Gangwan-do rail bike

Rail bikes are commonly found in the mountainous regions of Europe and are very famous among the tourists. However, I never heard about its existence in Korea. Thanks to the KTO for introducing me to one of the most amazing experience of my traveling life. Gangwan-do is simply known as the heaven of tourists as you can see a number of attractions all around. No matter if it is winter or summer, fall or spring you can enjoy the beauty of nature from very close in Gangwando. 

One side of it is covered by tall mountains and the other side is beautified by the ocean. The rail bike in Jeongseon Auraji is a new type of leisure sport that combines biking along a railway and scenic views. The sport makes use of an abandoned railway track that runs from Jeongseon Auraji to Gujeol-ri. It is believed that these railway tracks were used to take coal from the mining areas in Gagwan-do to the rest of Korea in 180’s. It was the time when the oil prices were not stable in the world. So he coal was a major source of  energy in Korea. However, when the oil prices stabilized in the international market, there was a less consumption of  coal due to which people related to this profession highly suffered. 

It was in the beginning of the 21^st century, when the Gangwando government decided to use the abandoned tracks of rail for tourism purpose. Since then, rail bikes have been considered as the most visited destination by the travelers in Korea. The total track is 7.2 kilometers long and is a continuous descent that is easy to ride along clean valley waters and crimson red foliage.

There are 2-person (110 kilograms) and 4-person rail bikes (138 kilograms). Despite its large size, a rail bike runs quite smoothly so it is sufficient for one person to pedal a 4-person rail bike at speeds of 10 to 30 kilometers per hour. The way is entirely beautified by the natural scenery including the mountains, river, plain areas, tunnels, roads, bridges and a countryside.

At the boarding area in Gujeol-ri Station, there is a cafe named "A Grasshopper’s Dream." Housed in a train, the café is the shape of a grasshopper. Also, there is another café in the shape of female grasshopper.

The rail bike starts in Gujeol-ri station and ends in Auraji Station. Ride at a slow speed of 15 kph to enjoy the surrounding scenery will make your day. On the way back, the organizer offers a free train ride to return to Gujeol-ri where the views can be enjoyed again in a more comfortable way.

Ride the train will cost you : 18000 won for 2 persons and 26000 won for 4 persons. This amount is changeable to date.

Three simple steps if you want to go there from Seoul.

1       Take a bus to Jeongseon Bus Terminal from Dongseoul Terminal Seoul, it takes about 4 hours.

2        From Jeonseong Bus Terminal take bus to Yeoryang.

      Take a mini bus to Gujeol-ri station from Yeoryang.

Here are some links to get information about the rail bike in Korea.

http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1059755

http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=626405