport for foreign travelers).<\/li>\n<li>It connects with security tours of Dorasan Observatory, the Third Tunnel, Tongilchon (Unification Village), and more from Dorasan Station. Onboard features include a &#8220;slow mailbox&#8221; and a peace photo wall.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Operating schedules and fares are subject to change, so checking the latest operating dates and booking availability on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.korailtravel.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Korail Tourism Development official page<\/a> is the most accurate approach.<\/p>\n<h2>Tourist Trains That Have Ended or Changed: An Honest Guide to Save You a Wasted Trip<\/h2>\n<p>Tourist trains often end service or change routes due to aging cars and budget issues. To make sure you don&#8217;t make a wasted trip based on outdated information, here&#8217;s a summary of recent changes.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Sea Train (Gangneung\u2013Donghae\u2013Samcheok) ended service in December 2023. A popular train that arranged its seats to face the sea along 53 km of the East Coast, it ended after 16 years with its final run on December 25, 2023 (negotiations to share the cost of new cars fell through). The East Coast Sea Train is no longer running, so please be aware.<\/li>\n<li>The Jeongseon Arirang Train (A-train) resumed in May 2026 but on a shortened route. It was halted for about two years and three months starting in February 2024 due to falling rocks and aging cars, then resumed on May 22, 2026. However, its route was shortened from the former Cheongnyangni\u2013Auraji to <strong>Jecheon\u2013Auraji<\/strong>. It runs on weekends and on Jeongseon five-day market days (the 2nd and 7th of each month), with the Jecheon\u2013Auraji fare around 10,200 won. Its theme of connecting the mountain villages of Jeongseon with the five-day market is its appeal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Tourist Train Tips: From Efficient Booking to Choosing Your Seat<\/h2>\n<p>Once you&#8217;ve chosen a tourist train you like, it&#8217;s time to book smartly. Popular trains sell out quickly on weekends and during peak season, so these tips will come in handy.<\/p>\n<h3>Strategies for Booking Tourist Train Seats in Peak Season<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Most tourist trains can be booked for individual seats on Korail&#8217;s official app &#8220;Korail Talk&#8221; or the Let&#8217;s Korail website. Korail Talk supports an English interface, so foreign travelers can use it too.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Korail Tourism Development package products<\/strong> that bundle the tourist train with admission tickets and accommodation are booked separately on the Korail Tourism Development website. Some trains, like the DMZ Peace Connection Train, require a reservation.<\/li>\n<li>Booking usually opens one month before the travel date, so once your plans are set, hurry on the opening day. Window seats in particular are highly competitive.<\/li>\n<li>If you missed tickets for your preferred date, cancellations often appear two or three days before departure, so check frequently.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote>\n<p><strong>Editor&#8217;s Tip<\/strong><br \/>When choosing a seat, it helps to find out in advance which side, left or right of the direction of travel, has the better view. For example, on the V-train, seats that let you properly enjoy the canyon view when heading toward Cheoram are popular. On the S-train, the side facing the sea differs by route, so checking recent reviews before booking raises your chances of getting that perfect shot.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h3>Tourist Train Passes and Discount Information<\/h3>\n<p>Korail releases various travel passes tailored to specific periods and routes. Passes like the Nae\uc77cro pass, which let you ride trains freely for a set period, can sometimes be used on certain tourist trains, and there are also package products bundling tourist trains with regional attraction tickets and accommodation. During promotional seasons like the spring &#8220;Travel Month,&#8221; some routes are discounted by up to 50%. Conditions vary by season, so checking the Korail Tourism Development website before your trip can land you a chance to enjoy <strong>Korea tourist trains<\/strong> more cheaply.<\/p>\n<h2>Local Destinations to Visit by K-Tourist Train: Discovering Hidden Charms<\/h2>\n<p>The real joy of a tourist train trip lies in the local destinations you find once you step off the train. Here are some attractions that pair well with each route.<\/p>\n<h3>The Nature of Bonghwa and Taebaek in Gyeongbuk Along the V-train<\/h3>\n<p>Around Buncheon and Cheoram stations, which the V-train passes through, you&#8217;ll find unspoiled nature and scenery that seems frozen in time. <span class=\"poi-link\" data-location=\"\ubd84\ucc9c\uc5ed\">Buncheon Station<\/span> is decorated as a Swiss Santa village in summer and winter, giving it a fairy-tale atmosphere. Near Cheoram Station, the <span class=\"poi-link\" data-location=\"\ud0dc\ubc31\uc11d\ud0c4\ubc15\ubb3c\uad00\">Taebaek Coal Museum<\/span> and the coal-mining history village are meaningful places to glimpse Korea&#8217;s industrialization era. A recommended photo spot is the moment the V-train crosses the canyon bridge between Yangwon and Seungbu stations. Whether you shoot outward from inside the train or step off at a station to capture the train passing by, you&#8217;ll get a great photo.<\/p>\n<h3>The Flavors and Sights of the Southern Coast on the S-train<\/h3>\n<p>The southern coast that the S-train passes through is a treasure trove of flavors and sights. Step off at Boseong Station and the endless <span class=\"poi-link\" data-location=\"\ubcf4\uc131\ub179\ucc28\ubc2d\">Boseong Green Tea Fields<\/span> greet you. Visit in the early morning when the mist rises and you can capture the most dreamlike scenery. From Suncheon Station, you can enjoy an eco-trip strolling the world-class <span class=\"poi-link\" data-location=\"\uc21c\ucc9c\ub9cc\uad6d\uac00\uc815\uc6d0\">Suncheonman National Garden<\/span> and the reed fields of the Suncheon Bay wetland. Wrap up your trip in Yeosu, where the night view of <span class=\"poi-link\" data-location=\"\uc5ec\uc218\ubc24\ubc14\ub2e4\">the Yeosu night sea<\/span> from the marine park beneath Dolsan Bridge and the seafood dishes at the &#8220;romance pojangmacha&#8221; (street food tents) make for a perfect finale.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.comeonkorea.com\/851c\/851c89ea8f299746.webp\" alt=\"Korea tourist trains\" style=\"max-width:100%; height:auto;\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Creating Your Own Themed Rail Trip: An Itinerary Guide<\/h2>\n<p>Using the information above, try designing a rail trip that suits your tastes. Here are a few themed examples (operating days differ by train, so check the running days first when planning your itinerary).<\/p>\n<h3>Nature-Focused Themed Rail Trip<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Day 1<\/strong>: Take in the grandeur of the Baekdudaegan gorges on the V-train. Visit the Buncheon Santa village, then go trekking.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Day 2<\/strong>: Head south to Suncheon. Unwind at Suncheonman National Garden and the wetland.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Day 3<\/strong>: Move on to Boseong and spend a relaxed time enjoying green tea ice cream amid the vast tea fields.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Food and Culture Themed Rail Trip<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Day 1<\/strong>: Set off for Yeosu on the S-train. Enjoy the night sea along with fresh seafood at the romance pojangmacha street.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Day 2<\/strong>: (If the operating day matches) Spend time feeling the history of division and the meaning of peace on the DMZ Peace Connection Train. Service is limited, so confirm booking availability in advance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Day 3<\/strong>: Seek out the regional specialties you tasted on the rail trip by exploring Seoul&#8217;s traditional markets, such as <span class=\"poi-link\" data-location=\"\uad11\uc7a5\uc2dc\uc7a5\">Gwangjang Market<\/span> or <span class=\"poi-link\" data-location=\"\ub0a8\ub300\ubb38\uc2dc\uc7a5\">Namdaemun Market<\/span>, to wrap up your trip.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In 2026, add a special line to your travel bucket list with <strong>Korea tourist trains<\/strong>, which run carrying Korea&#8217;s beautiful scenery and its many stories. Operating information changes often, so use this guide as a starting point, but always check the latest service status on Korail Talk and Korail Tourism Development&#8217;s official channels before boarding. That&#8217;s the surest way to enjoy rail travel in Korea.<\/p>\n<div class=\"cok-cluster-related\" data-cok-related=\"1\">\n<h3>Recommended Reads on This Topic<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/korea-train-travel-guide\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Korea by Train \u2014 How to Ride Everything from the KTX to the Mugunghwa<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/korea-family-train-travel-ktx\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Korea Family Train Travel \u2014 Making the Most of the KTX with Kids<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/korea-night-train-travel\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Overnight Train Travel in Korea \u2014 Haerang, the Jeongdongjin Special, and Late-Night Trains<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/k-train-pass-korea-guide\/\" rel=\"noopener\">The Foreigner Korail Pass and How to Save on Train Fares<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/korea-train-small-stations\/\" rel=\"noopener\">6 Quiet Small Train Stations in Korea Where Time Stands Still<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/korean-train-station-food-guide\/\" rel=\"noopener\">A Different Flavor at Every Stop \u2014 A Korean Train Station Food Tour<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Planning a unique trip to Korea? Our guide to the Korean tourist train reveals themed journeys to the DMZ, southern coast, and mountain valleys. Get booking tips and plan your adventure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5515,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","_cluster_member":"true","_cluster_role":"supporting","_cluster_id":"23","_pillar_topic_id":"136","cok_place_schema_b64":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[332],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5518","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-itineraries"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":332,"label":"Recommended Itineraries"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/thumbnail-60.webp",896,504,false],"author_info":{"display_name":"ComeonKorea Author","author_link":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/author\/comeonkorea_author\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":332,"name":"Recommended Itineraries","slug":"itineraries","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":332,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":288,"count":10,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":332,"category_count":10,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Recommended Itineraries","category_nicename":"itineraries","category_parent":288}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5518","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5518"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5518\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19369,"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5518\/revisions\/19369"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5515"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5518"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5518"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comeonkorea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5518"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}